Professional bodies
Therapy Directory understands that when searching for an alternative or complementary therapist, it is comforting to know that they are qualified and working to high standards within the industry – which is why we only list practitioners who have either provided us with proof of a relevant qualification and insurance cover, or proof of registration with a professional body.
What is a professional body/organisation?
As it stands, the world of complementary and alternative therapy is largely unregulated, with only a few professions currently subject to statutory regulation.
Because there is a lack of legislation in position to regulate and set standards for complementary and alternative therapies, various professional bodies have set themselves up with a view to self-regulating the profession.
Whilst therapy practitioners are under no legal obligation (with the exception of statutorily regulated professions) to register with one of these bodies, being a member means that a therapist has met specific eligibility requirements set by the organisation and will also mean that they are bound by that organisation's code of ethics and complaints procedure.
Knowing that a therapist holds an appropriate qualification, has undergone training in the field and will refer patients who require medical care for treatment with a professional are all reassuring factors for potential clients.
Each professional body will have developed its own unique set of criteria for membership, which in most cases will involve proof of a relevant qualification and evidence of training within the field.
In addition to entry requirements, many professional organisations will also require their members to undertake regular ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD), which simply explained is a way for alternative and complementary therapists to track and document any skills gained or learned in addition to their initial training, so clients can see that they are continuing to develop their skill set.
Most professional bodies will provide a range of different membership categories, with the level of training and experience possessed determining which category the member slots into (e.g. Student Member, Associate Member, Member, Accredited Member).
Registered/accredited therapists
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation. Alternative and complementary therapists who are registered/accredited with their professional body will have the stamp to the left on their profile.
To find out more information about registration/accreditation visit the professional bodies’ websites below. Each will have information on their requirements.
Holistic therapy professional bodies
The therapists on our website who belong to a professional body will make this clear on their profile page. For further information about the professional bodies, be sure to speak to the therapist to learn more. Below we have some examples of holistic therapy professional bodies.
Whilst we endeavour to keep this information up to date, details about registration are subject to change, so please always visit the professional organisation's website for full and current details.
Aromatherapy
- International Federation of Aromatherapists
- The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Massage therapy
- Association of Biodynamic Massage Therapists
- International Association of Infant Massage
- Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage
- Massage Training Institute
- National Association of Massage and Manipulative Therapists
- Sports Massage Association
Reflexology
- Association of Reflexologists
- International Federation of Reflexologists
- The British Reflexology Association
- Professional Reflexology
Reiki
Multidisciplinary bodies
A multidisciplinary body is a professional body that regulates more than one therapy profession. Here are some examples:
- Association of Physical and Natural Therapists
- Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
- Federation of Holistic Therapists
- The Guild of Holistic Therapists
- Health and Care Professions Council
- The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
For more information about the various multidisciplinary bodies for complementary and alternative therapists, visit our separate page on multidisciplinary bodies.
This list of professional organisations is not exhaustive, and more can be found on our Useful resources page.
Here at Therapy Directory, we recognise the value of being a member of a professional body, and for those of you who are wary about visiting a therapist, we would suggest choosing a therapist on our site who is a member of a professional body. This way you know they are part of an organisation that offers a code of ethics and a complaints procedure.