About Sharon Stathis
Summary
Sharon Stathis is an international educator, author and holistic health practitioner based in Brisbane, Australia. Sharon is co-director of Feel-good Health Services with her psychologist husband Richard Rigby.
Sharon created the concept of Ayurvedic Reflexology in 2003.
For information about Ayurvedic Reflexology workshops please click on SMART workshop information.
Furthering the cause of Reflexology
Sharon is a Charter member of the International Council of Reflexologists. In 2007 Sharon received the Ollie Bailey Service award for her contribution to Reflexology.
Sharon has been presented with a special award by the Reflexology Association of Australia (Qld branch) in recognition by her peers for her contribution to the growth of the Reflexology industry in Australia. She is a founding member of the Reflexology Association of Australia, and in 2006 she was awarded Life Membership of that Association.
Sharon is a qualified workplace assessor and trainer. She was an assessor for the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process for reflexologists applying for entry to the Reflexology Association of Australia. Sharon wrote the original entry assessment criteria for the association.
Sharon helped develop the curriculum for the first Nationally (Government) Accredited Reflexology certificate course in Australia. In the early 1990’s she also founded the Reflexology Academy of Brisbane (RAB), a Nationally Accredited teaching college. This was the first Reflexology college in Australia to receive Government Accreditation.
She administered the RAB and taught there for nine years. The Academy had a part time staff of seven lecturers with an additional four specialist lecturers. Through the RAB, over one hundred students completed the certification programme to to become qualified reflexology practitioners. The RAB offered one of the most comprehensive reflexology education programmes available in Australia at the time.
Private practice
Sharon’s clinic is presently closed. When her clinic reopens, Sharon will continue to conduct a private practice applying the skills of Ayurvedic Reflexology. She started using her Ayurvedic Reflexology technique for the first time in 2003. For thirteen years prior to this, Sharon had maintained a busy private practice in remedial massage, reiki, conventional reflexology and aromatherapy.
History
Originally Sharon trained as a Nurse and was registered in 1968. During her extensive nursing career, Sharon has worked in several of Brisbane’s major public hospitals. Her nursing experience includes general nursing, midwifery, paediatrics and psychiatry. She also worked as an occupational health nurse in the private sector.
Sharon began studying Natural Therapies in 1986. After gaining numerous qualifications in this area, she moved from nursing to take up full-time private practice as a Natural Therapist. She has successfully combined her nursing knowledge with natural therapies to provide a truly holistic approach to health care. Her aim as a clinical practitioner is to deliver the highest standard of quality care to her clients.
Sharon introduced Reflexology to the Mater Misericordiae Public Hospital and was granted ethical approval to conduct research on the effect of reflexology in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Professional qualifications
Sharon’s professional qualifications include: Registered Nurse (general & midwifery), certified Reflexologist, certified Reiki practitioner, certified Aromatherapist and certified Remedial massage therapist.
Current membership of societies
Member Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), 1992 – current
Charter Member International Council of Reflexologists, 1992 – current
Founding member & Life member Reflexology Association of Australia, 1990 – current
Past positions: executive committee member, state delegate and RPL assessor
Courses attended since 1986
Sharon has attended numerous courses with respected national and international presenters. They include the areas of: Acupressure, aromatherapy, Ayurveda, body work, massage & touch, energy balancing & healing, traditional health & research, reiki, reflexology, sound, voice & colour, teaching skills, and other miscellaneous courses.
Sharon’s earlier teaching (1989 to 2001)
Sharon was owner & director of the Reflexology Academy of Brisbane. Among the courses that Sharon taught were:
Reflexology for Beginners
Reflexology Levels 1, 2, 3
Supervised Clinical Practice
Professional Practice Skills
Anatomy and Physiology
Swedish Massage
Career history includes experience in the following areas:
Nursing
Natural therapies practice
Natural therapies teaching
Curriculum research & development
Community Involvement
Administration
Sharon’s therapy sessions
“I acknowledge and respect the natural ability to heal that is possessed by every living creature.
The healing methods that I use are designed to enhance this natural healing process.”
Techniques and approach
A unique combination of foot therapies is the primary focus for my work. My therapy includes contemporary Western reflexology, traditional Ayurvedic (Indian) foot techniques and aromatherapy.
