How to become a Sophrologist? Salary, Opportunities and Mentoring

The French’s growing enthusiasm for gentle methods of well-being and alternatives to traditional medicine puts sophrology at the front of the stage. Empathetic, and concerned about the well-being of others, does this discipline interest you? Regulations, essential qualities and tips for getting started: we tell you everything!

What is Sophrology?

Sophrology is a non-tactile oral method intended for the research of well-being in the patient. The practice was invented in the 1960s by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Kedo. The objectives of sophrology are varied, and are adapted to the needs of the patient.

Main areas of action include:

• Management of stress and anxiety;
• preparing for a competition, an exam, or childbirth;
• support during addiction withdrawal;
• Management of post-traumatic symptoms;
• Relief from sleep disorders.

To guide their patients toward their goals, the sophrologist relies exclusively on oral methods. The use of relaxation, breathing exercises, and guided visualization to get into a state of muscle relaxation is a key feature of sophrology. The sophrologist helps his patients visualize their abilities and mobilize their resources.

Is graduation necessary to become a sophrologist?

Sophrology is not a regulated health profession. It is a liberal profession, for which no diploma is mandatory. However, it is strongly recommended to follow certified training. This will bring you many benefits:

• validity : Having certification makes it possible to legitimize your establishment and possibly differentiate you from your competitors.
• Confidence Sophrology: Being a discipline of letting go in the process of wellness, your clients will be more confident if you have followed certified training.
• professionalism : It is not enough to have solid human qualities to be a good sophrologist! By taking this type of training you can learn to trade and strengthen your skills.

Today, there is only one professional sophrology certification registered with the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certification) at Level 5. On the other hand, it is not a state-issued diploma.

What are the qualities and skills required to become a good Sophrologist?

Sophrology is a profession focused on the human, and intended for well-being. Therefore human qualities are essential to be successful as a sophrologist:

• hear ;
• kindness ;
• Patience ;
• sympathy ;
• respect.

In general, you should have good interpersonal skills and be able to establish a bond of trust with your patients.

Beyond human qualities, you must possess professional skills. If you decide to become a freelancer like most actors in the profession, you need to be able to manage administrative and organizational tasks as well as the communications around your activity.

What is the legal status to become a Sophrologist?

Before starting sophrology, it’s important to think carefully about the legal position you want to adopt.

Micro-enterprise, through to auto-entrepreneur status, is the most popular option for sophrologists. This positioning is flexible, quick and easy to set up, and allows you to benefit from lower taxation. On the other hand, your turnover is limited to €72,600 per year, as it is a liberal profession. Today, 80% of sophrologists work as auto-entrepreneurs, and this position is recommended by the Chambre Syndicale de Sophrology.

Other statutes exist: Single-person limited liability company (EURL), or single-person simplified joint-stock company (SASU) are options that have other advantages. We will specifically consider the protection of your personal assets and the absence of an annual turnover limit. On the other hand, these methods have a heavy administrative burden.

What are the rules for practicing sophrology?

The profession of Sophrologist is an irregular profession. This means that any adult can practice without authorization or diploma, and will not be under control.

On the other hand, if you decide to settle into a practice, there are rules to follow. The latter must meet special safety standards, as well as for the reception of people with disabilities.

5 Tips for Success as a Sophrologist

choose the right course

Although training is not mandatory to practice sophology, it is strongly recommended. Many training courses exist but we recommend that you choose a certified course registered with the RNCP. Many organizations offer this type of training, such as:

• Sophrology Training Institute;
• French Society of Sophrology;
• Formashanti;
• Paris Academy of Sophrology.

In addition, it is important to have documentary surveillance to observe new methods and practices in the profession. It will also allow you to broaden the range of your equipment to be able to support your customers individually.

Define your way of working

As an eclectic sophrologist, you are free to choose the way you work. In general, the first step is to discuss it with your patient to identify their problems and define their individual objectives. You then set the number of sessions you deem appropriate. During these sessions, there are many tools at your disposal: breathing exercises, guided visualizations, relaxation, and more. These devices should be prioritized according to your patient’s objectives. Remote sophrology sessions are a possibility. However, they are less common, as a physical session is more suitable for relaxation as well as building a bond of trust between therapist and patient.

Finally, several session configurations exist: they can be in your practice, at the patient’s home, or in companies. Many companies call on sophrologists to intervene with their teams for the purpose of helping them manage their stress and mobilize their resources in a professional setting. This is also the case with retirement homes or EHPADs that want their residents to benefit from these sessions.

find your patient

Establishing your patient base is essential to ensure the sustainability of your activity: A large base of regular patients ensures your income, especially if you establish yourself as a self-employed entrepreneur.

Word of mouth does a particularly good job in this area. Moving closer to healthcare professionals, or educational structures such as schools, high schools, or higher education establishments can present great opportunities. Finally, companies are more and more fond of sophrologists’ intervention with their employees.

Equip yourself with the right tools

In order to begin your practice and begin your activity, you must complete the legal procedures for declaring your status. It will also be important to find out about opening a professional bank account as part of your activity, as well as taking out insurance dedicated to the sophrologist.

To ensure daily management of your activity, it is essential to equip yourself with the right tools! In particular, we will think about:

• An online appointment booking tool: It is necessary to facilitate contact with the patient.
• Organization Management Software: This can go hand in hand with the appointment booking tool, so that you can organize your sessions as per your availability.
• An electronic payment terminal: To allow its patients to pay for sessions by credit card.

Adopt a confident communication strategy

The profession of sophrologist is not being regulated, you are likely to be advertised around your activity. For example, having a clear and reassuring professional website helps take your future customers into confidence. You can also establish appropriate communication on social and business networks, or get featured in local newspapers. The tone you use in your communication is essential: Sophrology is a gentle practice that complements traditional medicine. This dimension of well-being and relaxation should be felt in your communication, both in essence and form.

questions to ask