How to start your holistic practice ~ Part 1
Want to know your first step on how to start your holistic practice or even how to return to the holistic world? 👉
Hi everyone.
As promised here is tip number 1 on how to start or return to your holistic practice.
Set realistic goals-have an idea of what you want to achieve with your business, but also be realistic in terms of the time and money you will need to make it successful.
This may sound like a no brainier…..
I want to be a therapist and start to take clients.
But there is a little bit more behind your first step of being a professional therapist.
What, Where, When, Who, How Much and How Many all have to be considered too.
What treatments are you confident in offering.
Where are you planning on working from… home centre or being employed.
When you can realistically offer your services, part time mornings, evenings weekend all have to factored into your planning.
Who are the clients that you want to attract, who are your traget audience.
How many clients can you take in that time,
how much money will you need to cover your set up costs, insurance, professional memberships.
My tip is to write down your dream, your want and then the reality.
Start with your reality, childcare, living expenses, work expenses, your want to treat people with your beautiful therapy, your dream to make it a full time job.
If you make all three of the above work together then the dream will happen, not over night but with hard work and self belief.
So remember today is about your reality, your want and your dream.
Xx
Claire
Comment below with any questions you have or just message me and I will hopefully help making this first step a bit easier.
How River Holistic came to be..
Okay, to start, what is River Holistic and how did it come to be?
River Holistic happened by almost accident. I was renting a space by myself not too far from where River is now, and I needed a new space because the place I was working in was going to be closing down, and rather than panicking, I went, “right, I’m going to fix this.”
This is how my brain works. If there is a problem or an issue, let’s find a solution rather than fixate on the problem. So I went into the Herald Newspaper, I know the old school way for looking for properties and it was there. So originally it was advertised as four different units, four separate offices, and I was just going along to look at one of these rooms for my treatment room. I had one a very busy practice for a very long time and I knew I could sustain my business. This was just during the recession as well, some people thought I was mad doing it, but I had such faith in myself and that’s really important as a self employed person is to have faith in your abilities and your craft. To be able to say, I can do this, and a lot of hardwork and determination and a lot of stubbornness as well.
So I went to see this gorgeous building originally built in 1880, it has a lot of cracks and has a lot of kind of tilted floors, but I love that about the building. So when I viewed it, it was in a blank state. It had just been cleaned up rather than renovated, I went to see it and I got to see all the space with no one else in it. I was like, oh my God, could I?should I? will I?
So I rang my mam and dad, as you do. I think I might be doing this, can you come down? My dad has an amazing mind for business, and my mom has my heart, or I have her heart, I should say. She’s also a holistic therapist, retired now, but one of the best ones I’ve known. I’ve even trained with her. So, Thanks, Mum. I brought them along to see the space and I was saying, I think I’m going to do this.
And that was, say, in May, then I had to chat with the landlords and the listing agent and I said, what’s the crack if I can take the whole space and negotiated rents and all that kind of stuff. Again, this was during a pretty hard time for people, so I was worried a bit about, oh God, can I do this? But I knew my own practice, I could do it, it would be very tight. But this was pre-kids and this is what I’m renting and I kind of always have savings.That’s one thing I have to say, as a self employed person, always have your rainy day fund there because you never know when it’s going to rain.
So I used my own rainy day fund to secure the lease, buy all the equipment, I think, I put an ad on LinkedIn, I think, and maybe Facebook aswell, saying that I was opening a holistic center and looking for certain therapists, because I wanted to create a space where you could go to one place. I wanted such a broad spectrum of therapies involved, and then classes as well. I had a tiny, tiny, tiny studio as well that held six people in one of the rooms, and I went for it. I signed the lease in June and I opened up in September.
So it was such a quick, quick thing to do and it has been growing slowly but surely, year on year. The clients that come to the door, the therapists that I’ve met, the ones that have moved on and have now opened their own practices, is exactly why I chose to open River Holistic in the first place.