Reflexology
Reflexology has gained wide acceptance throughout the world as a safe and effective therapy to help attain and maintain health and well being. Reflexology is the most perfect healing art for today’s stresses. It encourages a deep state of mental and physical relaxation – perfect for healing.
During a typical reflexology session, a variety of hand techniques are applied to the feet, hands and or ears of the client. The feet, hands and ears are considered to be individual mini-maps of the whole body, so that any stimulus that is applied to the extremities will have a ‘reflex’ action in the corresponding part of the body. Reflexology directly influences the nervous and circulatory systems.
Ayurvedic foot techniques
Ayurveda is the ancient, traditional healing system of India. It is considered the ‘mother’ of modern Western medicine. Considerable emphasis is placed on maintaining wellness through healthy living practices and regular body massage. Foot massage (Padabhyanga) plays an important role in this process.
The hand techniques that are used on the feet respect the direction in which the subtle energy (Prana) flows in the body. Vital energy centres (Marmas) are energised, and a traditional, warmed, bronze Kasa bowl is rubbed on the soles of the feet to aid detoxification and support specific body functions – a wonderful experience!
Aromatherapy
The oils used in the application of aromatherapy are known as essential oils. They are aromatic, highly concentrated, volatile oils extracted from plants. There is much research available to reinforce their valuable use in many areas of health care. They affect mental, emotional and physical well being. The essential oils used in this clinic are of the highest quality and are guaranteed “100% Pure & Natural”. They are obtained from reputable suppliers around the globe. Australian, organic, cold extracted sesame oil is used as the primary vegetable oil base for the aromatherapy blend.
The session
Clients are required to complete a comprehensive health questionnaire for the first consultation. The questionnaire is usually posted out when the initial appointment is made. It is then presented at the first session. A complete medical and surgical history helps me to tailor make a therapy session that best meets the individual needs of each client.
Mutual goals are established at the commencement of each therapy session. A blend of essential oils specific to individual needs is prepared and applied to the feet during the session. Maximum comfort is ensured as the client lies on his/her back during the application. The ‘hands on’ component of the session will usually take around 45 minutes. It is preferred that socks are worn immediately after the session (if only for a short time) to allow the aromatherapy oils to continue absorption through the skin of the feet.
Therapy facilities
I provide a state of the art, electronically controlled therapy couch to ensure maximum client comfort and accessibility. The therapy area is located beside a large glass bay window looking out onto a beautiful rainforest and garden setting with ponds and waterfalls. The area is private and quiet – a perfect environment for healing.
Fees
When my clinic reopens, my fee structure will be publicised.
The one hour session includes time for concluding payment and making new appointments (as required).
Payments can be made by cash, cheque or credit card. Master card, Visa card & EFTPOS facilities are available.
You may be eligible for a part refund if you are privately insured.
A medical referral is not required.
Appointments
As previously mentioned, my clinic is temporarily closed.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee. Cancellation with less than 2 hours notification may attract payment of the full fee. Non attendance without prior notification may also attract payment of the full fee.
Change of information
If any of your personal details should change during the course of your professional contact with me, could you please let me know.
Privacy policy
As your therapist, I am committed to providing an excellent standard of care in every respect. My aim is to maintain client information in the strictest of confidence, to protect your well being and establish a secure and trustworthy relationship.
My practice complies with the Commonwealth Privacy Act in relation to the management of personal information. Only details relevant to the provision of your care will be collected. These details can be wide ranging as I am committed to act in your best interests by obtaining a thorough assessment of your condition and all contributing factors. Records are stored in a secure and confidential manner.
Your personal information will normally be available only to myself, except when:
1. it is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. failure to disclose the information could place you or another person at risk; or
3. your prior approval has been obtained to:
(a) provide a written report to another professional or agency e.g. a Doctor or a Lawyer; or
(b) discuss the material with another person e.g. your Doctor or another therapist.
In addition, information which in no way identifies you may be discussed with another therapist for the purposes of peer supervision, to ensure that the highest quality treatment is being provided to assist you.
You also have the right to access your health data at any time.