The Association of Registered Complementary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI)

The Association of Registered Complementary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI) is a voluntary, non-profit, multi-therapy association for qualified complementary health therapists. We grew out of informal meetings of therapists in 1998 who wanted to get to know colleagues, learn about each other's therapies and know where to refer clients. In 1999 the group agreed to form a fully recognized association, and ever since we have aimed to bring therapists from the four corners of Ireland together.

We work on behalf of our members to give them support from fellow therapists, to protect their ability to practice with autonomy, and to promote voluntary self-regulation in Ireland. Our aims include acting as an umbrella association for our members and their therapies, helping to maintain a register of suitably qualified practitioners, improving standards of practice and ethics, and raising awareness of complementary health among the public and health professionals.

Membership is considered only after we review an applicant's qualifications from an accredited institute, association, school or training course, and every member must hold current insurance. We arrange a group practitioner insurance scheme for members and student cover for those still training. Distance or e-learning courses are accepted only alongside in-class tuition or workshops, and never for hands-on bodywork. We are an association for complementary therapists, so we are not suitable for practitioners whose work is mainly beauty therapy. Full and student memberships are available.

If you are looking for a therapist, you can use the Find a Therapist search on our website, which lists accepted members, and read about the many therapies our members practice in our Find a Therapy section, from acupuncture and aromatherapy to reflexology, Reiki and yoga. We also list training schools and courses for people who want to train.

Our address is in Lisnagry, County Limerick, and we welcome enquiries from therapists and the public through the contact details on our website.