I wanted to create a home for me, for my clients, when I was working with my clients and I wanted to create a space for self-employed therapists and teachers where they could actually run their businesses on a fair scale. I charge just a basic room rent where I wouldn’t take 50% of their earnings. I would help them with their online presence, so it would be that I created the website, and then they got their own website page. So rather than having to go off and create their own website, which is really scary, they then had a page for themselves where they could advertise from as well.
I started off with just a GoogleCalendar and me as reception. That was it. I got a little desk made, It’s still there, it’s like three foot wide, because if you’ve been into River Holistic, downstairs is very small, it’s cozy and Beiju, I think, is the word that I would like to use, rather than pokey and small.
So that’s a little bit of history of what River is to me and to the clients that come in and the therapists that come in as well.
Thanks for listening, watching or reading and loads more information to come
Claire
1st Full Moon of 2023
It’s best to use this lunation as a chance to let go. Have yourself a good cry and give yourself the chance to heal. Moving forward and cutting ties is always hard, but sometimes it must be done — especially when we are dealing with self-preservation.
Now that the new year has begun, we are looking for ways to restart our hearts and emotions, which is precisely what this watery full moon in Cancer offers. Grab a box of tissues, take a walk down memory lane, and prepare yourself to release the past in an effort to create fresh moments for yourself.
There is a strong forcefield of energy around this Full Moon that is beckoning us to pause, reflect, and take our time, so no matter what comes up for you, try to keep this in mind. Try to remind yourself that not everything needs an answer right now and that it is ok to be in a state of unknowing.
Remember, we don’t want to be carrying dead weight into the new year. This is our chance to finally start fresh without any of these worries burdening us. All the more reason to use this full moon as a wake-up call to transform our worlds for the better in 2023 — without the gossip, stress, and burdens that we have been dealing with. The answer is to align with those you trust and share your feelings with them, knowing that you won’t be judged — only loved.
Do not be afraid to dream big and have high hopes during this Wolf Moon.
Full Moon Ritual
Water Ritual:
• Take two cups, one with water, one without.
• On the cup with water, pop a post-it note saying what you want to release.
• On the empty cup, pop a post-it note saying what you want to embody and welcome.
• Take the cup with water, and say thank you for the lessons and what you’re being shown to release. Then pour the water into the other cup.
• Visualize yourself becoming all you want to be and drink the water.
Smoke and Sage Ritual:
When doing a full Moon ritual, you will need very simple tools, your sage and or palo santo wood, your shell and stand, a bowl of water, a candle and three pieces of blank paper to write down three things you want to let go of.
Make sure you are doing this in a comfortable space and somewhere that is safe to burn your sage or palo santo wood. Remember to open the window in the room you are in, so the negative can leave your home.
Write down 1 thing you want to let go of on each piece of paper and fold them up.Light your candle and place beside the bowl of water.
Choose 1 piece of paper at a time and set your intention to let this go from your life, take a deep breath and light it from the candle, then place in the water.
Do this for each thing you want to let go of and each time setting your intention.
Once all three things have been released from their hold on you, light your sage and smudge your head and heart and direct it out the window.
This is such a simple technique that you can do anytime you feel a little overwhelmed.
Let’s all release and welcome this full moon.
xx
Claire
We are hiring
*********POSITION FILLED*********
Front Desk Staff
River Holistic is a very busy Holistic Centre based in Raheny, offering a vast array of Alternative and Complementary health therapies and multiple weekly classes in yoga, pilates, meditation and Mindfulness to name a few. We are looking for someone special to join our team to help to run our front desk on a part time basis, 3 daytime shifts (monday, tuesday 9.30am to 1.30pm and Thursdays 9.30am to 3pm) with possibilities of further hours.
Responsibilities including, but not limited to:
- Provide the highest level of customer service to all of our visitors with the goal of creating a positive and friendly experience for all of our clients.
- Engage with clients in person as well as over the phone and online
- Assist clients with appointments, information on the right therapy for them, class and workshop bookings.
- Ensure that the centre remains immaculate at all times and that any necessary supplies are always stocked. (we do also have a cleaner so for the most part cleaning will be minimal)
- Work as a team with all of the therapists and teachers as well as providing timely feedback to the centres owner on all studio issues
- Willingness to perform all other duties assigned by the centre’s owner (which will include-bookkeeping, assisting with social media, general marketing, assisting with the online and in-person shop)
Requirements
• Must have a broad understanding of Alternative and Complementary health.
