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time), pause and evaluate how it is going and renew your interest in continuing. P REVENTION AND TROUBLESHOOTING There are two issues that can reliably get a group into trouble. The first problem: time hoarding. You want to be sure to divide time as evenly as possible. Generally, no one minds getting a little shortchanged as the client occasionally, but a practitioner who constantly requires extra time will create resentment. The second multi-hands study group hindrance is the silent treatment. Concerns, especially table concerns, need to be taken seriously because of the intensity of the sessions. If someone is in pain or feels disrespected or belittled, it can escalate at lightning speed and quickly lead to irreparable hard feelings and even the dissolution of the group. Whether in the role of the client, the primary, or a secondary, if something doesn't feel right, you need to speak up immediately. Often, others might begin to feel things are not right, but don't quite understand it yet and are glad you spoke up. A group that stops the session to discuss and work through the problem will be that much stronger moving forward. C OLLABORATION IS CRUCIAL Establishing working relationships with other practitioners you respect and trust results in a common language and understanding of each other's approaches, making it easy and beneficial to consult with the others about complex cases (as long as the client has signed a waiver). Furthermore, when I refer a client to a practitioner I have worked with, I can facilitate that client's transition to the new practitioner by describing firsthand everything from directions to the office to the practitioner's mannerisms. I have even brought in other practitioners to work with me, simultaneously, on clients. Below is one example. Case History I was working with a young man with hydrocephalus and Asperger's syndrome. He had always rocked his head gently from side to side, but had recently started jerking his head back and forth violently. In fact, it was becoming so violent, the doctor was afraid he could tear his jugular vein. While he and I had made progress on several other issues, he was still experiencing occasional violent head jerks. I asked and received permission from the client and his mother to bring in an acupuncturist to work with us. Since the acupuncturist and I had worked together before in the multi-hands session, we knew how to work well together. In a few sessions, the client's violent jerking stopped. Now, the three of us meet together once a month. It is both social (extremely beneficial for this particular client) and very productive. Working with a "true" client, instead of other practitioners, clearly makes the client the priority. The other therapist and I only discuss what we notice or think after asking the client's permission every time. I have brought in and been brought in to sessions with acupuncturists, medical doctors, other craniosacral therapists, and naturopaths for problems ranging from needle shock to digestive issues to posttraumatic stress disorder. C OURAGEOUS OUTCOMES A successful multi-hands study group takes commitment, honesty, a desire to learn, patience with the group process, and a dash of courage. The benefits are enormous, including an opportunity for learning about and helping other people, exploring other bodywork approaches, and personal growth. What perks will you discover from working in a multi-hands study group? Jana Panter, ND, is a naturopathic physician and certified craniosacral therapist. She practices craniosacral therapy exclusively, working with all client populations, from infants to the elderly. She'd love your comments about the article, and may be reached at jpanter@oceanabodyworks. com. Her website, www.oceanabodyworks. com, includes a link to her new blog. Watch for her book, What If You Could?, coming soon. THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-HANDS STUDY GROUPS What Kinds of Therapies Work for a Multi- Hands Study Group? There are two criteria for what kinds of bodywork will work best in a multi-hands group: • Therapies that don't require movement of the client's body. • Therapeutic doctrines that believe in the body's internal wisdom and, therefore, focus on the client's internal source for direction and guidance. C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 97