Here's an interview I conducted with Rachelle Rodrigues, a sound healer I've been putting together acting workshops with.
How did you get into sound healing? How long have you been doing this? When did you start?
Sound therapy found me! I have been using Sound for about 10 years, starting in 2001.
After the birth of my daughter I was looking for a new career. I was asked to be a client for a filming session of Sound Therapy. I loved it and trained shortly after.
Was the training expensive and how long did it take?
At the time it cost approximately £2,000 and took two years.
You work from home. Why? What are the benefits and pitfalls any new therapist should be aware of?
I work from home at the moment but have hired healing rooms many times. Both have worked well for me depending on my situation, the price of hire and flow of clients.
Space, peace and quiet are the main concerns. Keeping accurate accounts is important and changes working from home. Less travel is good though.
What other expenses do you incur being self-employed?
You may need to pay for an accountant to help with accounts and tax returns.
Sound healing is effective for many issues and on many levels, and is non-obtrusive, no recorded negative side effects
How do you market yourself? What marketing tips do you have?
I have found that most of my clients come through word-of-mouth referrals. Having a website and leaflets, being available to talk personally or via phone have been a very important part in giving people a chance to get to know their possible therapist or therapy.
With sound therapy experience seems the best 'sell'. I offer group sessions at affordable prices as a taster.
I usually hire a community hall or use a client’s home they invite friends. I have simply looked up festivals online during the summer months & again offered tasters and group sessions and private one-to-one sessions.
This doesn’t always generate much income directly but I have made good contacts, promotions, sold CDs and gained future clients.
Where do you see sound healing in the alternative health arena?
I see its growth as extremely exciting. It is very effective for many issues and on many levels, and is non-obtrusive, no recorded negative side effects. Sound and vibrations are the fundamental source of creation. Everything is frequency!
Any memorable experiences that stick out for you?
I was recording a CD in a studio in Rome. I played Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls and percussion, and did toning and over-toning for about 45 minutes while the producers listened in the equipment room. They were hearing the sound and also watching real representational shapes the sounds made.
Afterwards I met them and they were fascinated. They had never seen this with other musical instruments.
The shapes looked like sacred geometry and crop circles, very complex geometric shapes with rainbow colours. It was amazing to have actual tangible proof of the connection between sound, colour and shape.
Any tips on dealing with clients?
People need to feel safe, often need time to talk and be listened to. Be respectful but keep appropriate boundaries. It’s good to have regular supervision, which will help you to deal with things that may come up.
How do you deal with no-shows and last-minute cancellations?
If someone cancels within 24 hours they are still liable to pay in full for the session. I have been very lucky with the clients I have had!
I have noticed that these issues occur more often with free sessions or offers! When clients choose for themselves and have to pay a fee they are usually committed.
Do you think people know enough about sound healing? Is this something that would be available at the NHS for example?
I think more people know about sound therapy now than when I started. People are actually looking for a sound therapist these days, whereas before they didn’t know we existed.
That said, it’s still relatively unknown. I think it would be excellent if it was available via the NHS. There is a lot of sound work going on in hospitals so that’s very interesting.
It would help also if people could claim on private health insurance, which may be a thing of the future as some alternative and complementary therapies are.
Any other top tips?
It can take time to set up a practice, so be patient - no pun intended! Do a job that inspires you, and take good care of yourself!