• Customer service experience
• Be committed, reliable and punctual
• Be friendly, enthusiastic, courteous and a team player
• Ability to multitask
• Great organisational skills and attention to detail
• Friendly and professional phone and email etiquette
• Initiate tasks and perform duties with confidence and self-motivation
• Strong computer skills and social media skills
Starting: July 2022
To Apply: Email your CV in Word format to claire@riverholistic.ie including in your email a cover letter letting us know what makes you a great candidate for this position
The Hunters Full Moon
This Hunters Moon will be shining bright on the 20th of October reflecting the rhythms of life enduring an endless process of death and rebirth with its 28-day cycle.
It symbolises imagination, intuition, dreaming, self love and represents transition and renewal.It is a time for internal work and self-reflection. So begins the dark half of the year. Accept and welcome the darkness with open arms. Rejoice in the warmth that you can fold yourself in and know that this darkness allows for rest and rejuvenation.
It is a wonderful time for gratitude and appreciation for all that has transpired and all that have overcome.
Be the lightness when the sun goes down and bathe in the moonlight to replenish what you are lacking in.
XClaire
#fullmoon#huntersmoon#newbeginnings#release#letgo#renew#manifest#october#sage#positivity
Are you looking for a New Holistic Home to work from?
Room rental
Are you looking for a new Holistic Home to build your business.
I have availability in my beautiful treatment rooms for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Morning slots from 9.30am to 2pm each day.
This is the perfect time to join our team.
🌟If you would like to build your business and bring your existing clients into a caring and professional environment.
🌟Have the support from the amazing front of house team.
🌟Work alongside some of the best therapists in the business
🌟Have at least 2 years experience
Then this may the perfect opportunity for you.
I would love to have a chat and hopefully welcome you to your new Holistic Home.
Email me on claire@riverholistic.ie and we can make this happen.
Claire
Harvest Full Moon ~ September 20th
Other than the fact that full moons are mesmerizing and beautiful, they can also bring so much change into being. This is when the sun — ruler of your external self — forms an opposition with the moon — ruler of your internal self — causing your subconscious thoughts and feelings to spill into your reality. A full moon has the tendency to induce revelations about your life, your past, and your future. As the sun and moon dare each other to face reality, your secrets are unveiled in the process. And as you come to terms with your deeper truth, there’s no way you’ll feel the same as you did before. That, my friend, is how the full moon works its magic on you.
To make matters even more beautiful, every full moon carries its own personality and brand of energy. The upcoming full moon — which takes place on Sept. 20 — happens to carry even more spiritual energy.
Taking place in intuitive, compassionate, and artistic Pisces, this full moon has the power to really hit home (and yes, it could also be an incredibly emotional experience). Pisces is a zodiac sign that dissolves boundaries that separate you from others, encouraging you to let your guard down and release your ego. In this vulnerable state, you can feel things more deeply, causing your level of sensitivity and empathy to rise. This full moon has the power to help you feel what someone else is feeling, helping you become a more loving and intuitive person.
This full moon could also leave you feeling like something is coming to an end. After all, Pisces is the 12th zodiac sign, making it the last sign in the zodiac wheel. This is one reason why Pisces is heavily associated with old age, as well as the spirit realm. As a full moon rises in Pisces, you may feel as though you’re being pushed to release something and embrace the constant ebb and flow of living. You could also feel as though you’re tapping into a higher power and connecting with something out-of-this-world. At the very least, you can expect your dreams to be way more vivid than usual in the days leading up to and away from this full moon.
On a lighter note, the emotional experience of this particular full moon could remind you that you’re alive. It could remind you that your heart beats, desires, and most importantly, feels. A full moon in Pisces will cast everything in a romantic and colorful sheen, making everything appear even more vivid than usual. Art and creativity are always associated with the energy of Pisces, due to the fact that this is one of the most imaginative zodiac signs. When this full moon takes place, let it lead your imagination to beautiful places.
