Palliative Care: Reflexology Supporting the Client at End-of-Life

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Course overview

A hundred years ago, death was far more integrated into daily life. Most people died at home, surrounded by family and community, and caring for those who were dying was seen as a natural part of living. Today, however, death has become increasingly compartmentalised. With medical advances and the shift towards hospital and hospice care, many people no longer witness or experience the process of dying first hand. As a result, death can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable — something that happens elsewhere, rather than as a shared human experience.

For reflexologists, this means that working with clients at the end of life can bring unique emotional and practical challenges. Supporting someone during this time requires more than technical skill; it involves understanding the physical changes that occur as the body prepares for death, recognising the emotional and spiritual needs of both the client and their loved ones, and approaching every interaction with sensitivity and respect.

Supporting clients at the end of life is one of the most meaningful and profound areas of reflexology practice. It is not only about adapting treatments — though that is an important part — but about reconnecting with the human side of care: being present, listening, and providing comfort through touch. By deepening your understanding of what happens during this time, both physically and emotionally, you can offer compassionate, informed, and effective support to clients and their families, helping them feel seen, cared for, and valued at one of life’s most significant moments.

With over 20 years’ experience teaching reflexology, I’ve seen how skilled, confident, and informed practitioners can make a genuine difference at this stage of life. This course brings together that depth of knowledge and experience, helping you to strengthen your confidence, refine your practical skills, and enhance your ability to communicate sensitively and professionally with clients, loved ones, and other members of the care team.

This blended course is not just online — it combines flexible online learning with four individual tutorials to guide and support your progress.

Tutorial 1: A welcome session to ensure you’re comfortable with the learning platform and understand how to make the most of your course.
Tutorial 2: Focuses on the foot reflexology routine, exploring how to adapt techniques appropriately and sensitively.
Tutorial 3: Covers the hand reflexology routine, offering alternative approaches for when foot treatments may not be suitable.
Tutorial 4: Dedicated to reflective practice — an invaluable tool for personal and professional growth, especially in this emotionally challenging area of work.

Reflective practice helps you process experiences, recognise your strengths, and identify areas for continued development — essential skills when supporting clients at the end of life.

By the end of this course, you’ll have deepened your understanding, enhanced your practical and emotional confidence, and developed the tools to provide care that truly makes a difference — for your clients and for yourself.

Provide Care that makes a Difference

My name is Dr Jackie James, and I am a reflexologist with over 25 years of experience. I have been running my own reflexology and aromatherapy training school, Calming Influences, for 20 years, supporting practitioners to develop their skills and provide high-quality care to their clients.

In 2024, I completed a Professional Doctorate in Health Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, further enhancing my expertise and understanding of evidence-informed practice.

Supporting clients at the end of life is one of the most meaningful and sensitive areas of reflexology practice. It’s not just about adapting your treatments — though that is an important part — it’s also about understanding what happens during this time, both physically and emotionally, so you can offer effective, compassionate support to clients and their families.

With over 20 years’ experience teaching reflexology, I’ve seen how deeply skilled and informed support can make a difference at this stage of life. This course brings together that knowledge, helping you build confidence in your approach, enhance your communication, and refine your practical skills to meet each client’s unique needs.

I’m passionate about helping therapists reach their full potential, and supporting reflexologists to work confidently and sensitively with clients at the end of life is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.

This course will help you deepen your understanding, enhance your practice, and provide care that truly makes a difference.

Dr Jackie

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Palliative Care: Reflexology Supporting the Client at End-of-Life

Provide Care that makes a Difference

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