Gladys Strickland, Author at Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Aug 13 2021

Success Is An Inside Job

Success is an ‘inside’ job, not the result of external factors.
Marketing strategies don’t make you successful. YOU do.

I have been self-employed as a bodyworker, clinic proprietor and school owner for nearly 50 years. What you may not know though is that in my ‘former life’ I worked in the fields of public relations, customer service and event production. The knowledge and experience I gained from those endeavors is what allowed me to easily build my 38-year career as a reflexologist and reflexology educator.

I want to inspire and educate reflexologists, such as yourself, to do the same. I want to share the mindset, principles and steps it takes to build a practice that can support your lifestyle and your soul.

I am offering a two-hour virtual class next weekend, Saturday, August 21, in which you can explore the beliefs that support or limit the life you wish for yourself, as well as consider how to utilize undisputed laws of marketing to manifest your vision of a satisfying therapeutic practice. You will learn how to move from managing a product (your hands-on sessions) to managing the company that manages the product.

In this class you will discover:
* easy ways to grow your practice (that don’t take lots of money)
* why people really get bodywork (If you don’t know this, you will never build a
practice.)
* 2 questions that you should ask every client
* strategies unique to you that bring clients to your door
* what marketing is based on (This will probably surprise you.)
* why offering monetary discounts usually doesn’t work
* why most practices fail, and how you can avoid that
* the important role gratitude plays (It’s more than you think!)
* the easiest way to get referrals (You’ll be surprised!)
* 2 things that separate successful therapists from unsuccessful ones
* what clients really want from you (Surprise! It’s not your technical skills.)
* why a self-care routine is critical in order to maximize your success (and a proven formula to implement)

You owe it to yourself and your clients to be the very best you can be. This class provides a roadmap for reaching your professional goals. You’ll be inspired and have fun!

Don’t worry if you are unable to make the class live, as I will send out a link to the recording afterwards.

Here are the two steps to reserve your seat:

Send me an email at karen@academyofancientreflexology.com and let me know you want in! In the Subject line please type in ‘Building a Profitable Reflexology Practice’. You will be sent a link to the second step.
As a fair exchange of energy, I ask that you submit what you charge clients for a one-hour session. The other hour is on me. Once I have received your submission, I will send you the Zoom link to the live class on Saturday, August 21 at 11am EST.

I hope to see you in class!

Jul 16 2021

Build a Niche Practice Providing Solutions to Foot Pain

Several years ago, I was surprised to discover that I had developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot. In all honesty, I had, up until that time, not paid much attention to the condition. I had no choice then!

Online research indicated that it could take a year to correct and that was not acceptable!

I set about to learn as much as I could as quickly as possible, by reading current literature, studying with a chiropractor who specialized in the condition and mining information from earlier trainings I had taken. I’m happy to say that I was able to create a recovery plan that allowed me to return to normal within three months.

Since then, I have studied and learned even more and have been able to help countless others rid themselves of this painful condition. I learned that there are many external reasons and physical imbalances that can cause plantar fasciitis and its advanced and more serious cousin, plantar fasciosis. It’s not always a case of tight calf muscles. (It wasn’t for me.)

While sharing my knowledge and experience with other reflexologists over the next few years, I kept being asked about other painful conditions, so I decided to morph the plantar fasciitis class into the current How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop. This training has helped many reflexologists stand out in the crowd as the go-to person in their community when foot pain is the issue. By taking the information shared in the workshop these therapists have built successful niche practices serving people with chronic foot pain.

I invite you to join your fellow reflexologists and me this year, either in Vancouver, Toronto, or Tucson to learn this valuable work.

Learn a reflexologist’s approach to 19 conditions that cause chronic pain in the feet.
Practice a specific hands-on protocol for plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy.
Gain access to a video of the hands-on protocol.
Leave with an illustrated manual and client form templates.

Added bonus! – if you join me in Vancouver, you can help me celebrate my birthday!

Here’s a link to the details. Thank you in advance for sharing this with your fellow therapists. I sincerely appreciate that and hope to see you in one of these three locations!

