Random Things client talk to you about?

Hi Vickie

All the time ! But the most memorable was the 'client' supplied to me for my practical Reflexology exam.

I had just started the treatment when he asked me if I thought that injury to the feet could manifest in other areas - this is a tricky question to answer at the best of times let alone with an examiner standing by you so I said we had not done this on the course and I had to date not seen many people with injured feet so could not comment on a correlation, I added that Podiatrists/Chiropodists may notice this all the time and would probably know more.

He then proceeded to tell me that he had been forced to wear shoes that were too small as a child and then launched into a passionate rant about his feelings about his father.

I was mortified as although I respected his feelings and experiences this was way behond the ideal scenario in a room full of people doing exams !

I had a client who I was desperately trying to get out the room. I was standing with the door open, one foot over the threshold and trying to be pleasant whilst giving all non-verbal (and some verbal) signals that her time was over.

My next client was sitting in the hall in view of the client who then proceededto go on at length about a pineapple corer that you can get from Lakeland.

Weird thing was that (on the surface) she appears to be very much surrounded by lots of family and friends so not as if she had gone ages without human companionship.:confused:

Couldn't make up my mind if she was lonlier than would seem, just a gab, anxious or making sure she got her money's worth.

Patchouli

Don't want to be a killjoy but aren't clients assured of 'confidentiality' when they have a treatment?!

We are not mentioning any names so it is still confidential.

We are not mentioning any names so it is still confidential.

It is not.

We are not mentioning any names so it is still confidential.

Well, I suppose there's always the possibility that, as HP is a public forum, one of your clients ... or of course of anyone posting on this thread ... might recognise themselves even if not named, and maybe not feel too happy about it.

Perhaps it might be wise to err on the side of caution? 😉

Holistic

Well, I suppose there's always the possibility that, as HP is a public forum, one of your clients ... or of course of anyone posting on this thread ... might recognise themselves even if not named, and maybe not feel too happy about it.

Perhaps it might be wise to err on the side of caution? 😉

Yes and I'm most offended.

That pineapple corer I was trying to tell Patchouli about was, and still is, brilliant. Best thing I've ever bought.

😉

I've come across some therapists who ask clients not to talk!
Ok, so they've officially come to you for massage / reiki / whatever, but often they need to talk which is part of their therapy surely?
We all become councillors to some extent and within the confines of a close physical therapy, clients begin to feel more comfortable to talk about other things, pineapple corers included. As you say, your lady is possibly lonelier than it would 1st appear.
One of my own clients is a hairdresser, who finds that she too is often on the receiving end of customers "unburdoning" chats. I've discussed and encouraged her to use protective techniques to reduce the negativity that she was absorbing!

As a recipient of massage from time to time, I must say I don't feel too comfortable with the idea that my masseuse may be saving up the things I say in order to have a laugh with her mates or post them on an internet forum. Whether or not I could be identified is not the point; I think it behoves a massage therapist to show a little more compassion and understanding. Barriers are down when I'm naked on a massage table; I don't want to have to think twice about what I say, even if I'm talking rubbish!

I could write a book, but wouldn't!

On the receiving end, however.... I once booked in for a simple relaxation massage at a very busy spa, and was ushered into a room by a tall, well-kempt female. She pointed at the table, then pointed at the chair - I presumed that I was to undress, put my stuff on the table, then get onto the couch. I did as I was told. In silence. When I was on the couch, she draped me and then simply stood beside me with her eyes closed, hands together (reminded me of Les Dawson being Sadie - have to say I smiled!). Anyway. She turned away from me to oil her hands, and I said "This is a very peaceful room in such a busy building", and she turned on me like a cobra - "SHHHHHH - I WILL HAVE NO CONVERSATION" - so I didn't say another word, not even goodbye. I paid at reception but never went back!

Guess her book, unlike mine, won't have many chapters! I love some of the random things my clients say - especially the kids.

That's just what I meant Jabba! Although she does sound extreme!!
I'd burst, not being able to say a word! Sometimes things ping into your mind and if not permitted to vocalise them, your mind keeps wirring and wirring and certainly not relaxing!!
:010: :016:

I find that most of my clients start by talking and end up being quiet because they are so relaxed (sometimes half-asleep).
I prefer when they don't speak because I feel they got more from the treatment...

One of the most annoying things from a client's perspective is having a therapist who talks too much when all the client wants to do is relax and enjoy... Unfortunately, some therapists also think it is OK to chat at great length about their own personal problems - which isn't what the client is paying for...

John

I guess it depends what a client comes to you for. If its just a pamper session then I let they gibber away to their hearts content. If its healing then talking should be discouraged. Both client and therapist need to be 'connected' and focused on the healing. Any 'counseling' should be left till after the massage is over.