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Wellbeing and holistic therapist

Wellbeing and holistic therapist

Hair and beauty

Level 3 - Technical Occupation

Create, implement and adapt tailored holistic and wellbeing experiences.

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Reference: OCC0685

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £29,008 per year

SOC 2020 code: 2229 Therapy professionals n.e.c.

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 2229/99 Therapy professionals n.e.c.
  • 2224/02 Psychotherapists
  • 2229/09 Psychological wellbeing practitioners
  • 3214/06 Massage therapists
  • 3214/07 Reflexologists
  • 3224/03 Life coaches

Technical Education Products

ST0685:

Wellbeing and holistic therapist

(Level 3)

Approved for delivery

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Urban Retreat, Armonia Health and Beauty, Ragdale Hall, SAKS, Guinot-Mary Cohr UK Ltd, Dermalogica, Aqua Sana (Center parcs), Champneys, UR Beautiful, Clarins, Hoar Cross Hall, Estetics, Boots, National Police Chartered Institute for personnel and development, NHBF, FHT, Habia, City and Guilds, CIBTAC, VTCT

Summary

This occupation is found in wellbeing environments; Spa, Leisure, Holistic or Wellness Therapy centres, Medi-spas and Beauty salons, although these environments are expanding due to the continuing demand for lifestyle wellness including para medical, health care environments and businesses implementing wellbeing corporate responsibility. The broad purpose of the occupation is to create, implement and adapt tailored holistic and wellbeing experiences, in a variety of environments, meeting and managing treatment and experience outcomes in private, secure and safe environments. Wellbeing and Holistic therapists complete treatments and wellbeing experiences via holistic therapy principles, theories and applications to calm or stimulate the sensory perceptions of the body and mind in the pursuit of optimal functioning and balance of the physical, emotional and mental aspects of daily life. This results in a dynamic state of equilibrium and wellbeing for the client. Wellbeing therapists deliver specific treatments such as; aromatherapy, acupressure (manual digit pressure massage applied by the hands to specific points on the face or body) and holistic massage (therapeutic hands-on massage therapy that affects the clients physical, emotional and mental wellbeing), Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage and wellness experiences. They provide post treatment aftercare and make future recommendations. They contribute to the commercial viability and effectiveness of the business to enhance the client experience. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other health and non-health care practitioners including therapists such as beauty, spa, wellbeing and holistic as part of multi-disciplinary teams and sometimes and clinical specialists. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the time management of the treatments and wellbeing experiences they deliver, the safety and wellbeing of themselves and the clients. They can work as individuals or as part of diverse teams to provide a wellbeing offering to clients, reporting to a manager or lead practitioner if part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Urban Retreat, Armonia Health and Beauty, Ragdale Hall, SAKS, Guinot-Mary Cohr UK Ltd, Dermalogica, Aqua Sana (Center parcs), Champneys, UR Beautiful, Clarins, Hoar Cross Hall, Estetics, Boots, National Police Chartered Institute for personnel and development, NHBF, FHT, Habia, City and Guilds, CIBTAC, VTCT

Typical job titles include:

Holistic therapist
Spa therapist
Wellbeing therapist

Keywords:

Health
Holistic
Therapy
Wellbeing
Wellness Therapy Centres

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: How to complete an in-depth client lifestyle profile, body and skin analysis including type, condition, Fitzpatrick scale and characteristics, postural analysis and the identification of any postural faults, body shapes and characteristics, lifestyle factors that impact on the calming or stimulation of the sensory perceptions of the body and mind
K2: Strategies to aid relaxation and manage stress levels and how these are used to improve the client's physical and emotional welfare
K3: Factors that affect wellbeing therapies including schedules and indicators
K4: How to select the most suitable wellbeing and holistic principle to apply, being fully present to maximize the therapy outcome and benefit
K5: Factors that contribute to an individual's wellbeing and protective strategies to improve relaxation, stimulate or calm the sensory perception systems of the body, including, sight, touch, sound, smell and taste
K6: History, principles, theories and applications of holistic, thermal and wellbeing therapies (mind, body and spirit). The origin and purpose of the seven major chakras and meridians and their impact on overall mental, physical and emotional wellbeing in daily life.
K7: Benefits and effects of using holistic and wellbeing therapies to maintain wellbeing compared to the allopathic approach of western cultures
K8: Awareness of the interdependence of body systems and impact on wellbeing when these systems malfunction and do not operate in harmony.
K9: The importance of the limbic system in the promotion of wellbeing and its impact on an individual
K10: Definition of stress, its symptoms, anatomical pathways, benefits and the long-term harm
K11: Methods used to reduce and manage the impact of stress and how to recognise an individual's ability to cope with variable levels of stress and anxiety
K12: Why it is necessary to complete a client lifestyle profile and how it is used to determine client suitability, indicators and treatment protocols; including environmental and lifestyle factors that impact the human body (integral biology)
K13: Client treatment considerations, when and how to refer, and how to tailor or adapt treatments and experiences for those clients with a medically diagnosed condition. This includes life limiting or threatening conditions such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, circulatory disorders, pregnancy, post-operative care
K14: Protocol when liaising with or referring a client to other multidisciplinary professionals, following legal requirements for gaining valid client informed consent
K15: How to support, manage and maintain own wellness and wellbeing
K16: Environmental conditions for holistic treatments and wellbeing experiences, including multi-sensory such as heating, ventilation, ambiance, smell, visuals, light, sound and aroma
K17: Environmentally sustainable working practices
K18: The signs and symptoms of a healing crisis, how to manage the impact with clients and the range of aftercare, homecare and future recommendations
K19: Legal, organisational and health and safety requirements relevant to this occupation including:• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989• The Environmental Protection Act 1990• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999• The Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations 1989• The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982
K20: Types of holistic therapy treatments and wellbeing experiences, including Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage massage, aromatherapy, fundamental energy-based therapies and treatments (touch or touchless therapies and treatments that promote balance and harmony between the physical, mental and emotional aspects of an individual, promoting improved wellbeing for example diaphragmatic breathing, crystal and chakra methodologies), manual acupressure, zone therapy (principles that there are zones mapped throughout the body that can have therapeutic effects on a corresponding reflex area accessed via the feet, face or hands, by stimulation of applying pressure to a point or zone), holistic touch therapies and holistic massage
K21: The types of massage mediums, for example oils or other emollient, their composition, when and how to use them safely
K22: How to choose, use and blend aromatherapy essential oils (20 oils) safely and for specific therapeutic benefits
K23: How to recognise contra-indications that would prevent or restrict a treatment
K24: Purpose of sensitivity/allergy or tactile tests and how to conduct these
K25: How to prepare the treatment area and client for holistic and thermal therapy treatments and wellbeing experiences
K26: Areas of the body that may require support and cushioning during treatment, how and when to provide it
K27: Preparation requirements and relevance of temperature management within treatments and experiences
K28: How to adapt and vary treatment techniques, sequence, rhythm and depth to meet the client's physical and emotional characteristics and treatment
K29: Benefits and effects (physical and psychological) of holistic and thermal therapy treatments and wellbeing experiences
K30: How to recognise contra-actions and the remedial action to take if contra-actions, discomfort or healing crisis occur during the treatment or experience, including those that occur as a result of poor practice
K31: The importance of checking and maintaining the client’s wellbeing throughout the treatment including allowing sufficient post-treatment recovery time
K32: The range of services, products, tools and equipment available for holistic treatments and wellbeing experiences
K33: Recommended operating procedures for the use of water in treatments
K34: How to test and interpret results of water and chemical concentrations for water experiences and the protocol for managing water-based treatments
K35: Precautions of using heat (thermal) treatments
K36: The types of pre-heat treatments, their effects and how to perform them. This includes sauna, steam and infra-red
K37: Temperature based treatments, directly or indirectly applied including cold (cryo) and heat (thermal) treatments, the tools that can be used (body wraps, salt, shell, lava, marble, poultice, stone) and the effects on the skin, circulatory and bodily systems
K38: Physiological and psychological effects of colour therapy, their effect on the mind and overall mood of the individual and how they can be used in wellbeing experiences
K39: Definition of a Spa, the use and benefits of common treatments and experiences for example Sauna, steam, hydro, hamam traditional spa, thalasso pools, floatation and colour and emerging trends
K40: Suppliers' and manufacturers' instructions for the safe use of equipment, tools, materials and products
K41: Types of pre and post treatment advice, recommendations and restrictions to include:• pre and post treatment, time intervals and follow- up procedures• aftercare products• avoidance of activities that may cause contra-actions or that reduce treatment benefits• products and homecare routines/ treatments
K42: How to evaluate the wellbeing impact in order to provide future holistic treatment and lifestyle recommendations
K43: Principles of improving the client’s wellbeing and self-help strategies to enhance the client experience and overall treatment results
K44: Types of promotional activities that can be used to maximise business profit, including how to promote additional products, services and treatments to new and existing clients
K45: How to adjust performance to meet targets consistently and within the agreed timescale by reviewing and recording progress
K46: Salon business procedures that safely control work operations, the management of systems and processes
K47: What constitutes continuing professional development (CPD), Why and how to access CPD and the importance of keeping up to date
K48: The ageing process of the skin, the effects and impact of environmental, genetic and lifestyle choices on the structure, function and interdependence of the human body skin, hair and nails
K49: The interdependence and effects anatomical systems have on the systems independently and combined when completing Holistic therapy treatments and wellbeing experiences
K50: The organisation of the body, anatomical terminology, regions, related terms and anatomical structure, functions, and pathologies of:• cells and cell division and tissue types• skin, skin appendages, hair and nails • the skeletal system including classification and structure, location of bones, types of joints and movement • the muscular system including classification, location and action of the primary muscles of the face and body • the cardiovascular system including composition and functions of the blood and primary blood vessels of the body • the lymphatic system including the lymphatic organs, location of lymphatic nodes and ducts • the central and autonomic nervous systems • respiratory system • olfactory system and limbic system • digestive system including processes of digestion • endocrine system • renal and reproductive systems including key stages of the human reproductive cycle

