Should the word "Healer" be used in our profession?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by lee kalpin on January 30, 2010 at 9:20am

To some extent this may depend on where you are practicing. I have NEVER heard a massage therapist refer to themselves as a "healer". Some energy workers may, but they are pretty much "outer fringe" practitioners.
I think our regulatory body would crack down on that sort of language pretty quickly if it appeared in any advertising or marketing.
I have always taught my students that we treat to put the body into better balance so that it can heal itself. - which is all ANYONE can do. A medical doctor cannot heal, medications cannot heal - the body has to heal itself.

Gloria Coppola said:

Julie,
Not all massage schools only teach about 'Fixing". Not only was my school about healing, but I know many other privately owned schools that focus on the true essence of healing. How to work with the energetic anatomy , how to touch compassionately from a place higher than our own egos, how to tap into source, etc.

As far as running away from a healer - they are out there. I was in Egypt 11 years ago and a "healer" was introduced to me. This man held my hands and read me like a book. I scheduled a session with him and he truly had a gift. Things happened that were beyond imaginable. That kind of healing may not be taught in a typical massage school. Altho, one of my mentors who studied with indigenous healers did include very advanced techniques in healing in our training. At the time I thought it was cooky to be honest - because of my own fears and disbelief that we as humans could possibly have this ability.

I might add, that yes, there are those that may claim this and not fully represent what many believe a healer should look like or be, this is our judgment. And yes, there are some that are charlatans.

So, I think we all need to take a look at what we really mean by healer here.
There are abilities beyond our known capacity or understanding. We should not fear this.
We may not call ourselves healers because we don't feel that is truth for us, however to disregard a true
gift in my opinion is ...................?????????

Anyway, I wish some of the "powerful indigenous" healers were on this site. They'd have a lot to teach us. I have witnessed it.

Julie Onofrio said:

I also dislike the use of the word healer. If someone is claiming that they are a healer I run the other way in any discipline. It is ok that clients think you are fixing. Heck all of massage school is about teaching you how to fix for the most part anyways.
Julie

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Permalink Reply by Marilyn St.John on January 30, 2010 at 7:39pm

I'm with you people ~ the word "healer" in conjunction with massage therapy (or any therapy for that matter) makes me cringe. The one time I'm glad I didn't was when, half-way through massage school, the instructor stated she was going about "making healers" out of us...but I sure felt like running out the door. I like my hands to "facilitate healing"...and I can't be attached to the outcome.

The only time I actually called anyone out as far as I can remember, was when somebody referred to themselves as a "Reiki Doctor." That's a good example of ego for ya! As they say, a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

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Permalink Reply by Vlad on January 30, 2010 at 8:53pm

Gloria - the Egyptian healer sounds intriguing! Just out of interest, did you have any fear at all or did you trust him totally?

Lee - actually I didn't think about regulatory bodies. Interesting. I can't say I've seen "healer" used in marketing materials, but you've a point there. I daresay some might be using it on their own websites.

Marilyn - "Reiki Doctor"? Quite an ego indeed. Since you brought it up, when I first heard of Reiki Masters it made me wonder about the ego in that. To me it implies "I've mastered it, I have nothing more to learn" and it kind of put me off even looking at it (probably since I always think we've always got more to learn, especially when it comes to our work). Also, maybe it's just me, but a Master could imply a Slave too (it's the Master-Slave relationship, so it made me wonder about the perception of a student of Reiki). I know that might be picking on semantics, but I'm curious if other people thought of it. It doesn't bother me the way "healer" does.

Kris - thanks for your input. Attachment seems to be something that comes into play here, for sure, and others have brought it up. I really like your last sentence: Because there's nothing more unfortunate than thinking myself free of something myself, but continuing to be attached because of my judgment of others.

Terry - your new profile pic rocks.

