Special training?

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Permalink Reply by Dustin T. Fox, CMT on October 24, 2009 at 11:39am

Hello and welcome Martha....You may find that working with the abused is a challenge that is not normally presented by the recipient of your massage services voluntarily. The normal process of dealing with the abused usually begins when the inidividual is seeking treatment for that specific problem and those kinds of problems are usually handled by licensed counselors, physolgogists or people who have been abused and are trained to work in that field. Examples are abuse hotlines, domestic abuse and violence centers or rape crisis clinics. I was trained as a counselor who works with both individuals and families where emotional neglect and physical abuse are present but did not endeavor in the beginning to make it a part of my massage practice. It was only after I was approached to work with women who had been raped that I actually crossed the bridge to include the horrible impact of that form of violence as something that massage could possibly have a positive impact on. I was asked to work on these women because in the aftermath of that act, the woman still needs to deal with being touched by a male since that will probably happen in the future. I worked, using the VAM technique, on the recipients while they were fully clothed. Some of these recipients wore 2 or 3 layers of outer clothing to protect their bodies from the perception that they would be harmed yet again. I always had a member of the clinic staff present during the session to provide additional support and a sense of safety for the recipient. I used a very non invasive level of unconditional touch and never spoke during the session. I was further educated by the clinic staff about how I could effectively interact verbally with the victims and by the 6th session, I was participating in the followup counseling process. In the end result I found, that with limited exceptions, all humans respond well to unconditional loving touch and that when given the chance to be accepted as who we truly are, not what others think we should be, then we can and do unsually move forward in learning from the lessons of life. From my personal and professional experiences with the abused, I have seen and felt what being sncerely cared about by another being means. I relax emotionally and the body simply follows. When working with the abused, we must look at the symtoms, but in the end we must discover and help them find, understand and resolve the root cause that is locked in their past. When that happens, they release their hold on it and move forward. Since I am not a women and therefore am limited by not having the genetic makeup that allows me to totally understand the way women "feel", I work with a wonderful life coach who picks up when my touch and support reach a point where the recipient indicates that they are now ready to move forward. I continue to massage them during the lifecoaching process and for as long as they feel the need receive my massage. I would suggest that you become involved with a local domestic violence center and discuss how you may be able to interact with them to learn what you may be facing and how to handle it when the abused do get on the table. If you have suffered abuse or emotional neglect in your own life, then you already know how it feels and so a common sense approach werein you express empathy and provide love and support would serve to help you when working with the abused. I have found that it is easier for me as a victim to be empathetic and have been told that it is being expressed through my touch. It is, I can tell you with the upmost certainty, that your massage application will not be what you were trained to do in school since most schools in this country do not address the emotional aspects or outcomes of a massage. They tend to focus on the physical. In my 1200 hour program we had 450 hours of A/P that included an autopsy. YUK! Massage has become so clinical in the training process that I feel we have lost sight of what power it has to provide an open door for emotional release to the one stressed out by the day to day way of life. I hope that you continue to pursue your dream and set the example for others in your class who were not as "comfortable" with the idea. The reason may be because they may also be victims or abuse or neglect. We as humans tend to hide the things that we blame ourselves for and are ashamed to speak about. Blessings be upon you for your willingness to step where very few have gone and please keep us posted on the progress that you make during the integration.

Dustin

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Permalink Reply by Carol Gott on October 25, 2009 at 8:31am

Greetings,
There are hundreds if not thousands of special trainings available to help you along your path, and a lot will depend on where you are comfortable taking your practice. Whether or not you prepare for trauma survivors you will have them on your table, as most everyone in life has experienced trauma to some level. Who you market to specifically is another matter. A good general basis (IMO) is Upledger's Somatoemotional Release curriculum. The course 2 stuff is particularly useful. Your trainings should include a lot of what would be specific to your target market. Are you looking to help clients of domestic violence, child abuse or war veterans? While a lot of the information on PTSD may transfer, you do need courses designed for the population you want to reach.

Don't forget that in your area the domestic violence centers, veterans centers, and victims assistance groups could always use the donation of free sessions for those who cannot afford your services. It will give to the community while building your practice through word of mouth. Also consider donating your services to first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs) regularly and in times of crisis such as after a tornado or hurricane in your area. These folks face the worst things imaginable on a regular basis, and may not think of bodywork as a first line of defense in dealing with those stresses. Once they and thier co-workers realize the benefits, they are much more likely to become your paying clients and spread the word.

As you work with various clients and find the group or groups you're most comfortable working with, learn all you can about the issues they face in addition to actual therapist trainings--it will help you meet them where they are.

Good luck!
Carol

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Permalink Reply by Antonia Nelson on October 25, 2009 at 9:24am

For me personally, I found that Myofascial Release with John Barnes has provided great techniques for working with people around various "traumas". Through this work I also was able to work with my own healing around trauma and abuse. I also have been part of an organization called the Way of the Heart, which provides training around life mission and purpose, and a tool to gently and easily digest stress and trauma so that we can live the life we came here to live. Many times its the going through the trauma and working with it that brings us to great gifts in our lives. vs getting stuck in the trauma and living as a victim for life. I have found over the last 29 years that doing my own personal work is a huge key to working with others, I have heard over and over again, "you can only take someone as far as you are willing to go"
welcome to the list, congratulations on your graduation and heading into the bodywork field! there is a lot of good stuff out there.
Antonia

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Permalink Reply by Candace Ellis on November 30, 2009 at 5:18pm

Hi Martha-
I have a BA in Psychology which has helped me along my path. Also, the American Massage Therapy Association offers online CE hours in topics like depression, trauma, and PTSD. I recommend them to help you starting on your path. Also, read related books that call to you. You will find your clients. Perhaps also pairing with a counselor in your area for mutual referrals would help too. :)
Candace

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Permalink Reply by Martha Kay on January 14, 2010 at 7:16pm

Thank you all for your help! Now I know where to start. :)

Martha

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Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on January 14, 2010 at 9:03pm

The school I graduated from, the Colorado School of Healing Arts teaches Trauma Touch, specifically for trauma bodywork. It was developed by Chris Smith, one of the administrators, and I've seen people fly in from all over the country to take it. Looks like she's recently split it into two levels; I plan on taking the first course this May.

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