I personally think opening with something relaxing is nice and can prepare the client for the treatment and let them unwind into it. If yours fall asleep during treatment that is the highest compliment! I dont like the therapist to talk to me during treatment so I dont talk much to mine unless they seem to want it. You can always ask them what they prefer. You seem to be doing the best for your clients anyway by treating them as individuals and doing whats best for them at the time. Its nice to be consultated as a lot of therapists dont and just assume things.
A relaxation at the end sounds nice too, although I dont think this is as important as at the beginning of treatment.
What relaxation techniques do you use? and do you encorporate music?
Julie

always start off with 3 or 4 mins relaxation.. finish with a lymphatic sequence that is done on both feet at same time ,this reconnects both feet to me again, and finish with 2 or 3 mins relaxation again on both feet at same time.. works for me , and clients seem to enjot it as well.

I start with a short foot massage to warm and relax/loosen the feet, introduce touch and this is when I "have a wee blether", then I get down to the treatment. This is when I shut up.

Most clients tend to chat...slowly...then drift off. You do get some who want to chat throughout but I tend just to answer when necessary.

I end with some precision reflexology, connecting and then finishing off with light massage and (if the client is open to it) a wee bit of Reiki.

Patchouli

i start with some relaxation techniques on breathing whilst holding the feet and end in the same way. It creates a connection and disconnection to client - if the client has also requested it it is a good tiem to add in reiki energy or other spiritual healing techniques.

personally i prefer not to talk through treatmenet thinking that the client being relaxed and focussed on resting will be more beneficial - though some do just need to off load. Each client is different

although I am a massage therapist rather than reflexologist .. when I give a treatment I start off with deep breathing to help the client to help relax

as for talking during the treatment - I leave that up to the client, I am happy if they want to yak the whole way through, I am also happy to keep quiet.. their treatment, their money, their choice

I usually find even with friends and regular clients that they start off yakking and then after a while they drift off into the treatment - with massage I prefer to start on the back and finish off with the face, each therapist works their own way - and of course if the client has a preference then that is taken into account.

at the end of a treatment I ground the client and bring them back to earth with a few more deep breaths

I think every therapist is different and unique in how they do their treatments.

I start by grounding myself then grounding the client by opeing their Earth Star chakra, an then the Soul Star.

Normally I don't talk during the treatment, but it does depend on the client. If they are quiet sensitive they may be picking up energies around them. Together we piece together the stories to help clear the field. Other times times, no talking and the client finds it a very medative experience.

Cath

3 mins of relaxation on one foot then the other to start.
foot massage for 5 minutes on one foot then the other, then 2 minutes of effleurage on both feet at the same time, incorporating a leg pull, and a sole push.

I don't encourage talking, but if the client wants to, I oblige. some clients feel that they have to fill in every moment with conversation. Most clients spend few mins talking, then close their eyes and relax.

I start with a short foot massage to warm and relax/loosen the feet, introduce touch and this is when I "have a wee blether", then I get down to the treatment. This is when I shut up.

Most clients tend to chat...slowly...then drift off. You do get some who want to chat throughout but I tend just to answer when necessary.

I end with some precision reflexology, connecting and then finishing off with light massage and (if the client is open to it) a wee bit of Reiki.

Patchouli

hi patchouli, is that precision reflexology as taught by Jan Williamson ..if so she is amazingly talented , and in my opinion one of the leaders in this field

Thank you for all your replies. It's good to compare sometimes. It restores confidence to know that we are proceeding in mostly the same way.
Juliejazz - yes I do incorporate music. I have a specific reflexology cd and some others in the Llewelyn range which are designed especially for therapies. The music is very calming and it also helps to blocks out other everyday noises that could interrupt a session.

I too play music, but at the inital consultation, I ask if they want music or not.

Hi Purplepeach

I always start with 5-10 minutes Effleurage to relax the Client. I don't talk during a treatment as most of my clients go to sleep during treatment. When the treatment routine is finished, I do some relaxation techniques on the feet, followed by a couple of minutes pressing and relaxing on Solar Plexus area, do some more Effleurage and to finish off I gently hold each foot in my hands and press gently to indicate I have finished. I usually have some relaxing music playing very gently in the background.
Love and light
Gemini