Client advice and limitations?

[Confused Babe]

Hi to all of you.

I'm a student on an AOR course. I'm just about to start my very first case study, but I'm so nervous about some things. I'm just so unsure about how far to go, when it comes to making comments on reflexes that I find to be out of balance, and I'm alsoworried about 'crossing the line' when it comes to giving the client some lifestyle suggestions, after the treatment.

Our tutor seems to always contradict herself on things, and even when I look at the course printouts for help, the wording is very confusing. [&:][&:][&:]

I know that as Reflexologists we're not supposed to scare our clients with too much info, so how dowe explain to them about our findings when you give them feedback on reflexes out of balance at the end of the treatment?

I'd not be nervous about giving lifestlye suggestions to a friend - simply because I feel I havea good level of general knowledge when it comes to looking after one's health - and that's because of my continuing interest in the field of natural health and wellbeing. BUT, I imagine if I gavethe sameadvice to a client, I may go too far in professional terms, as I may not be seen to be qualified to do so. How do you know how to restrict your information? What is the secret to falling within the boundaries? It's just not clear to me. I've tried to ask my tutor, but she's so ambiguous the whole time, I give up.

Can anyone put this clearly for me?

Thanks

 

[Matt Dijk]

Hi there,

I have just qualified with the IIR and am about to go out into the big wide world in the next few weeks. I too have the same fear of overstepping the boundary. But one useful thing that my tutor taught our group was to ask open ended questions if you found a sensitive reflex.....and think about what you would NOT like to hear if you were in the clients place.

I'm hanging on to those two bits of advice and hoping that I will,. know what is right to say if anything at the appropriate time.

Regards

Sue
PS Start on a friend and ask for their feedback as you go?

 

[daniel vanderhoof]

Hi There,

I always find it's best to keep the feedback you give to clients light and basic to begin with!! You can go into more detail with clients as you get to know them - once you've got a better idea of how much they want to know!! Someclients ask you everytime you find a reflex "What's that ? What does it mean?. Some clients don't want to know - and it's important that we respect that and take our cues from them.
As far as giving after care advice goes, it's the way you word it... so for example when recommending that clients drink more water, explain why!! Let them know that it's important to aid the detoxification process. When I was studying, I printed out a sheet listing possible post treatment side affects and after care advice.... avoiding tea/coffee, alcohol, resting, drinking lots of water etc. I gave this to the clients at the end of the first treatment and included this sheet in my case studies.
Hope this helps

meridianmoon xxx

 

[Russell Guess]

Hi Soleworks,

I'm nearly finished my ITEC Reflexology, i've completed 45 out of 64 treatments so far.

I was nervous to begin with, as reflexology is something that has to develop naturally within you, tutors can only tell you so much, and then it's up to you to find it.

I went into the case studies head first, and did 5 a week for nearly 2 months. It was the best thing i could have done, as i got to grips with the foot and areas of sensitivity within the first month. if you could see my first couple of treatment foot charts, it looks like i haven't found anything, but that's the point, you need time to get used to the whole experience.

Also, clients aren't always willing to divulge information in the consultation when they've only just met you. You tend to find out more when they're on the bed and you're mid treatment.

My tutor also taught us to be polite, but probing, by asking open ended questions e.g. how have you been feeling this week/today? then you have more information, which you can add follow up questions e.g. how long did the headache last for? how much water have you drunk today?

You may want to give a brief explanation of reflexology at the end of your consultation. For example; how it originated/how long it's been in existance, what the key principles are, and the benefits of the treatment - including they may feel mild sensations during the treatment itself (many of my clients have felt tingling in their legs, head, neck and shoulders, as well as down their back), say why this happens e.g i am stimulating the referred area on the foot to bring about some change to rebalance the body, so this either happens straight away or may take time to do so, and you may feel effects post treatment e.g. headache, tiredness, cold like symptoms, etc. Reassure them, that they may not feel anything, as everyone is different and their body deals with things differently and at different times.

Just before starting a treatment, i tell the client to relax, but let me know if they feel any sensations (like mentioned before) or sensitivity - this helps them to feel at ease as well as knowing that you welcome questions where appropriate to the treatment.

When you find a sensitive area, crystals, congestion, etc - ask the client an open vague question related to the area e.g. when on the thyroid reflex, say something like - how have your energy levels been today? are you feeling tired or wide awake at this moment in time? do you feel more tired after lunch? this question allows you to probe about what they ate for lunch and afternoon snacks - are they eating enough complex carbs, or do they crave sugary snacks in the afternoon, then you could say that their blood sugar levels weren't stable which is why they crave sugar in the afternoon, and explain the need for whole foods (legumes, fruit, vegetables, fibre-rich foods that release energy slowly e.g. oats in a flapjack) in the diet, and that it would improve their energy levels.

Also, think not just physically, but how the mind acts on the body. e.g. crystals or hard skin on the shoulder reflex may not mean a shoulder pain or strain, but maybe that they have taken too much work on or are stressed. This is usually a tool to be used especially when the client says there is nothing wrong with the reflex area indicated - don't forget, we can't explain everything. My tutor also told us that reflexology doesn't only show up the present problems/conditions, but also past conditions and future ones. this last one i suppose is a little hard to explain to a client not too spiritually minded, but you can usually tell when a woman's period is due, as their uterus, ovary, fallopian tube, and pelvic, lymphatic & inguinal area reflexes are puffy and sensitive. Often the kidney reflex is raised and hot.

