Hi, I’m Laura Franzen, and I love my therapies! I first came into contact with the reflexology world through my job at the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) where I edited their professional journal for 12 years, as well as advising the public on qualifications.
My journey into the world of complementary therapies began in earnest when I started editing the AoR’s professional journal about twelve years ago and became increasingly fascinated by the stories I read in there.
Then one day in 2011, I experienced my first reflexology treatment; since childhood I had struggled with the symptoms of what I now know was IBS – it took two treatments given in compassion for the symptoms to clear for more than a year. I felt better, and healthier, and I knew I needed to find out more about something that had made such an incredible difference to me.
First came education in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology in 2011, which drew me in even more – I passed with a Distinction and couldn’t wait to start the reflexology!
In 2012 I finally got to treat people’s feet during my Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology, and graduated with a Distinction. During that course I fell even more in love with the therapy; it still fascinates and humbles me in every treatment to see how accurate it is, how people’s feet and demeanour change even with only one treatment, and how much it helps people in the long term. I just couldn’t get enough of learning about this amazing therapy!
I still can’t – as you’ll see from my training history, I keep adding new techniques and approaches to my ‘reflexology toolbox’ that I can draw upon for your treatments – and I bring all the joy of that learning with me to every session with you so you get the most out of your reflexology and be well informed should you wish to be of what I’m doing and why.
In my search to provide the perfect holistic service, I extended the number of therapies I offer to include Indian Head Massage and then back, neck and shoulder massage and full body massage, giving you more choice in the treatment that you prefer and providing more in-depth holistic knowledge to draw from. Not content to do a shorter, lighter course, I chose a full QCF Level 3 Diploma in Body Massage, incorporating techniques from Swedish massage, Shiatsu and Acupressure techniques for relaxation, lymphatic drainage, posture improvements and stress relief.
Further learning I’ve done…
Formal CPD training courses
- Vertical Reflex Therapy (reflexology on weight-bearing reflexes, said to ‘supercharge’ the treatment’s effectiveness)
- Facial Reflexology Bergman Method (Basic)
- Facial Reflexology Bergman Method (Advanced)
- Advanced Facelift Massage
- Zone Facelift
- Aromareflex
- Hot Stone Reflexology
- Mindful Reflexology
- Chinese Foot Massage
- Reflexology Lymph Drainage
Seminars
- Foot Reading
- Neuro Reflexology
- Menopause and the Meridians, with Hand Reflexology
- VRT, musculo skeletal conditions and sports injuries
- Five Element Reflexology
- Indian Head Massage CPD Event 2015
- ReproReflexology (5hr webinar)
- Relational Reflexology (5hr webinar)
What do I do when not practising or studying my therapies?
Well, I’ve told you a bit of my fascination with complementary therapies, and I do spend a lot of time nurturing that! However, my spare time is mostly spent travelling with my amazing husband Marc, reading historical novels such as those by Elizabeth Chadwick, looking after my beautiful greyhound Sylphie, and my two very contented guinea pigs, as well as watching films.