2 minute read
Jennifer Young: making spas all inclusive
Jennifer Young is a recognised expert in specialist skincare for those living with and beyond cancer. Beauty Despite Cancer works alongside the Jennifer Young Training School to create accredited protocols for oncology touch therapies.
“What we’re giving the client with oncology touch therapies is normality,” she says. “That’s the focus of our training. We’re aiming to treat that client in the same fabulous way we would everyone else.”
Young says that whether or not a specific cancer touch menu is offered, excellence is the key: “Until we have enough adequately trained therapists, offering a set treatment with a known protocol can be the best option for some spas; it’s better to offer something that’s done really well.”
Addressing fear
Conversations around cancer touch care have moved the industry on, says Young. “When we started cancer touch training, the therapists arrived scared, now they come in excited and raring to go,” she explains. “We used to start by addressing fear and reassuring therapists, but we no longer need to do that. Now we must develop our ability to work with anyone who walks through the door by giving therapists the confidence not to have to discriminate.
“It’s criminal not to welcome people who are affected by cancer. It’s blatant discrimination. There is no reason for it. Whatever excuse is in the mind of the general manager or spa director, it’s irrelevant. We’re a caring, healing industry and this should be a fundamental part of our role.”