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Permalink Reply by Gloria Coppola on January 30, 2010 at 10:22pm

Vlad, I trusted the Egyptian healer as soon as he touched my hands. Something deep inside just "knew". No fear.
As a matter of a fact I got into a car with Egyptian strangers through the towns of Cairo, down back ally's and didn't fear anything. (This is not usually like me by the way). He took me into his place , into a back room and began anointing me and pressing points and holding places on my heart . He'd leave and come back. I did for a brief moment think Hmmm? What is going on? Then he would come back , instruct me , stay with me, say some things in Egyptian and suddenly things were happening, shifting and healing. I believe we worked together on this healing process and with his aid and intuitiveness and gifts he moved me through some intense and powerful places rapidly. Some might say I was ready. I can assure you I was not. It was - what it was.

Reiki Doctor? not that is interesting.

Vlad said:

Gloria - the Egyptian healer sounds intriguing! Just out of interest, did you have any fear at all or did you trust him totally?

Lee - actually I didn't think about regulatory bodies. Interesting. I can't say I've seen "healer" used in marketing materials, but you've a point there. I daresay some might be using it on their own websites.

Marilyn - "Reiki Doctor"? Quite an ego indeed. Since you brought it up, when I first heard of Reiki Masters it made me wonder about the ego in that. To me it implies "I've mastered it, I have nothing more to learn" and it kind of put me off even looking at it (probably since I always think we've always got more to learn, especially when it comes to our work). Also, maybe it's just me, but a Master could imply a Slave too (it's the Master-Slave relationship, so it made me wonder about the perception of a student of Reiki). I know that might be picking on semantics, but I'm curious if other people thought of it. It doesn't bother me the way "healer" does.

Kris - thanks for your input. Attachment seems to be something that comes into play here, for sure, and others have brought it up. I really like your last sentence: Because there's nothing more unfortunate than thinking myself free of something myself, but continuing to be attached because of my judgment of others.

Terry - your new profile pic rocks.

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Permalink Reply by Marilyn St.John on January 31, 2010 at 12:26am

Thank you, Gloria, for sharing that beautiful story. I have been in the presence of, and worked on by, two people I would indeed call healers...I am still in awe fourty years later, and each in their own way led me to the place I am now.

So in giving this topic further thought, two things come to mind: First, the people I have known who were the 'real deal' didn't refer to themselves as healers ~ they were both humble and took no credit ~ they just shared life on that level all the time. Second, I think it's important to remember to ask my intuition: 'Is that what you know, or is that what you think you know?'

I have witnessed miracles. I guess it's the use of the word "healer" for promotional or marketing purposes that feels like it reduces the word's real meaning to the level of a parlor game...and I find that a bit offensive.

As for the reference to "Reiki Master", perhaps it's an Americanization of "sensei?" I never thought of it as more than a cultural nod to its Japanese origins or to one's level of training...I've been one for thirteen years and I know it works, and I also know without a doubt that I haven't mastered it yet! :o\

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Permalink Reply by lee kalpin on January 31, 2010 at 9:57am

Gloria. I think some people do have a gift and may be true healers. Just as some people genuinely have ESP in its various permutations. They are rare and wonderful.
What I do NOT believe is that the average person can take a course that turns them into a "healer" - such as a course in Reiki or Touch for Health or any of the Energy modalities.
I took a weekend course in Touch for Health years ago (the modality where you put your hands on the client's aura). I can tell you that I experience NOTHING either doing or receiving the therapy. And yet people who took one more weekend could call themselves Touch for Health therapists.
Well, that is somewhat off your direct topic.
There are many advantages to being in a regulated jurisdiction, such as Ontario where I practice. It could be perceived as a disadvantage I suppose, that it would be very frowned upon to call oneself a Healer here - even if by small chance a therapist was a geniune healer. Our Regulatory body exists to protect the public - in this case against fraudulent people who might claim to be healers.

One of the dangers with those who claim to be healers is that a client might put their faith in what could be a bogus treatment and fail to receive needed medical care.

