Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1256819
N e w ! A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 65 happening can't give informed consent to treatment, which leaves us more likely to miss the mark. At some point, we're all going to say something unskillful. Perhaps a word you think is pretty darn neutral is triggering for your client. Or you let slip a comment or personal opinion that isn't appropriate in the therapeutic space. This is an opportunity to be transparent and to make amends. Simply own what you said; don't ignore it! For instance, "I just heard myself say 'this must be so difficult for you,' when I actually have no idea how you feel about this situation. Please forgive me. I really am interested in the impact, if any, this injury is having on your life." We can maintain curiosity about our work even after a session has ended by following up with our clients. Consider contacting new clients by phone after your initial session to see how they're faring. On the off chance a client is uncomfortable or in pain, you will have an opportunity to remedy the situation. As clients come in over time, take a few moments to review how they felt after their last session, and how well you're meeting their goals. If we're not helping our clients, it's important we know so we can adjust or refer to a more appropriate provider. As a profession, we have a responsibility to shine productive light on the ways we collectively and individually miss the mark. This starts, I believe, with how we teach our work. I'm fortunate to know excellent manual therapy instructors, and one of the things I admire about their approach to teaching is their commitment to presenting their own missteps. This creates a learning environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and skill building. It demonstrates that competence is built over time, with practice and curiosity. It shows that our field is dynamic and that our work can and should change as we gain new information. Miranda Warburton, PhD, 6 anthropologist and teacher of tui na and craniosacral therapy, offered some thoughts on teaching in a recent exchange: "I think it is critical for people to know that not only did I not always do it right, I don't always do it right now, and I am always learning. It is important for both teachers and students not to always have to be right, not always think you know, and not pretend you know when in fact you don't. And, as I learn new information, I want to show that what I perhaps thought was great then, I realize now was not the best. It's an important life lesson about not being complacent, and not doing the same stuff you have always done just because you've always done it. I want to inspire people to do more, to be better." In a learning environment, both instructors and students should expect that we won't be perfect—or even good—at new techniques. After all, these are physical skills we are learning, and physical skills take thousands Shedding light on the ways we bodyworkers miss the mark will help us personally in our own practices.