a community of practitioners

Dealing with the "talkative" student

We have several students who are unruley talkers during clinic time. When they are the "therapist" they let it all out. We have tried to address this in class and stress that a massage is supposed to be the client's session not theirs, but at this point it hasn't stopped them. Any pointers?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeff Sims on March 11, 2010 at 4:20pm

this is an important issue in our (and other) profession(s) Melissa. it can be frustrating -- especially if you're the client, or the teacher.

perhaps ask the students about their intention(s). what are they thinking about when they are providing "therapy"? are they thinking about the quality of the tissue, the range of motion, the symmetry of the body and are they thinking about their own body and bio-mechanics?

clients can initiate the talking inadvertently. i teach therapists to always turn the discussion to the client's body and how the client feels. this tends to turn the client's thoughts inward and silences the discussion.

do they know that practicing dysfunctional behaviors will sabotage their careers? clients will not return to (and employers are not likely to keep) therapists that are not practicing massage therapy consciously and conscientiously.

finally, we all need therapy. massage school students can be under considerable stress as work, family and school needs compete. it seems like one or more of these talkative students might consider their health and address those needs in a more functional way, by spending quality time talking with someone close (e.g., family member or friend) or if need be, a professional (e.g., psycho-therapy).

Permalink Reply by Sandy Fritz on March 11, 2010 at 4:34pm

Firm rules- talking allowed only when gathering infromation about massage from practice client or obtaining or providing feedback. Any discussion must pertain directly to massage. Where is the clinic instructor. I walk around constantly and if I hear conversation that falls outside the set rules I tell them to get back on track. How old are these students. Younger ones need to learn professional conduct. Older ones often need to learn to mind their own business.

Permalink Reply by Jenny Ray on March 11, 2010 at 6:41pm

This is a serious topic...nothing worse than non-professional actions..and this is the worst...you might suggest they drop out of massage and become a bar tender..(sorry bar tenders!) the younger ones seem to be the worst i am embarrassed at how I have to discipline them in my classes...I teach only Geothermal Therapy (stones) ....one day it got so bad with one young lady that repeated reminders and sharp comments failed too many times...so I handed her a nice little stone and asked her to put it in her mouth to stimulate her pallet...she was quite impressed with this idea and popped it in her mouth...then I said loudly enough the whole class heard..WHEN IT MELTS YOU CAN TALK AGAIN... where do these kids come from?...I am usually a gentle and professional instructor, but have run out of tolerance for rude and ignorant behavior.

Permalink Reply by Melissa DeFrancesco on March 12, 2010 at 6:59am

Thank you so much for the feedback everyone. We want our students to be comfortable with each other because of the nature of our work but we do need to draw the line. I appreciate everyone's comments, thank you!

Permalink Reply by William Snyder on March 25, 2010 at 6:33am

I am the director of a school, we always bring it back to "is what you are doing employable?". Treat them as though they were your employees, what would you do as a spa manager? How would you handle it if your client came to you and complained about a talkative therapist? This also goes back to classroom management, if your instructor cannot control the class, then they are not a good fit for your program.

Permalink Reply by Jason Erickson on September 8, 2010 at 1:54am

Great story! Here's another:

One of my massage instructors was one of the nicest, sweetest, most positive people I've ever met. Three of my classmates were young ladies that always sat together in the back of the room. One day in class this instructor had to interrupt their chatting several times. After the third time, she raised her voice and said, "If you don't stop talking right now, I'll CUT YOUR FACE OFF!"

The room went dead silent, especially the girls to whom she was speaking. Realizing what she'd said, the instructor was mortified, and immediately apologized to everyone. The moment passed, and class resumed.

But the three girls remained silent in her classes for quite a while. ;)

Jenny Ray said:

This is a serious topic...nothing worse than non-professional actions..and this is the worst...you might suggest they drop out of massage and become a bar tender..(sorry bar tenders!) the younger ones seem to be the worst i am embarrassed at how I have to discipline them in my classes...I teach only Geothermal Therapy (stones) ....one day it got so bad with one young lady that repeated reminders and sharp comments failed too many times...so I handed her a nice little stone and asked her to put it in her mouth to stimulate her pallet...she was quite impressed with this idea and popped it in her mouth...then I said loudly enough the whole class heard..WHEN IT MELTS YOU CAN TALK AGAIN... where do these kids come from?...I am usually a gentle and professional instructor, but have run out of tolerance for rude and ignorant behavior.

Permalink Reply by Jason Erickson on September 8, 2010 at 1:55am

Great comment! I will use this!

William Snyder said:

I am the director of a school, we always bring it back to "is what you are doing employable?". Treat them as though they were your employees, what would you do as a spa manager? How would you handle it if your client came to you and complained about a talkative therapist? This also goes back to classroom management, if your instructor cannot control the class, then they are not a good fit for your program.