Gloria Coppola said:

Vlad, I trusted the Egyptian healer as soon as he touched my hands. Something deep inside just "knew". No fear.
As a matter of a fact I got into a car with Egyptian strangers through the towns of Cairo, down back ally's and didn't fear anything. (This is not usually like me by the way). He took me into his place , into a back room and began anointing me and pressing points and holding places on my heart . He'd leave and come back. I did for a brief moment think Hmmm? What is going on? Then he would come back , instruct me , stay with me, say some things in Egyptian and suddenly things were happening, shifting and healing. I believe we worked together on this healing process and with his aid and intuitiveness and gifts he moved me through some intense and powerful places rapidly. Some might say I was ready. I can assure you I was not. It was - what it was.

Reiki Doctor? not that is interesting.

Vlad said:

Gloria - the Egyptian healer sounds intriguing! Just out of interest, did you have any fear at all or did you trust him totally?

Lee - actually I didn't think about regulatory bodies. Interesting. I can't say I've seen "healer" used in marketing materials, but you've a point there. I daresay some might be using it on their own websites.

Marilyn - "Reiki Doctor"? Quite an ego indeed. Since you brought it up, when I first heard of Reiki Masters it made me wonder about the ego in that. To me it implies "I've mastered it, I have nothing more to learn" and it kind of put me off even looking at it (probably since I always think we've always got more to learn, especially when it comes to our work). Also, maybe it's just me, but a Master could imply a Slave too (it's the Master-Slave relationship, so it made me wonder about the perception of a student of Reiki). I know that might be picking on semantics, but I'm curious if other people thought of it. It doesn't bother me the way "healer" does.

Kris - thanks for your input. Attachment seems to be something that comes into play here, for sure, and others have brought it up. I really like your last sentence: Because there's nothing more unfortunate than thinking myself free of something myself, but continuing to be attached because of my judgment of others.

Terry - your new profile pic rocks.

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Permalink Reply by lee kalpin on January 31, 2010 at 10:01am

Thank you Marilyn. I think my objection is indeed to people who would use the term Healer to promote themselves to the public. As you point out, those who were the Real Deal were humble. I think it is objectionable to use the term Healer as a business promotion.

Marilyn St.John said:

Thank you, Gloria, for sharing that beautiful story. I have been in the presence of, and worked on by, two people I would indeed call healers...I am still in awe fourty years later, and each in their own way led me to the place I am now.

So in giving this topic further thought, two things come to mind: First, the people I have known who were the 'real deal' didn't refer to themselves as healers ~ they were both humble and took no credit ~ they just shared life on that level all the time. Second, I think it's important to remember to ask my intuition: 'Is that what you know, or is that what you think you know?'

I have witnessed miracles. I guess it's the use of the word "healer" for promotional or marketing purposes that feels like it reduces the word's real meaning to the level of a parlor game...and I find that a bit offensive.

As for the reference to "Reiki Master", perhaps it's an Americanization of "sensei?" I never thought of it as more than a cultural nod to its Japanese origins or to one's level of training...I've been one for thirteen years and I know it works, and I also know without a doubt that I haven't mastered it yet! :o\

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Permalink Reply by Gloria Coppola on January 31, 2010 at 11:33am

I agree with you Lee.
Not cool to use as promotion if not the real deal

lee kalpin said:

Thank you Marilyn. I think my objection is indeed to people who would use the term Healer to promote themselves to the public. As you point out, those who were the Real Deal were humble. I think it is objectionable to use the term Healer as a business promotion.

Marilyn St.John said:

Thank you, Gloria, for sharing that beautiful story. I have been in the presence of, and worked on by, two people I would indeed call healers...I am still in awe fourty years later, and each in their own way led me to the place I am now.