September 18 & 19 – Vancouver, BC
October 2 & 3 – Toronto, ON
November 6 & 7 – Tucson, AZ

Jul 12 2021

Stand Out In The Crowd With Traditional Thai Reflexology

I finally have all my workshops scheduled for the remainder of this, my final year of teaching reflexology. I’m excited that four of them are Traditional Thai Reflexology and thought to share with you a little about this amazing therapy.

Of the four branches of traditional Thai medicine, reflexology is arguably the most popular treatment used to maintain health in Thailand. In addition to the monks and doctors providing treatments, it is not uncommon to see rows of people seated at the side of the street at the end of the day exchanging sessions with one another.

In the United States and Canada, reflexology-based foot sessions are one of the most requested spa and clinical services available. Unlike the conventional style of reflexology practiced in America – which requires many hours of training – Traditional Thai Reflexology can be learned in just three days of study, making Thai reflexology a unique, pleasurable and beneficial treatment that you can add to your tool kit, whether a certified reflexologist or licensed massage therapist. It can be offered on a massage table or reflexology chair.

I have been teaching Thai reflexology for nearly 15 years now, and never cease to be amazed by, not just how satisfied clients are in receiving, but how wonderful I feel when giving this session. Gently moving my body and joining my client in the exchange of pure energy is so, so gratifying. And I get paid to do it!

I hope that you will join me to learn how you can Stand Out in The Crowd with Traditional Thai Reflexology!

August 14 – 16 in Ocala, Florida
September 4 – 6 in Montreal, Quebec
September 10 – 12 in Regina, Saskatchewan
November 12 – 14 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Feb 03 2021

Do You LOVE What You Do?

I am happy to report that I do. I feel both blessed to be on the path I walk and recognize that my life’s work was built mostly from acting on well-thought-out choices, not chance.

One guiding principle I have worked from is to always pay attention to my inner voice; the part of me that ‘knows’. Those messages come to me when I am deeply relaxed, usually when receiving reflexology or about to fall asleep. And, believe me, the instructions always surprise me and always involve taking a chance.

Last week I had one of those communications as I was waking up. As is customary, I paid attention. I don’t always do what I’m being told (hah!), but I always give the idea serious consideration.

After a lot of deliberation, I have decided I must cancel the 2021 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification program. I was ever hopeful and optimistic about gathering a group of excited and inspired people together this year, but alas, it seems that the nightmare named COVID had other plans. A year into this pandemic and things don’t look any better.

So many massage therapists interested in attending this year were forced to shutter their practices for a good portion of 2020 and subsequently found themselves without the finances to invest in themselves and their businesses at this time. Add to that the uncertainty of this unpredictable virus and climate – well, you get it. Prospective students just feel too uncomfortable making a 10-month commitment. I understand.

I do plan to continue to offer workshops in 2021 though. Two or three-day commitments seem to be more do-able for most. If you are already a certified reflexologist or a massage therapist with a strong basic training and practice in the art, and you would like to expand the ways you can lovingly help your clients optimize their health, then please join me in this my final year of teaching reflexology.

Reflexology is so powerfully beneficial for our bodies and minds it’s impossible to list all the ways here. But first and foremost, reflexology is a very enjoyable and highly effective way to reduce stress. I’ve never had anyone get up from my table and not give me that feedback. (Personally, I’d have a session every day if I could!) Your clients will fall in love with reflexology and how good it makes them feel.

If your inner voice is compelling you to dive a little deeper into reflexology, then check out the workshops already scheduled for 2021 and keep up to date on future dates being added. Hope to see you!

As for now, I’m off to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend to show folks How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain.

Jan 27 2021

Growing A Reflexology Business

I learned recently that over the decades of reflexology practice and teaching I have actually developed somewhat of a philosophy regarding clinical practice and business. I think it all happened organically so that I was never much aware of how I approached customer service and marketing.

Kassy Killey of OnPoint Holistic Marketing for Reflexologists asked to interview me a few weeks ago. Watching the replay turned out to be rather enlightening for me! I liked what I heard. Maybe you will too. Click here to watch the video.

