The Reality of Building a Holistic Therapy Business: A Personal Journey

When I first set out to create my holistic therapy business, years back when I first completed massage training, I had a vision of calm, healing sessions and a peaceful zen-like life making a difference and helping others. 
Think of a head full of unicorns, glitter and rainbows! 
And while these beautiful moments absolutely do exist, the truth is that behind the scenes, building a business and turning a passion into a living, is a rollercoaster of growth, self-discovery and determination. 
If you've ever wondered what it's really like, what it takes, let me share the outline of my journey - the highs, the struggles and everything in between. 

Train, Learn, Grow 
I honestly had no idea how much training lie in wait when I first started this journey and completed my massage qualification. Over the years since, I've immersed myself in additional qualifications, teaching qualifications, years of Essential Oil studies leading into clinical level and have spent countless hours completing CPD courses, continually finding ways to deepen my skills. Whether I have been exploring new trauma release techniques, refining meditation practices, or up-leveling what I can offer, I'm constantly learning because I want to offer the best possible support to my clients. Holistic therapy isn't just a job - it's a way of life, a lifelong commitment to growth, for me and for the clients I work with. 

Behind the Scenes - Big Dreams

While my main love is working with clients, a big part of my work happens behind the scenes - work doesn't stop when the Relax Room door closes.  I'm constantly studying, brainstorming new ways to elevate what I offer, and can be found creating new services, writing manuals and courses, figuring out ways to make sessions even more effective and transformative - always thinking about how I can take things to the next level. It's defintiely not always easy and some days I feel stuck, unsure of the next step or battling the imposter syndrome when it rears it's head. 

My Toughest Battle - Confidence

One of the hardest parts of this journey is facing my fears. Moving my work online, for example, is a huge challenge for me. "Will people judge me? Will they think I am good enough?" These fears are massive blocks I am currently working on and have stopped me from stepping forward in the online world. What I am learning from this, is that confidence doesn't come before action - it comes through taking action. Every time I have pushed through a self-doubt, I grow a little more. And yes, I do still have fears to conquer, and am tackling them one at time while learning to work alongside the fear instead of letting it rule me. 

Website Building and Social Media - Stress and Mess! 

Keeping up with modern times, running a business in this digital focused age, means having online presence! Creating my website is like building an extension of me - so it needs to feel welcoming and warm, yet professional and authentic. This is a huge task - and a masive work in progress as I am doing it all myself, making mistakes and learning as I go along. Keeping it updated feels never ending! 

Then - there's social media, which feels like a full time job in itself! Sharing my message, creating content, and staying consistent while remaining true to myself is a delicate balancing act. But, when someone tells me a post inspired them, or they booked a session because of my website or recommendation online, it makes the eternal hamster wheel running worthwhile, to know I have reached someone in need! 

Supporting Clients Beyond the Sessions

Again, work doesn't finish when the Relax Room door closes! Being a Holistic Therapist isn't a 9-5 job. My clients' needs don't always fit neatly into a schedule, and sometimes that means answering messages late at night or checking in with someone after a big breakthrough. It may mean spending hours researching so the next session is well prepared, for their particular issue. The work goes far beyond the session itself - it's about being there for people in a way that is supportive and authentic, while still honouring boundaries - a balancing act! Very challenging at times, but also very rewarding. 

Finding Your Tribe

One of the greatest joys on this journey is connecting with people who truly resonate with my work - clients, colleagues and other like-minded souls. However, being truthful, it's not always smooth sailing and the unicorns and glitter can easily show up as warthogs and mud bombs (no offence to warthogs, I'm sure they are very cute!). I've faced back stabbing, jealousy and ideas being copied, which at the time felt like a sharp punch in the gut I can tell you. It's hard not to let it get to you, to feel challenged with trusting those you thought were on the same page but as with anything, there are lessons and I've learned to trust in what makes me unique. And that no one can do what I do, in the way that I do it, with my energy. As the saying goes that is trending now says "Let Them" .. let them do what they need, while you focus on yourself and the souls that surround you with support and do what you do best! 

The Sacred Relax Room

My therapy room is a my sanctuary, and I treat it with care and love it deserves. It's a lucky room really, as it definitely gets the most cleaning and care compared to the rest of my home! 

Regular cleanses, crystal cleaning and setting intentions take place to keep the energy clear and vibration high - before every client, after every client and lots inbetween. Every detail, from blankets, layout, scents and lighting is chosen with care to ensure clients feel they are in a safe space and nurtured. Creating the energy in this space is an act of love, both for my clients and for myself. 

The Emotional Weight

This work is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, but it can also carry heavy emotional weight. Holding space for clients as they process trauma, grief or navigate crisis requires resilience and internal balance. That's why self-care as a holistic therapist isn't optional - it's a necessity. Grounding and protection practices, energy clearing, meditation and working with my own healing abilities as well as having sessions with colleagues are what keep me present and able to give my best without taking on the weight of a clients journey. 

Magic Moments

There’s something truly special about seeing a client leave a session feeling lighter, more peaceful, or inspired to take the next step on their journey. Those moments fill my heart with gratitude and remind me why I started all of this. They’re the sparks that keep me moving forward, inspire me to take action, and make even the toughest days feel a little softer, as the challenges seem less intense.

If you’re a client (or someone thinking about becoming one), I want you to know how much care and thought goes into offering you the best heart-centered service, with your well-being at the very core of everything I do.

If you're a fellow holistic therapist struggling along the way, remember that building a holistic practice is a beautiful mix of challenges and rewards. It’s a journey that takes time, patience, and a lot of love.

For me, it’s all about holding space for others while continuously growing and evolving myself. It’s about facing fears, navigating those inevitable setbacks, and celebrating the little wins along the way!

If you are on this path too, I see you! It may not always be easy, but it's so definitely worth it.

Keep going, keep growing and know that you are making a difference in ways you may not even realise. 

With love and sparkles

Vicci xXx