Vertical reflex therapy (Booth)

Domain X · Body, movement, breath & physical · Lynne Booth · 2000

What it is

These principles shape the psychotherapist's stance when VRT is being considered. Each gives a one-line practical meaning.

Format

• Format, as published: VRT is delivered by a reflexologist. The client stands and the practitioner works the dorsal foot reflexes, or works on the hands and nails. The publisher frames the foot technique as a five-minute method. The developer's channel describes using VRT briefly at the start and…
• Typical reflexology session frame (context): Reflexology services describe an assessment, an explanation of the treatment, written consent, the treatment itself, and aftercare advice. NHS consent forms cover a set number of treatments and the client can withdraw consent at any time.

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Referral: refer to a qualified reflexologist, ideally one registered with the CNHC or an Association of Reflexologists member, who has VRT training.
• Who delivers it and how they are credentialed: VRT training: The developer's channel says VRT can be learned on a one-day course and that the course is fully accredited for online training by the FHT and the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). The channel describes VRT as applied within classical reflexology sessions, so it is in practice an add-on for qualified reflexologists. Whether the course formally requires…
• UK: Reflexology is not statutorily regulated. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) keeps a voluntary register, so anyone can still use the title "reflexologist". The CNHC Reflexology core curriculum (November 2023) sets a minimum training at Level 3 (England and Wales) equivalent: at least 630 total study hours and at least 100 documented treatments, with independent practical assessment. A…

Evidence status, as the guide reports it

• Evidence status: Ernst's 2009 systematic review of 18 randomised trials of reflexology concluded that the evidence "does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition". It does not mention the vertical technique. No independent controlled trial of…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Does it use a device, heat, cold, water or a physical procedure? Has a medical professional checked that it is safe for you?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• Compulsive or prolonged self-pressure causing soreness, and reliance on the routine to avoid medical care.
• Mixed messages between the two professionals, for example the practitioner interpreting emotions through "reflex points".
• Pressure from the client to combine the two. Watch also for blurred roles and for your own wish to "do more". Take these to supervision.
• Disappointment, or a sense that the client's hopes are being dismissed. Be respectful of the client's choice. Watch also for magical thinking about organ points.
• The client imagining something more invasive or more medical than this. Also listen for the client expecting a cure because of the "five-minute results" marketing.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.