Discussing treatment "findings" with client

[May Contain Nuts]

Hi All

Normally at the end of a treatmentI would mention any areas that I had felt gritty, lumpy etc or if the client feels anything I would discuss the area. I believe that clients should be kept in the picture. I have had treatments where nothing was mentioned.

Today I had a young girl who I felt quite lumpy over the left ovary, I mentioned this and she went quiet and told me she was trying to get pregnant with no joy. I did say that reflexology does not diagnose etc (prior to treatment) and later during thepregnancy discussion that it may just be that she was ovulating at this time and nothing more. She was still quiet when she left but did say she would make another appt when she knew her shifts at work.

I don't know whether to phone her to give reassurance or leave well alone.

Help, what should I do, I don't want her obsessing about this (or maybe it's me obsessing to much!!!!)

It's kinda put me off mentioning any "findings"

Love

P

 

[EnigMA]

Hi P,

Probably somebody with more knowledge will reply but as it is Saturday evening maybe people have other things to do right now! I am in the midst of training in reflexology (so pardon the ignorance!) and our tutor has told us to be very very careful of saying anything to a client - firstly as you can never be sure if you are feeling something that is in an organ or just something that is in the foot.Some people jump to their own conclutions very quickly so I have to agree with her and my approach would be to say less rather than more - specially if it is a very new client. I think as yoou build up a relationship with somebody this might change.

My belief also comesfrom a diferrent point. I do Reiki as well and it has happened that people say what do you feel - you thenexplain an area where you felt lots of energy or something different and people get quite concerned, specially if they do not have a problem in that area.When I first started Reiki after the treatment I wouldask -something wrong with your arm (or whatever) I felt so much energy there - once this happened and 2 weeks later I saw the same lady and she said I'll never let you touch me again - do you know how much my arm hurt the week after your treatment!!!! (a story for another thread!)

So, lesson learnt for me - I now just say I had a wonderful warm and loving feeling all over and that I hope it was nice for them to.

As for the young lady - I would let it be - as you say, maybe this is your obsessing and if you phone her you might just put her on the same path! Maybe if she hasn't booked another appointment in the next week or so - then give her a call and take it as it comes.

Best of luck,

 

[Michael R]

Thanks for your quick reply.

While I can see where you are coming from (and your tutor) I have to say that....not to inform our clients of what we find makes us as bad as some people in the medical profession who treat their patients like mushrooms, i.e keep them in the dark.....

I worked in the NHS for 20 years and based my degree in nursing on "Informed consent" something which imo does not appear to exist either in allopathic or complementary medicine.

I have previously worked in psychiatry mainly and am aware of clients "agendas" but I still feel that, during reflexology,NOT informing a client of what you feel in their feet makes us as bad as medics.

Like Isaid previously, I have had reflexology from therapists who have finished the treatment and discussed diddly squat with me and papped me out the door. I, personally find this unacceptable. I am not looking for diagnosis (as we don't do that) but I do think it if a client does want to know whatwas felt then they should be told.

It may just be that during consultation I will ask any clients whether they WANT to be informed of findings, then they are having choice and are informed, if they so wish. If they want to discuss it in detail then so be it.

I note you are in Scotland...where are you training in reflexology as I know most Schools/colleges here?

Will you be joining the SIR?

P


p.s. I also practice Reiki and had a client who got on the bed, fell asleep, snored for an hour then woke and said "I didn't feel anything".....told her what I felt i.e amazing heat from certain areas.......but hey-ho, she must have needed the rest anyway!!!!

 

[yas47]

Hi there Patchouli, I tend to get round this one by talking in terms of body systems rather than individual bits.

With a client who has been trying to get pregnant and things aren't happening, normally I would gently suggest a trip to the docs to make sure everything is working fine (and if the doc deems it necessary, get investigations done). Who knows, your lady could get investigated and get a diagnosis of PCOS. In which case you could be helping things along by leading her down the route towards help.