I would really value some opinions on this:

I am qualified in reflexology, aromatherapy and most of the holistic stuff, and already have a client base.
I am about to start the Complementary Therapy Bsc Degree for 3 yrs at uni (at my age).

My queston is I will be needing case studies whilst i am at uni , so do I seek them from elsewhere and keep my paying clients seperate, or do I reward my paying clients with freebies?
I wont be allowed to charge if they are a case study client.
I also need to work as well and my clients wil still want and need their treatments on a regular basis.

I would be foolish to work for free (been there , done that), but I cant charge a case study ,so what would you do?
Keep it seperate?
Give already paying clients freebies?
Just ask the people who really need a treatment but cant afford to pay?

Already I have folk ,mainly friends, who make excuses by sayng they hate having their feet messed with, or they cant bear people to touch their feet etc , who quite obviously wont pay for a treatment under normal circumstances, and make this their excuse!!!!!!!! yet as soon as they get a whiff of freebies , they are at the front of the queue wanting to be a case study..

Honest opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Elaine xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I would hesitate to use and existing client base for your case histories, although I do remember one client being a case history when I was doing acupressure.

Just a thought, but what about offering to those who can't afford it - maybe approach some local groups -single parents, old peoples homes, voluntary organistions who may have members that you could do. From memory in my training (was many years ago), we had to do quite a wide range anyway...(old, young, special needs etc)

PS another thought is approaching a local organisation/company (easier if you have a friend who works there) and see if you can advertise on notice boards. Not only will you have a large audience of possible 'guinea pigs', but in the long term you could gain new clients too.

Do not use your clients, they won't take you seriously again.

Why do you think they wouldn't take me seriously again?

What does everyone else think? Come on geekies help me out in my hour of need
Thanks muchly xxxx

Hello!
I personally wouldn't use my existing clients for 'case-studies'. There's a number of reasons, the first is that you're changing the basis on which they're coming to you from client-therapist to client-student; there's a possibility it will change the way they perceive you & the professional relationship.

As regards charging, it's my understanding that you're normally allowed to ask for a contribution to cover costs? If so, why not use it as a chance to convert some new people to holistic therapies?

Good luck with your course though, however you end up sourcing your clients!

thats why!
they see you as a professional therapist.
you then ask them to see you as a student 'learning' on the job.
They won't see you as a professional therapist again but as someone learning. This will spread over to all treatments and they will resent paying for a full priced treatment when they get something for free or reduced.

When I do my case studies I always ask friends.

Thanks Martin i appreciate your input. I agree and i will keep them seperate, in fact my existing clients never need to know that i am upgrading .
I have had many of my clients for a good few years for holistic therapies and i think they are all very loyal, and so i think its sensible to keep it to a client therapist basis.
I am already up and running, insured, and qualified ,but you know in this profession the goalposts are always moving.
I am really surprised that everybody on the course except 2 people are qualified working therapists.

xxElaine xx

Thanks Hippy chick I am going to keep my existing clientelle as paying customers.
Makes sense.

Wow!! I've just done a hasty u-turn on my plans for case studies this year!! Thanks guys.