Like Meridianmoon, I give out a sheet explaining contra-actions and things to avoid and replace in the diet. You'll find ever

 

[Link0710]

Hi Meridian moon and Zoe,

thanks so much to both of you for all your advice.

I think my mind is still a bit fuzzy as I'm finding it hard to time my questions, and also hard to organise my whole treatment - remembering what to ask and suggest etc. I guess it will all come with practice.

Our tutor has not recommended giving out a sheet with advice to clients- but I'll ask her about that.

In terms of dietry advice, I was really wondering about how to give out more specific advice. I've read a lot of things about certain herbs and foods that can help Colitis for example. One of my case studies has this condition, and I'd like to give him that info. But, of course, I'm not a qualified Nutritionist. I asked my tutor, and she said it's ok to give the info, as long as I always word it insucha way so that I cannot be sued. ie: "I've read that aloe vera juice can really help this condition. Iwould recommend you visita qualified Nutritionist for further help". This means your client can still take your dietry advice if they wish, but you've given them the choice to get qualified advice, to cover yourself. Is this something you do too?

I'm also struggling to gather all the info and give out advice all within the treatment time. I'd rather not speak to my clients during the treatment, as I find with a lot of people this only sparks off too much conversation, which distracts the client and myself. But gathering info before and after adds on a lot of time! It's all a bit tricky.....

This has got me thinking, that when I qualify I'd like to offer an hour and a half treatment at a slightly higher price, rather than just an hour.I think it will cater for a certain market -ie: people who take their holistic treatment seriously, and want more than to just go in and out. People who see the talking aspect and the advice side of it all as equally important as the practical treatment. I find that a lot of Reflexologists, massage therapists etc have not built this into the overall session, as it would either cut into the tratment, or it wouldmean cuttinginto their earnings, if they were to go beyond the hour. What do you think about this?

More food for thought....!

Warm wishes,

Sole

 

[Hannah G]

Hi Sole,

What matters is what suits you best and what you feel comfortable doing. My first couple of treatments lasted for 2 hours - more if we talked, as i'd lose my concentration. But i was still getting to grips with the routine, and i found it hard to read the feet initially.

My case study treatments last 1 hour now, as i have perfected the routine and find it much easier to read the feet, but it does take longer to give a proper consultation, allow for questions and give feedback about the treatment. All in all, i guess my treatments can take up to 1hr 30mins. But everyone has their own way of doing things.

Giving out information to clients for their conditions or ailments is entirely up to you. Your tutor is right, you do have to word it carefully - don't put yourself at risk. You could give out an official website address or refer them to a book, which leaves it up to them to search for alternative help and information.

I work for Holland & Barrett, who train us in all aspects of nutrition, herbal and basic homeopathic medicine. This doesn't cover me, but when giving out verbal advice, I recommend going to Holland & Barrett or an independent Health Food shop for further advice and information. The independent Health Food shops in my area are really good, as they employ people who are qualified to give advice. I also say to check it out with their doctor if they are on medication or have a medical condition. I generally don't give out written advice.

Most professional therapist in my area give a full treatment, consultation, aftercare advice, etc on average at 1hr 30mins. It's generally only the beauty salons who provide comp therapies that only give a 30min or 1hr treatment, and normally at a ridiculous price too. I would check out the competition in your area to figure out how they conduct their treatments, prices, etc. Using this information you can then figure out what will be your unique selling proposition to encourage people to go to you, rather than the competition i suppose.

love & light

Zoe

 

[R0B0T]

Heya

I think you have to just add a caviat, you can offer advice based upon what you are trained in, however, if you weren't an aromatherapist you couldn't say use this blend.. but you could say, I have heard that this blend can help. Just as you wouldn't say use Arnica for x y z if you weren't a trained homeopath.. but you could say why not look into homeopathic treatments, if you go to a homeopath or read a book you may find something which will help.

A book I reccommend to anyone in therapies is

500 of the Most Important Health Tips You'll Ever Need: An A-Z of Alternative Health Hints to Help Over 200 Conditions - Hazel Courteney
ISBN: 1904991378 / 1903116341 (I presume different editions or something)
£12.99 normally - under a tenner at Amazon atm.

Also a similar book

500 of the most important stress busting tips you'll ever need - Suzanna Olivier
ISBN: 1903116481
£12.99 (Same deal on Amazon)

If you find a couple of general books like this, you could always print out the page for the client and say have a look at this it may have something you find useful.. and if they have a specific condition, say to see their doctor to be sure it's safe and in line with their current treatment. Giving out articles or websites can be just as useful as aftercare cause it can raise their own understanding of their condition and give them a little more control.

 

[balloon molly]

Hi there

I have just posted a similar question so apologies as I had not read your post.

 

[Sam Smith]

You have given some good advice here Zoe.

 

[broorgefupe]

Thanks to everyone for all their valuable advice!!

I'm sorry I'm so late in responding - but I usually get notification in my email account when a message comes in, and it didn't happen this time. I just did a random check and saw all these replies!

I'm sure all the info will really help me a lot, and I'm really glad of all the support. This website is a so fantastic, and the community here is very special.

Best wishes to you all,

Sole X