A step back in time
This was an interview from the grand opening of the centre in September 16th 2013. Looking how far the centre has grown and to be honest how much I have grown as a person and a business owner still amazes me. From a simple dream to what is now a thriving hub of wellness.
Thank you for growing with me over these years.
Claire
“Congratulations on the launch party, it seemed to be a great success! What made you decide to open your own centre?
Thanks it was a brilliant success, I am so proud of all the therapists for all their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the day. I always wanted to open a clinic It’s something I always dreamed of doing, but there was never the right property, or the right time. I stumbled upon 10 Main Street by accident. I was taking a break from doing some work on the computer so I just decided to go onto to have a look at commercial properties in the area, and saw this space for rent. I rang up on the off-chance to have look the next day, came along and from the second I walked through the door, I just knew this was the clinic and now was the time. That was the second week in June, I was in the building by the second week in July and just went from there. I have been a therapist since 2002 and self-employed since graduating. It hasn’t always been easy, especially when you are out on your own and sometimes paying quite high rent with no extra support. This is where the idea of River Holistic came from, I wanted to create a space for other self-employed therapists where they can use as their own clinic with the added support of having other therapists there for advice, support, clinic support (website, reception, social media and advertising) and in-house referrals. It can be a lonely world when you work for yourself so this way it gives the encouragement that some people need to stay in this business and build a busy practice.
You have diplomas in such a wide range of holistic therapies. Do you have a particular favourite?
I love all my therapies, I think they choose me from time to time. Some months I can be inundated with Fertility and Pregnancy clients, and they are so dear to my heart, I really try to make these women feel as comfortable and safe as possible. This is another reason for opening the clinic. To assure that the space where my clients are coming feels safe and secure. Following months I could have 8 clients a day for massage of some description. So to answer your question; my favourite therapy is whatever suits my clients needs the most. I make sure I only do what I would like to receive.
What is your vision for River Holistic Centre?
I would love to see River Holistic Centre celebrating its 20th year in business with the same clients that were there on the grand opening. My vision is to create a completely integrated complementary and alternative health centre to cater for north Dublin and beyond, for every walk of life and every situation in life. I feel we are almost getting there with 14 therapists offering such an extensive list of therapies, treatments and classes.
If you could choose anyone at all to give a holistic treatment to, who would you like to get your hands on?!
My Husband, Bless him! He hasn’t had a massage off me in probably 10 years! They say never bring your work home with you and unfortunately for him this is the case.
I know you’ve been really busy getting the centre opened while still keeping on your regular clients, how do you like to relax/spend your down time?
My down time is very precious to me, I love spending as much time as I can with my 2-year-old son Flynn and my husband Carl, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them, so be it grabbing an hour to go down to the park and splash in some puddles, or just getting home in time to put Flynn to bed then I’m happy.
What three words would you use to describe the River Holistic Centre?
Welcoming, safe, home.
August Full Moon
Sturgeon Full Moon on the 22nd of August.
Another full moon in Aquarius! The July full moon is also in Aquarius, so this is the second in a row. That usually means the two Moons are linked, and what was focused on around the first one in July is again focused on with this second one in August. It may be that something started in July and finishes in August, or we get an idea of things in July and see culminations in August. This can be the best time for culminations and results, and this may focus on change, the future, our dreams, or the masses. We may gain independence, make strides with innovation, or realize invention and it’s going to bring positivity our way.
FULL MOON RITUALS STURGEON MOON RITUALS:
Water Ritual:
• Take two cups, one with water, one without.
• On the cup with water, pop a post-it note saying what you want to release.
• On the empty cup, pop a post-it note saying what you want to embody and welcome.
• Take the cup with water, and say thank you for the lessons and what you’re being shown to release. Then pour the water into the other cup.
• Visualize yourself becoming all you want to be and drink the water.
Smoke and Sage Ritual:
When doing a full Moon ritual, you will need very simple tools, your sage and or palo santo wood, your shell and stand, a bowl of water, a candle and three pieces of blank paper to write down three things you want to let go of.
