We speak to Alan Harris of Chakrascension ahead of his FHT Training Conference 2023 seminar on why and how he became a therapist, and why teaching is one of the most beneficial practices…
How did you get into the industry and become a therapist?
I would say that there have been two major influences in my life that have resulted in my taking on the role of a teacher/therapist. The first influence was my curiosity about the meaning of life and human existence; a phase most people go through. From an early age I was always interested in metaphysics and spirituality. I read many books on metaphysics and mysticism in order to try to gain some understanding of the human condition.
The common denominator in most of these books was that ultimately all physical existence is
composed of constantly moving energy even though our senses tell us the world around us is solid and static. My greatest wish was to connect to this energy and experience it directly. The second influence was my interest in health and well–being. I always enjoyed sport and being physically active but wished to follow an academic route for a career. I therefore went to University and did an English degree and started off in a series of office jobs. At the same time, I began dance training as a hobby.
I soon realised that dancing was far more fulfilling to me than working in an office and
was then lucky enough to have the opportunity to become a professional dancer. Obviously as a dancer it is vital to maintain one’s health and so I became interested in nutrition and various forms of complementary therapies such as massage, reflexology, osteopathy etc. When I stopped dancing I decided to keep my connection to dance and became a teacher of dance at various dance studios. I was then approached by a college who needed a dance lecturer and because I had a degree, I was able to teach within the education system whilst the College paid for me to gain my PGCE.
By some synchronicity it was while I was starting my college work that I was introduced to Reiki by an associate of mine who was a yoga teacher. This resulted in my training in Usui Reiki. I found it
amazing that I could connect to and experience an energy which could have a positive impact on my wellbeing and help me to achieve deep relaxation; something I always struggled with. This
experience helped me re-connect with my interest in metaphysics and spirituality. It was during this period that I began to develop the Chakrascension therapy which I now offer as a short course with the FHT. I was also fortunate that the College funded my training in Anatomy and Physiology, reflexology, aromatherapy and Swedish and sports massage which gave me a greater understanding of complementary therapies in general.
However, my real passion is with energy therapy and after retiring from teaching dance I can now
focus on treating and teaching Chakrascension and Reiki.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a therapist and teacher?
My chief joy both as a therapist and teacher is meeting new people and seeing the impact energy work has upon their wellbeing and how it can help them release stress and anxiety from their lives. As a therapist it is especially rewarding to introduce clients to energy therapy and to see how amazed they are when they feel the warmth and comfort of the treatment. I also believe that the sense of security that clients feel within the treatment empowers them to recognise and confront the traumatic experiences which are the source of the stress from which they are suffering. This is an important part of the healing process. Teaching of energy work is particularly rewarding when you see the delight of the client as they channel energy for the first time. Also, one never stops learning and developing new teaching skills and techniques.
What challenges have you had to overcome as a therapist?
As an energy therapist it is important to realise that everyone has a different reaction to the treatment. I have occasionally given treatments where the client has not really felt anything. When I first started treating this would affect my confidence. I eventually realised that it is important not to doubt oneself or the effectiveness of the therapy. If you believe in the main principle of energy therapy (that you are a channel for the energy) then you have to accept that for some reason the client did not connect to the energy on that occasion. If you give 10 treatments and nine of them are successful do not concentrate on the one that did not seem a success.
As a teacher one of the main challenges when teaching a large group is to manage the dynamics of that group. Sometimes there is a member of the group who wants all the attention. I realised that it is important to maintain control of the situation by ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to speak. This becomes easier with experience and you learn to identify the attention seeker quickly and ensure they do not take over.
What is your FHT Conference 2023 seminar about and what can viewers expect to gain from it?
My seminar is to help people who are thinking about making the transition from therapist to teacher or to share ideas with existing teachers who wish to improve their teaching practice. I will be
focusing on student/client based teaching, helping to devise teaching aids which encompasses different learning styles to accommodate a range of learners, differentiating between teaching and learning and suggesting ways in which you can assess that learning is taking place.
My approach will not be academic but I hope to give practical suggestions to make your teaching experience positive. I also aim to ensure that your student/client has an enjoyable and positive experience as well.
What is it about your topic that appeals to you and why is it useful for other therapists?
I believe that teaching is a most rewarding and satisfying job and I want to encourage more therapists to explore the possibility of becoming a teacher. I also believe that by teaching we make a
deeper connection to the energy because we are analysing and finding new ways to explain and explore the principles of energy work. Therefore, by teaching we become better therapists and can give more detailed feedback to clients.
On a more practical note, if you become a successful teacher, you are providing yourself with an added income stream.
What is one piece of advice you have or have received?
Have self-belief and use every avenue to promote yourself. I struggle with social media on a personal level, but I use it to promote myself and my therapies. No matter how wonderful the product or
service you are offering if no one knows about it you will not be successful.
What do you consider the most important traits or skills for a therapist to have?
Communication skills are essential both as a talker and listener and in your body language and presentation skills. Make sure your practice is client centred, listen to them and respond
accordingly so that they feel confident in your ability.
Make sure that you act in a professional manner by being on time and dressed appropriately. Take the lead from your client whether they want to be addressed informally or formally and always try to
put them at ease. If they have a good experience, they will be back.
What is your goal for 2023?
I wish to grow the energy therapy which I have developed, along with Robert Nutt, called Chakrascension. I intend to improve my use of the promotional power of social media and use the reach of the FHT to encourage existing therapists to add Chakrascension to their practice.
Find out more about Alan Harris’ seminar on our FHT Conference page here.
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