Deirdre Murray Holistic
Deirdre Murray established her training school in Sligo in 2006. The accreditation for the Diploma in Reflexology course, content, and venue were examined by the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute, the primary association representing Reflexologists in Ireland. The ethos of the school has always been to provide the highest possible level of professionalism to each and every student, coupled with individual attention to detail while maintaining the holism and purity of the therapy itself. All courses are designed by Reflexologists for Reflexologists. In 2011 the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute discontinued its accreditation programme and support structure for the education of Reflexology in Ireland and so the school had to seek an alternative accreditation programme for its course (originally drawn up in line with the ethos and teaching of the Institute based on the renowned teaching and understanding of the therapy by Eunice Ingham).
In 2012 the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) became the main accreditation body for the Diploma Course and Deirdre Murray Holistic was the first reflexology school registered in Ireland to meet the strict criteria and offer this accreditation. FHT is an internationally recognised organisation. It is the leading and largest therapy association for Holistics in Ireland and the UK. It offers the highest standard and quality of training available with emphasis on professional standards. It holds recognition within the holistic industry internationally. Deirdre chose this accreditation because of this exceptionally high standard and now teaches FHT Diploma and Certificate levels in addition to many holistic CPD courses.
The School has an excellent reputation and is the preferred location of choice for holistic training in the North West of Ireland. Students travel from many counties to attend the variety of holistic training courses on offer in this holistic centre of excellence. It is also recognised by all the leading therapy organisations including
- Federation of Holistic Therapists
- Irish Reflexologists’ Institute Ltd
- Association of Registered Complementary Holistic Therapists of Ireland
- Irish Massage Therapy Association
- Association of Reflexologists (UK)
- National Register of Reflexologists of Ireland
Deirdre Murray Tutor
Deirdre Murray is a practicing Reflexologist and member of the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute (IRI) since 1997. She opened her private practice in Sligo town in 2000 offering a range of holistic therapies. From 2006-2011 Deirdre was an active member of the IRI Schools Committee which was motivational in maintaining the highest standard of training and education of Reflexology in Ireland. In 2016, she joined the Board of the IRI and was appointed Director/Educational Officer a post she held until 2021, when she was elected Chairperson. She has been instrumental in the revival of the IRI Course Providers Affiliation programme to ensure the high level of training standards are maintained throughout Reflexology training in Ireland. Deirdre is currently in her 4th term as Chairperson of the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute.
She has trained extensively in all aspects of Holistic Health over the past 28 years, and holds qualifications and practices the following therapies at her private clinical practice:-
Reflexology, (including Advanced, Hand Reflexology, Cancer Care, Clinical, Multiple Sclerosis, Maternity, Infertility, Pregnancy, Manzanares method, and Foot Reading), Aromatherapy & Essential Oils, Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Shiatsu-TCM, Thai Foot Massage, Sotaii, Moxibustion & Cupping, Auricular Therapy, Hot Stone, Lava Shell and Heated Bamboo Massage.
In addition to her private clinical practice, Deirdre has 8 years experience of working with palliative care at the NW Hospice, and has provided holistic treatments to service users with ID, MS & other neurological conditions over the past 25 years.
Experiencing the many benefits of regular Reflexology treatments for women, Deirdre did extensive research and courses on Reflexology for fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, and recognises the many benefits that holistic treatment can bring to women at any stage of life.
- Recognising the need for a therapy support group, Deirdre founded the ‘Sligo Network’ of holistic therapists in 2009 in order to support therapists of the North West, particularly those newly qualified, and to promote the therapy of Reflexology. She hosts network meetings for qualified therapists in her school throughout the year where treatment swops, discussions, presentations, and demonstrations take place. It’s an opportunity for therapists to gain the valuable CPD points to be compliant with their annual IRI association membership renewal requirements. This facility is open to all qualified therapists and all are welcome.
- Deirdre has organised specialist post graduate training courses bringing Irish and International tutors to Sligo and attended by therapists from the four corners of Ireland. This has facilitated the progression, growth, and quality of reflexology training in Ireland.
- As a therapist Deirdre is a registered member of:
- The Irish Reflexologists Institute, CLG
- Federation of Holistic Therapists (UK),
- Association of Registered Complementary Health Therapists of Ireland,
- Irish Massage Therapy Association.
- Deirdre has undertaken instruction and training in Niche Reflexology studies with the following National and International tutors who specialise in various aspects of Reflexology Training:
- Beryl Crane – Canada
- Chris Stormer-Fryer – South Africa
- Jesus Manzanares – Spain
- Peter Mackereth – UK
- Jane Sheehan – UK
- Lua McIllraith – Ireland
- Martina Barrett – Ireland
- Mauricio Kruchik – Israel
- Pat Hickey – Ireland
- Pauline O’Hagan – Ireland
- Barbara Scott – UK
- During the Covid-19 pandemic the Irish Government through FICTA (Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations) required therapy representative organisations to compile a set of guidelines for the safe return to work of therapists with particular emphasis on health and safety protocols and standard operating procedures. Deirdre was a member of a small working group from the IRI Board of Directors that played a pivotal role in adapting, compiling and presenting these documents on behalf of the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute to its members which was favourably received and provided guidance for the safe return to work.
