COMMUNICATION #2

EFFECTIVE THERAPIST-CLIENT COMMUNICATION: MASSAGE

To communicate well during massage includes paying attetion to listen to the verbal
cues the client gives but also just as important is to listen to the clients body.Listening
and bodily listening.
I see the challenge to maintain focussed on the client not just the hands on massage strokes and the task of massage ; relaxation or remedial .If I were to forget the ' whole person ' my client and I may have a totally unrelated opinion on the massage experience.

POST MASSAGE & REBOOKING

I think it is important to check in with my client after the massage session to ensure they
have the opportunity to comment on the massage if they choose. By using open questions
this may lead to comments and a way into rebooking . I think a direct closed question "do you want to come again in 2 weeks" is almost a challenge rather than a respectful enquiry. Also direct eye contact with this is also a challenge and may make my client uncomfortable. Respect and empathy and not holding eye contact for too long is more likely to allow the client to feel in control.

Communication

Areas of communication that impact on my practice as a massage therapist;

• Professional presentation; How I present myself to a client is always important. I can communicate this in a non-verbal way by; my appearance, how I decorate and maintain my rooms. Display qualifications relating to my practice. Body language is also important in this setting. Being alert and purposeful generates a feeling of confidence in my abilities from the client. The intention is to ensure my client feels safe and confident.

• Phone booking and reception skills; Listening skills, paraphrasing and tone of voice are important communication tools when I undertake making appointments and scheduling treatments. Before answering the phone or at reception my head needs to be clear of unrelated thoughts, so that I can listen to my clients name and hear what it is they need. By doing this I can paraphrase back to them to clarify and confirm that I have heard correctly. Tone of voice coveys interest, friendliness and respect. It is important my client feels welcome via the telephone or at my reception area. I want them to come back.

• Client welcome and greeting; It is important to make eye contact when welcoming my client and be respectful. I want them to feel welcome. At this time I want to be prepared and look prepared.

• Client interview ; Presenting questions in a way that information is obtained in an effective and timely manner is important for myself and the client. To ensure that I can safely and effectively provide massage treatment. It has to be effective in the time allocated so that I do not encroach on the available massage time. How I approach questions will determine how they are answered . An open question will allow me to to ask more questions on that subject or clarify anything. While a closed question will edict a yes or no answer . Paraphrasing is a useful tool as it allows me to make sure I have understood what I have heard and therefore need to practice good listening skills. Body language will convey to my client if I am interested and is another important component of a client interview.

Whilst thinking about how communication impacts on my practice I find there is no skill that isn't important.