Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1276187
Adapt Session Pace and Depth of Pressure The general rule of thumb for adapting the session to your observations is to apply light to moderate pressure at a quicker pace if the client presents with lethargy and depression. Or, if the client presents with agitation or high anxiety, to apply deeper pressure at a slower pace. Your best tool, however, is to trust your instincts. If you sense the need for slow and deep, give slow and deep. If you sense lighter and quicker, be light and quick. This might also vary throughout the session. Trust. And ask, "Would you like me to slow my pace or speed things up?" or "Would you like me to apply deeper pressure or to lighten my depth?" "Is this OK for you?" is too vague. Be specific. Giving clear options will give you the information you need to focus distinctly on the client's needs. Direct Stories Into the Body Clients might be talkative and unintentionally use you as a counselor. It's fine to allow clients to express themselves. However, by directing stories into physical sensations, you keep the scope of your work where it belongs—in the body. For example, if a client is expressing distress, you might ask, "As you say that, what are you feeling in your body?" If this is a new practice for the client, you might make suggestions such as, "Is there tightness in your throat? Butterflies or heaviness in your belly? Tension in your jaw? Do you feel dizzy? Are your fists clenched?" These are common physiological responses to stress. Then, direct the client to place their full attention on this sensation and breathe space into it. Ask them to give that spot their full focus for 30–60 seconds. Have them report when they feel a shift or change, and then empower them to use this practice anytime they have a high or heavy emotion. Allow Tears If emotion surfaces strongly enough for your client to release through tears (even sobbing), gently say, "Please feel free to feel. You are safe and supported here." Then, slow your pace, place intent of loving kindness into your hands, and simply let it be. No further coaching is necessary, and it is not your job to fix anything, ask questions, or counsel them. Just be there and take slow deep breaths yourself as the emotion moves through. THE GIFT OF SUFFERING The work we do is a gift. As we observe and touch a client's body, we come in contact with the human spirit. In times of turmoil, we contact suffering. Sometimes this calls it to the surface, makes it conscious, and promotes healing. In the words of Eckhart Tolle in his book A New Earth, "In the midst of conscious suffering, there is already the transmutation. The fire of suffering becomes the light of consciousness." 1 Note 1. Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose, 10th ed. (New York: Penguin Publishing, 2008), 102. Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She maintains a private practice as a massage and yoga instructor. Contact her at cynthialynn@massagetherapy.com. Hold the Feet I like to begin and end a session by holding the client's feet. This creates a sensation of grounding and also directs attention away from the mind's swirling thoughts. You can also return here at any time during the session. If a client becomes particularly aroused emotionally, you can ask them to describe what sensations they notice in their feet, such as the weight of the drape, soreness, heat, prickling, etc. It immediately redirects attention from head to feet, which is naturally calming. It also gives an opportunity for you to feel your own feet. If sensations arise within you, as mentioned above (dizziness, waves of emotion, etc.), you can direct that energy current through your body, out your feet, and into the earth so it doesn't land inside of you, causing you secondary distress. CL ASSROOM TO CLIENT C h e c k o u t A B M P 's 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 . 27