Jan 20 2021

Wintertime Is For Planning

New Year’s Resolutions aside, I’ve always felt that winter, in general, is the ideal time for planning. The colder temperatures and shorter days do not lend themselves to planting or reaping. But this makes it the perfect time for reflection and goal setting.

Especially this winter! If you’ve been laying low during the worst weeks of the pandemic, what do you see yourself doing when you are able to more fully do as you wish?

Do you want to grow a business? Expand your knowledge and increase your qualifications?

If you’ve ever been curious about exploring the opportunity of offering reflexology to the world as a certified professional, now is the time to fulfill your dream!

Why reflexology?

It’s very popular; there’s a high level of interest from the public. A recent episode of the Netflix series “Virgin River” even showed a nurse practitioner use foot reflexology (along with aromatherapy) to help a needle-averse patient accept a much-needed IV.
You will make a real difference in your clients’ lives (and your own!). You’ll have expertise in a specific approach to offer effective, individualized sessions. Whether you offer reflexology as a stand-alone session or combine it with massage, everyone wins. (Therapists who open with targeted reflexology techniques report getting better – and easier – results from their massage efforts.)
You’ll grow a successful business. Your clients will experience amazing results, they will tell others and return for more. Word-of-mouth will grow your clientele.
Certification demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to helping people achieve better health.
This program is designed with your health and safety in mind. Protocols are in place to minimize exposure to COVID, and you will learn how to minimize your clients’ risk as well.
In using technology to its fullest advantage, students have access to a private website with videos of all classroom demos, plus additional educational content.

2021 is the last year that I will be teaching the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. If you register now and pay in full by February 15, you’ll receive a $200 discount.

Consider this grad’s experience:

“These past … months have added a sense of wholeness to my experience on a physical, mental as well as spiritual level. I have gained a deeper understanding of communicating through touch, and a deep appreciation for having a career that visits that space of awareness. This program has greatly broadened my ideas of starting my career, and my confidence about its success. … I have learned a great deal about being a professional.”

Contact me to see if professional certification in reflexology is right for you.

Jan 06 2021

A New YOU!

Whew, 2020 is in the books! What an exceptional year of change, challenge, and lessons.

Every New Years Day brings an opportunity to reflect on our desires for the year ahead. Yet this year it feels even more significant, maybe because 2020 was so remarkable.

What do you want for yourself in this new year? Did 2020 change you, or reshape your priorities? What did you learn last year that you will carry forward? What new things would you like to learn?

If you are ready for a very constructive challenge, I urge you to consider making this the year you become certified in reflexology. The Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s Professional Certification Program teaches you how to safely and comfortably help people relax. And wouldn’t you agree the world needs more of that right now?

The program can be life changing. You’ll learn how to perform reflexology, of course! And that is a wonderful, marketable skill. Reflexology is a very enjoyable and highly effective way to reduce stress and to help your clients improve their health. Reflexology is also easy and fun to learn and to give!

But in addition, you’ll learn things about yourself. What truly motivates you? How will you align a reflexology business and marketing plan with your core values? How can you most effectively communicate with clients to be the best healthcare provider you can be?

The Certification is a 315-hour program, with 200 in-class hours that provide training in foot reflexology, hand reflexology, and even a short introduction to ear reflexology. (According to the National Council for Reflexology Educators, most reflexology schools only offer 110 in-class hours, and teach only foot reflexology!)

In-class hours are educational and FUN, and best of all—you get to spend 25 days on Saint Augustine Beach!

Sign up now and pay in full by February 15 to receive a $200 discount! Follow this link to register.

Here’s what one graduate had to say about the Professional Certification Program:

“I’ve learned a lot and have added work that my clients are loving, and [I’ve] even gotten new clients. There’s a fresh buzz in my business, and my brain is full of new ideas. I’m really glad I decided to do this…. It’s really enlivened my practice, and I look forward to what happens next.”

Contact me to see if achieving reflexology certification is the right New Year Resolution for (a New) YOU!

Dec 30 2020

Oils, Lotions and Butters

Although it’s true that bodyworkers use lubricants to be able to easily glide across tissue without causing discomfort, more often we use lotions, oils and creams out of habit.

