There is a main theme in my practice that I deeply care about, and that is: to work 'with' my client, and not 'on' them. As an example, if you have ever experienced a person talking 'to' you verses talking 'at' you, you will have a sense of what I want to convey. When my client feels that they are being listened to, and that the care they are receiving is a sincere commitment to their health, true communication will encompass the session(s). Not only is this important for the health of my client, but it also dovetails into what I call a ‘mind-body’ connection.

An example of the mind-body connection might be when a client comes to see me for their treatment, and during the session they comment on an area of discomfort that was not even on their radar. This would usually lead me to working on that particular area because the client has now acknowledged it. On the other hand, I may just need to note the discomfort for treatment in a later session. Either way, the mind-body connection has begun to take place. The client has become more mentally and physically in-tune, and with this new information, I can treat them more specifically and thoroughly. It also fosters more open communication in future sessions.

This transformation allows both the client and myself to become more engaged, ideally bringing about a quicker change to their condition, and leading to a healthier outcome. For the client, there is a new found awareness that may not have been there before. What might initially have been passivity in the session, now produces more active participation by the client in their overall health. Hence, working with my client and not just on them.

Admittedly, there are limitations to massage, and I’m aware that I may not always be able to relieve all my clients’ areas of discomfort. However, I am certain that when the mind-body connection happens, the results are real, and the process is a positive one that empowers the client and makes them part of the healing experience.