S1: Complete an in-depth dynamic client profile consultation from which wellbeing therapies and treatment experience schedules are created
S2: Communicate verbally with clients to build and maintain trust
S3: Obtain, provide and collate accurate and relevant information
S4: Conduct allergy, sensitivity and tactile tests to establish suitability for treatment
S5: Comply with organisational operations to meet legal, regulatory, licensing and or local rules, industry requirements, treatment protocols, manufacturers' instructions and guidance
S6: Manage manual and electronic client records ensuring that they are completed, signed, maintained and stored accurately in accordance with legal and organisational operations
S7: Apply safe and effective methods of working by • maintaining personal hygiene, protection and presentation• maintaining client confidentiality and discretion before, during and after the therapy treatments and experiences• positioning the client to meet the needs of the schedule• ensuring own posture and working methods minimise fatigue and the risk of injury to self and client• ensuring environmental conditions are suitable for the client and the treatment• keeping work area clean and tidy (products, tools and equipment)• using working methods that minimise the risk of cross-infection• promoting environmental and sustainable working practices• disposal of waste materials to meet legal requirements
S8: Prepare the treatment environment to calm or stimulate the multi-sensory perceptions of the body and mind such as sight, touch, sound, taste and smell
S9: Implement and complete risk assessment protocols in relation to the environment, therapy or treatment
S10: Liaise with colleagues and non-health care and health care practitioners
S11: Prepare the client for holistic treatment or experience, whilst maintaining client's discretion, modesty and privacy
S12: Perform and adapt advanced manual therapy techniques (face, scalp and body), to meet client's physical and psychological characteristics, treatment objectives (relaxing, wellbeing, uplifting, detoxifying and stimulating), needs and expectations. This includes effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration and friction, deep tissue, light touch and advanced techniques using the forearm, wrist and elbow
S13: Choose massage mediums. This includes the selection, blending and the application of aromatherapy essential oils
S14: Maintain client comfort and care by checking the client's wellbeing before, during and after the therapy or treatment and allowing sufficient post-treatment recovery time
S15: Perform wellness and holistic therapy treatments, adapting these according to client needs. These include Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage massage, acupressure techniques, holistic massage, aromatherapy
S16: Perform and adapt thermal therapy treatments for improving the clients physical and emotional welfare and wellbeing. This includes body treatments, heat experiences and pre-treatments in preparation for further treatments
S17: Perform and adapt holistic treatments to treat clients with variable needs, including those with specific health issues for example cancer, diabetes, life limiting or life-threatening conditions ensuring consent has been established with other multi-disciplinary professional teams
S18: Select, prepare, use and adapt the relevant products, tools and equipment for the wellbeing therapy, and treatment duration to suit the client's sensitivity, tolerance, body condition, lifestyle profile, physical and emotional wellbeing
S19: Advise on the environmental and lifestyle factors that impact the human body (integral biology) systems and their effects on an individual's ability to cope with the normal and abnormal activities of daily living that give greater physical, mental and emotional resilience
S20: Resolve problems that may occur during the treatments and wellbeing experiences recognising and dealing with contractions, and refer when required
S21: Identify, resolve and report organisational operational problems within the scope of responsibility
S22: Provide detailed written, post wellbeing treatment and thermal therapy treatment advice, instructions and recommendations. This includes post treatment and follow- up procedures, client self-care principles , aftercare products, avoidance of activities that may cause contra-actions or that reduce treatment benefits, time intervals between treatments, present and future products, homecare routines/treatments
S23: Evaluate the outcome of the wellbeing treatment or experience in order to improve the condition of the client’s physical and emotional welfare and wellbeing and inform further recommendations
S24: Meet personal and organisational targets within the agreed timescale, and evaluating the findings by reviewing and recording progress
S25: Manage own continuing professional development (CPD) incorporating research, professional practice and progression

