I know people do go down the distant learning route because of logistical problems or family commitments. I personally would not,but that's easy for me to say because we don't have kids and there were a number of courses locally for me to choose from. I am so glad I went on such a hands on course and cannot imagine how it would have been otherwise. You need to do what is right for you, but I don't see how a hands on therapy can be learned if you haven't got someone there with you demonstrating and giving feedback on what you're doing.