Make sure you are doing this in a comfortable space and somewhere that is safe to burn your sage or palo santo wood. Remember to open the window in the room you are in, so the negative can leave your home.
Write down 1 thing you want to let go of on each piece of paper and fold them up.Light your candle and place beside the bowl of water.
Choose 1 piece of paper at a time and set your intention to let this go from your life, take a deep breath and light it from the candle, then place in the water.
Do this for each thing you want to let go of and each time setting your intention.
Once all three things have been released from their hold on you, light your sage and smudge your head and heart and direct it out the window.
This is such a simple technique that you can do anytime you feel a little overwhelmed.
Let’s all release and welcome this full moon.
xx
Claire
Chakra cleansing with crystals
Before you begin to balance, rinse your crystals under cold running water. This removes any contaminants. You can also take notes and write down how you are feeling prior to the balancing process. Using your sage to clear your crystals releasing any negative energy and also clearing the space you intend to do this in. Before you place your crystals make sure to set your intentions of love and balance into them.
Relax and prepare to balance your chakras. Go to a quiet place and lay on your back. Take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly to relax. You can also set the mood with anything else you find relaxing such as music, nature sounds, light some incense or a candle.
- As you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in a healing white light. As you exhale, imagine that you are breathing out all of your stress and negative emotions.
- Your energy is connected to your thoughts. It is important that you have positive thoughts when you are trying to balance your chakras.
A very simple affirmation to have in your head is:
I am happy. My life is full of amazing people, opportunities and love. I am healthy and I have everything that I need. When I take a moment to pause and look at my life, I can see just how blessed I am for all the wonderful things that have formed in my life. I am beyond grateful and my life is full of abundance
Place the crystal on your chakra. Take the crystal that corresponds to your chakra and place it on that chakra. The energy of the crystal will vibrate and restore balance. Imagine that the crystal is glowing and spreading throughout your chakra.
You can place the crystals directly on your skin or on top of your clothes.
Start at the root and work your way up. Place the crown chakra crystal right above your head instead of directly on your head
Allow the crystals to work. The crystals work on their own. You do not have to do anything extra. Leave them in place between five and 10 minutes, and then evaluate how you feel. Make mental or handwritten notes about how you feel. If you feel more balanced, remove the crystals. If you do not feel better, leave the crystals on for another five to 10 minutes.
Remove the crystals. Once you are finished with your session, remove each of the crystals. Start at the crown and work your way down. You do not have to deactivate your crystals.
- Drink a lot of water after your session to continue the balancing process.
Other ways to use your chakra stones:
Sleeping with your crystals:
- Sleep with a chakra bag. Clean your crystals and place them in a small bag. This bag should only be used to hold your crystals. Place the bag under your pillow when you go to sleep at night.
- Before you go to sleep, ask the stones to balance you as you are sleeping.
- You can use the affirmation from above or you can do a visual meditation before you go to sleep. Doing a body scan visualize each chakra at a time starting at the root chakra and working up. You can either see visualize the colour while doing these or send warmth and light to each chakra as you move your way towards the crown chakra.
Carry your crystals.
You can carry your crystals with you as you go about your day. You can carry all seven of your crystals with you, or you can just carry a few that you would like to focus on. Place the crystals as close to your body as you can
- For example, if you are having problems in a relationship, you may carry aventurine crystal around with you to balance your heart chakra.
- You can carry your crystals with you all day or for a specific situation. For example, if you are dealing with anxiety about a presentation you have to do, you may keep a obsidian (Root Chakra) and Sodalite (throat chakra) crystal in your pocket during your presentation. The obsidian will help you with your confidence and the Sodalite can help you with your communication.
- Keeping crystals that correspond with each chakra in your pillowcase, under your pillow or under your mattress can help balance the chakras. You may experience more vivid or even lucid dreaming.
- It helps just to keep the crystal close to you when sleeping and awake.
Selenite, should be cleansed with alternate methods (smoke, sound, moonlight, sunlight), as water will cause them to dissolve. Selenite can naturally charge your crystals for you.
Every full moon be sure to place your cystals somewhere that that they absorb new energy each month.