As an example, when I learned reflexology, I was taught to work ‘dry’. When I learned how to give a Swedish massage it was using an oil; connective tissue and neuromuscular therapy, a butter. It’s what I was taught and how I carried on.

You may have been shown something different. No matter what though, we could all give a little more conscious thought to the use of lubricants so that we can make our work easier and more effective, because too much lubricant (the word means ‘slippery’) decreases real contact.

I still prefer to offer reflexology without lube; I can distinguish between tissue changes better and feel like I am making better contact with my client as well. Anointing the feet with oil or butter at the end has become a luscious way to end the session for me.

Maybe we might better serve our clients if we reduce the amount of lubricant we use to just enough to reduce friction but still allow for ‘meaningful contact’. After all, that is one of the main reasons people seek us out, isn’t it?

Dec 02 2020

The Best Gifts: Enrichment and Health

This time of year gets so busy with holiday bustle, it’s easy to neglect our own self care.

Maybe we sometimes do treat ourselves, buying some pleasant trinket we like while we’re shopping for others.

Which is fine, of course! In thinking about purchasing a present for yourself this year, I invite you to consider the most wonderful gift of all—the gift of enrichment and good health.

This gift will give back real dividends for years to come. It will give back in income for you, and in improved health and well-being for yourself and everyone you offer your gift to.

I’m referring of course to investing in your education, becoming a certified reflexologist.

This certification program is truly unique. Not only will you walk away with the skills and confidence you need to offer clients advanced therapy to support their health and wellness, but YOU will explore aspects of your personal and professional development that are not found in any other program.

What a gift! To

grow as a person,
launch a new career,
increase your earning potential, AND
learn to help yourself and others feel their absolute best with nothing more than the natural, intentional, therapeutic touch of your own two hands.

The reflexology certification program is designed with your health and safety in mind. Due to COVID concerns, enrollment is limited. Please go to the Certification page today for more information.

Contact me directly about whether reflexology certification is the right gift to give yourself, to then give the gift of your skills to the world!

Nov 04 2020

We’re At A Crossroads

I hope this finds you well. I know these are trying times for all of us.

I also know that the things that are challenging us will not last forever. The election mayhem has passed, the social unrest will be resolved, and the COVID-19 crisis will evolve into a manageable condition like so many other conditions we’ve learned to navigate.

We will get through this!

We must not lose hope. I believe this so strongly, in fact, that in the months I was unable to see clients, I decided to devote myself to learning new skills and planning ways to reinvent my practice. What can I offer that is safe and beneficial to clients?

Maybe you are in that same position, at a crossroads. Although the hurdles in our path were not of our making, our response is. This may be the perfect time to choose a new direction forward!

Foot reflexology is perhaps the safest way to offer all the benefits of bodywork to the widest population of clients. Consider:

Because the client leans back in a reclining chair or massage therapy table, and the reflexologist is seated at the feet, there is quite a distance between faces
When both people wear masks, there is a greatly reduced chance that either will breathe in respiratory droplets or shared air that the other has exhaled.
Reflexology can be done anywhere with a portable chair—in an open, airy room or even outdoors!
The client doesn’t get undressed or lay face down, reducing potential contact with any surface that a previous client may have touched or breathed on.
The Academy teaches how to begin each session with a foot bath, ensuring that the reflexologist’s hands and the client’s feet are as clean as can be. (Anti-viral essential oils can be added to the water, and gloves can even be worn if desired.)
Foot reflexology is easy to receive—it can be done very gently and still be highly effective. As a non-invasive technique, it often can be offered to more vulnerable clients for whom massage therapy might not be appropriate.

In these stressful times, people need bodywork more than ever. We’re not getting enough touch! Reflexology offers all the healing benefits of hands-on therapy that is so supportive of our physical health and emotional well being.

You can offer this to clients, safely and confidently, as a Certified Reflexologist. Go to the Certification page and learn more about the 2021 Certification Program. Every aspect of the in-person sessions has been designed to keep students safe and healthy.

Classes start in the spring and enrollment is limited, so please don’t delay!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation to explore whether the certification program is right for you, contact me directly.

I look forward to hearing from you!