Anxious reflexology clients

[flingebunt]

Dear all,
As a recently-qualified reflexologist, I was very interested to read the posts about anxious clients. I have found that as many as half of my new clients so far have been anxious at a first visit. In particular, they are often embarrassed about removing their footwear, and often apologise even when their feet are in a good condition! Do other therapists encounter this problem? I am worried it makes my treatments less effective.
I did some taster sessions in my local library for World Reflexology Week, and had the same problem, in that some people who I felt would have loved to try reflexology, were just too embarrassed or nervous to give it a go. Does anyone have tips?

Thanks.

Jane, Herts

 

[Max Powers]

Hi Jane and welcome to HP.

Many people are embarrassed about their feet and it may be possible (although I'm not suggesting that it is the case), that as you are newly qualified, you may be slightly nervous yourself and some of this is rubbing off on them.

The thing is not to make a big deal of it and almost be dismissive. Let them know that you seen hundreds of feet and it really isn't a problem. Focus on them and why they have come for a treatment and they should relax very soon.

Good luck

Lesley

 

[Kristy-lee]

some people even say they hate their feet so i point out to them that by hating any part of the body, you cant expect that part to be healthy

lab
Dez

 

[Maz]

Janetheal, you could always start them off with a hand reflexology treatment if they feel a bit uneasy, as some of my clients dont like to get their feet out either! I dont feel it is as relaxing or benefical but if they enjoy it and get something out of it then thats great!.
I am doing some tasters for charity this sunday and will only be doing hands as the location will make doing feet a bit difficult as there will be no privacy.
good luck!

 

[Hypocrite - What now?]

Thanks all for your advice - this is a useful site! Oh dear Vicki, do you think I was wrong to do foot treatments in a public space then? Do other therapists do this when giving demos?

Thanks, Janet

 

[Iamvanpierse]

I have given taster treatments in public areas and not seen a problem in it. Of course it's always better if you can find a private area, or at least have your client facing away from the crowds on on-lookers, but only people who are comfortable with it are going to come forward to be treated any way. And I've never had any one say "no, it's too public!"

Sarah x

 

[angiebear]

Janet, no not at all!!! Please dont feel upset by what i said! i think its ok, its just where i am doing it on sunday there really is no privacy and its not a holistic event, plus it may be a bit cold. Please dont worry about it! I should imagine that lots of therapists do foot treatments at shows etc.
take care and good luck with it all!

 

[inHaphiva]

Thanks Vicki! Ok, guess I did the right thing. Let us know how you get on on Sunday. Where are you doing your tasters?

Janet

 

[AloniHietle]

Hello Janet

I had such a lady come to me last week. She was almost crippled with anxiety, poor thing. I told her about reflexology and exactly what to expect, and made it clear that she must ask to stop if she hated it and I wouldn't be offended. I demonstrated the techniques I'd use on her hand before we started, and I did lots of opening moves and solar plexus breathing to relax her. Anyway, 10 minutes into the treatment I was very gratified when she opened her eyes and said 'I can't believe I got myself into such a state about this!'. I gave her a short treatment, just 25 minutes, because she had been so shaky and nervous about the whole thing. At the end she had to go and sit quietly because she was quite wobbly, but she said she would love to come back. I was so pleased that I had been able to help her overcome her fears, it's one of those moments that makes everything worthwhile!