2 mins
HOLISTIC APPROACH
Monica Price, the Federation of Holistic Therapists’ new CEO, tells Lollie Hancock about her plans for expansion, pushing for regulation and why holistic therapy is seeing a resurgence
What made you decide to step into the role of chief executive?
“I enjoy my work in the media and working alongside companies to produce seminars, but volunteering for the NHS during the pandemic pushed me to look at the direction I was going in. I realised I wanted to work with a charity or non-profit.
“As a therapist myself, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to share my other skills gained from my work in business and the media and use them in the role.
The FHT has been without a chief executive for a while, so I know the role is going to be a challenge, but it’s one that I’m up for.”
What are your goals and plans for the FHT?
“As it’s a members’ association, there’s a huge focus on expanding what we provide for members, as well as who can join us.
We’re currently partnered with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care but we are coming out of their register to create our own.
“By having our own therapists’ register, we can open to modalities such as beauty therapists, sports therapists and others who were unable to join through the PSA. This will allow us to expand our membership and open up opportunities for members.
“For example, we want to support beauty therapists post-Covid-19 and give them the tools to build up their income and their business. I’ll be trialling two business sessions in January for our members, covering a range of topics like reviving your business, looking at marketing strategies, social media, and gaining new clients. Hopefully we’ll offer these across the country.”
What are the key challenges you face and how will you overcome them?
“One challenge will be supporting our members who are struggling financially. So many therapists have either lost their businesses or moved into other treatment areas to try to make money and survive the pandemic. The challenge will be to get them through the end of the pandemic by giving them all the tools and advice they need to help them and their businesses.”
What skills are you bringing from your previous roles?
“I worked as a business consultant, so I understand how a strong website and good social media presence are crucial elements when running a business. We’re going to develop a new FHT website and up our social media game, and I think my previous experience will certainly help with that.”
Why do you think there has been a resurgence in holistic therapy?
“Covid-19 has made a lot of people think about health, probably for the first time in many years. People are more aware of how their health can be impacted and conscious of looking after themselves, so are turning to holistic therapy and other alternatives to health care and wellness.”
What’s your biggest passion within holistic therapy?
“Pushing for better regulations within the industry. I’m involved in parliamentary groups lobbying for this. Like any industry, regulations are something we need in order to be taken seriously, and something we’re lacking. It won’t happen overnight, but pushing for the conversation is a good place to start.”