I guess this relates to the problem below: 'Overcoming problems with other students.' I've just started teaching a small reflexology course and we also have just one guy on the course. I usually encourage partners to swap at each class, but don't like to force them. Two of the girls have refused to let the guy (who is quite a lot older than they are) work on their feet. It seems a bit embarrassign for me to ask them why!
I don't know how he feels about this, but having read the post fgrom the Swedish guy, I wonder if I should intervene? Has anyone had similar experiences or problems on a reflexology course?
RE: reflexology partners problem
hi janet,
is your course an interest only course or is it a pre cursor to the professional course?
if its a precursor, then you could assume that those on it want to become reflexologists one day, when they will have to deal with all sorts of feet they do not know.
i have tutored two intro to holistic massage courses and make it quite clear from the first lesson that learners will be expected to work on each other and swap round... and that i will "help" them do this if necessary! the first lot, with 3 men and 6-7 women, had absolutely no problems at all. none of them had come together so there were no fixed pairings.
this 2nd group, 2 women were friends and i did let them stay together for 3 weeks (its a 10 week course) then i intervened. i explained that they will benefit far more by working on different bodies, feeling differences in tone, muscle and texture. they have been absolutely fine.
i am due to teach a 5 week reflex intro course next term and would foresee no problems... this is feet afterall!!! i think you should ask them why... maybe catch them alone and ask, but as a tutor i think its fine to ask. maybe you can change their minds about it.
RE: reflexology partners problem
I suppose you can't force them, I know when I was on my Indian Head Massage course there was a mother and daughter team, who didn't want to work on anyone else and despite all the teachers efforts, they didn't want to work on anyone else, and yes, we believe they wanted the professional qualification at the end..
I don't know what you cover in your syllabus, but perhaps if there's an element about professional conduct and gaining experience of working on different people you can stress this as crucial for anyone wishing to build professional practice. It doesn't just disadvantage those who refuse to work with him but him too.. as it may impact his confidence.
I agree with Rosie though, have a word in their ear when you can and find out why they have a problem with it. If it's shyness it's something that can be worked on. In the real world, a client is a client and in a salon situation, the receptionist wont be the one saying no, they don't work on men, cause they will want their booking..
RE: reflexology partners problem
Hi there,
As the only man on my course, my teacher encourages me to move around as a guy's feet are completely different to a girl's. Also when I work with other people they all say that my pressure and touch is different - and I'm gald to say many prefer my style!
I would say you should speak to the students individually to find out the root of the problem. The guy will probably not be worried, but sometimes we are a bit sensitive and do not want people to know about it.
Russell
RE: reflexology partners problem
russ said:
as a guy's feet are completely different to a girl's.
oooh do tell, russ... you got more than 5 toes?
seriously, how are they different? imo, feet are feet are feet... men just have bigger ones generally!!!