So in giving this topic further thought, two things come to mind: First, the people I have known who were the 'real deal' didn't refer to themselves as healers ~ they were both humble and took no credit ~ they just shared life on that level all the time. Second, I think it's important to remember to ask my intuition: 'Is that what you know, or is that what you think you know?'

I have witnessed miracles. I guess it's the use of the word "healer" for promotional or marketing purposes that feels like it reduces the word's real meaning to the level of a parlor game...and I find that a bit offensive.

As for the reference to "Reiki Master", perhaps it's an Americanization of "sensei?" I never thought of it as more than a cultural nod to its Japanese origins or to one's level of training...I've been one for thirteen years and I know it works, and I also know without a doubt that I haven't mastered it yet! :o\

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Permalink Reply by lee kalpin on January 31, 2010 at 1:56pm

I too have a problem with the term "Reiki Master". I know some therapists who are qualified as Reiki Masters and truly, I don't think they deserve that designation. It has that connotation to me too - of having "mastered" a modality and after 25 years I know I haven't mastered massage therapy!
I would much prefer that they had Reiki Level 3 - 2 -1 or something like that. .
It may also set up a false expectation with clients, that this person is so expert that he/she can perform wonders!
I think language is important!

Vlad said:

Gloria - the Egyptian healer sounds intriguing! Just out of interest, did you have any fear at all or did you trust him totally?

Lee - actually I didn't think about regulatory bodies. Interesting. I can't say I've seen "healer" used in marketing materials, but you've a point there. I daresay some might be using it on their own websites.

Marilyn - "Reiki Doctor"? Quite an ego indeed. Since you brought it up, when I first heard of Reiki Masters it made me wonder about the ego in that. To me it implies "I've mastered it, I have nothing more to learn" and it kind of put me off even looking at it (probably since I always think we've always got more to learn, especially when it comes to our work). Also, maybe it's just me, but a Master could imply a Slave too (it's the Master-Slave relationship, so it made me wonder about the perception of a student of Reiki). I know that might be picking on semantics, but I'm curious if other people thought of it. It doesn't bother me the way "healer" does.

Kris - thanks for your input. Attachment seems to be something that comes into play here, for sure, and others have brought it up. I really like your last sentence: Because there's nothing more unfortunate than thinking myself free of something myself, but continuing to be attached because of my judgment of others.

Terry - your new profile pic rocks.

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Permalink Reply by lee kalpin on January 31, 2010 at 2:00pm

Marilyn: A very good point, about being attached to the outcome. I believe this is important in all our work. People have asked me "don't you burn out emotionally?" . the implication is that a therapist will take on the client's problems/pain and suffer emotionally.
No, it doesn't happen because I do my very best for every client, treat them with respect and care, but I do NOT become attached to the outcome. There are other things happening in any individual's body and life that I cannot influence. I can only do my best to facilitate healing.

Marilyn St.John said:

I'm with you people ~ the word "healer" in conjunction with massage therapy (or any therapy for that matter) makes me cringe. The one time I'm glad I didn't was when, half-way through massage school, the instructor stated she was going about "making healers" out of us...but I sure felt like running out the door. I like my hands to "facilitate healing"...and I can't be attached to the outcome.

The only time I actually called anyone out as far as I can remember, was when somebody referred to themselves as a "Reiki Doctor." That's a good example of ego for ya! As they say, a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

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Permalink Reply by Marilyn St.John on February 5, 2010 at 8:43pm

Lee, actually, Reiki training has levels 1, 2 & 3 (Master.) Some would say there "are" more, but I was taught there weren't; my teacher was trained in the Usui tradition and can prove lineage with her own training, but I know there are others out there who have made up their own additional "symbols" based on their own intuition (and personal issues?) and I won't name names...but they've written books on the topic. (There's that ego thingy again. Not appropriate in this work.) Agreed, language is important ~ as with massage, there is a trust issue. The practitioner better be able to settle-in and gather it, be it & share it. It isn't as easy as it sounds...but hey, it is what it is, it's bigger than me.

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