Communication

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jason Wright on December 23, 2009 at 9:23am

Bruce,
Can you elaborate on what you mean by communication, and its importance relative to AIS (or bodywork in general)?
Jason

Permalink Reply by Donna Martin on May 3, 2010 at 10:55am

One thing that I am finding is many of my clients need some one to listen to them and simply acknowledge their pain. By truly listening and showing concern I can see not only relieve in their eyes, but can also see the apprehension drain from their body and relaxation start to set in. This in turn opens the client to allow healing and allows me to manipulate the tissues much easier.

Technique and modality are important, they are the tools that allow us to help our clients heal. But without communication, caring and concern for overall well being, technique and modality can be robotic. JMHO ;)

Permalink Reply by Bruce Baltz on May 7, 2010 at 12:10pm

You 100% right Donna. Once you gain there trust your clients can start to heal themselves

Donna Martin said:

One thing that I am finding is many of my clients need some one to listen to them and simply acknowledge their pain. By truly listening and showing concern I can see not only relieve in their eyes, but can also see the apprehension drain from their body and relaxation start to set in. This in turn opens the client to allow healing and allows me to manipulate the tissues much easier.

Technique and modality are important, they are the tools that allow us to help our clients heal. But without communication, caring and concern for overall well being, technique and modality can be robotic. JMHO ;)

Permalink Reply by Jason Wright on June 1, 2010 at 10:12am

+1 to Donna's comments! I often feel that being present and compassionate is more effective than the techniques that I have been taught. Meditative grounding exercises before each appointment (in addition to a spiritual direction, link to a teacher, and a spiritual practice, of course) have been especially important in developing my ability to be present and compassionate with my clients.

Permalink Reply by Novlette G Barnes on June 2, 2010 at 11:04am

Communication between clients and therapists is extremely important. It allows the therapist to gain clear understanding of the clients' needs; it educates the client on the benefits of your modality; and it allows your client to start building levels of trust with you and your modality.
This gives way to your client relaxing more during the session allowing his/her body to ease into the 'relax and repair' mode, maintaining homeostasis, and the body's response to - and the recovery from - stress.

The same effort that we put into learning then mastering our various modalities should be placed on our communication skills. As the lack of communication would only defeat the purpose of our various modalities.

Permalink Reply by Bruce Baltz on June 4, 2010 at 8:34am

Very well said!

Permalink Reply by Jason Erickson on July 23, 2010 at 12:55am

YES!!!!! Great observation!

Permalink Reply by Bruce Baltz on July 23, 2010 at 8:49am

Hi Jason, as you and several others have stated we know that communication with our clients is one of the most important aspects of starting that healing process. I would say it is the most significant part of what we do. This is not specific to AIS but, I will say, the better you know the modality you are offering and can express it the more trust you will build in your client and the better their healing will be. I believe that the word healer is being used too loosely but the more we study and incorporate a varied and well rounded approach (physical, spiritual, and emotional) the better helper we will become.