B1: Owns their work, is proactive and responsible
B2: Maintains professional ethics: integrity, respect, empathy, client confidence, confidentiality and discretion
B3: Contributes ideas, leads by example and acts as an ambassador for the organisation and industry
B4: Communicates appropriately, is helpful and courteous at all times and adapts behaviour in response to each client and situation
B5: Proactively manages and maintains own wellbeing

Duties

Duty D1

Develop and create client lifestyle profiles from which holistic therapy treatments and wellbeing experience schedules can be produced, in pursuit of optimal functioning and balance of the physical, emotional and mental aspects of daily life resulting in a dynamic state of equilibrium and wellbeing for the client

Duty D2

Plan holistic, thermal treatments (heat applied by direct or indirect means) and wellbeing experience schedules, both singularly or as courses of treatments embedding holistic principles, theories and applications

Duty D3

Treat clients with variable needs, including those with specific health issues. Ensuring any required consent has been established with other multi-disciplinary professionals

Duty D4

Provide holistic therapy treatments and wellness experiences for improving the condition of the client's physical and emotional welfare and wellbeing, utilising fundamental relaxation techniques, strategies and stress management. This includes: Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage massage, aromatherapy (using 20 oils essential oils), manual acupressure massage (digit pressure massage applied by the hands to specific points on the face or body) and holistic massage (therapeutic hands-on massage therapy that affects the clients physical, emotional and mental wellbeing) to induce, relaxation, improve circulation, promote skin healing and energise

Duty D5

Provide thermal (heat) treatments and wellness experiences, applied by direct or indirect means, to improve the condition of the client's physical and emotional welfare and wellbeing to including body treatments, heat experiences and pre-treatments in preparation for further treatments

Duty D6

Use and apply a range of holistic therapy and wellness experiences, products, tools and equipment to provide holistic therapy treatments and wellness experiences

Duty D7

Use and apply a range of thermal therapy techniques, products, tools and equipment to provide thermal treatments

Duty D8

Modify and adapt holistic and thermal treatments and wellness experiences based on client feedback and reaction during treatments. maintaining the client's wellbeing

Duty D9

Provide advice on immediate post treatment aftercare and future recommendations, including advice regarding healing crisis as a result of holistic or thermal therapy treatments and experiences

Duty D10

Adhere to health and safety, legal and organisational requirements, treatment protocols and manufacturer instructions relating to holistic, thermal and wellbeing experiences and therapies

Duty D11

Contribute to promoting the business, its products and services to drive business growth and client satisfaction

Duty D12

Perform, implement and complete risk assessment protocols in relation to the client, treatment and environment

Duty D13

Liaise with colleagues, non-health care or health care practitioners

Duty D14

Maintain up to date knowledge and skills of new and emerging techniques, equipment and business practices

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

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