Page 288 - Total War on PTSD

sounds, and let each person choose what they want. No background sounds at all is also always an option.
On occasion I have had participants who wanted to check out the room thoroughly and see what was behind every door, and this should not elicit comment from me. They can do what they need to feel safe so they can relax. Before we begin our session I ask what they want from their time with me. Some will want specific work on an old injury or problem area, some want relaxation, some want vigorous work to energize them. Many participants have never had a massage before and they don’t know what they want, so I explain possibilities and emphasize that THEY ARE IN CONTROL of their session and that nothing should make them feel uneasy or unheard. If they feel they want to stop the massage at any time or change the focus, that is what we will do, with no need to explain or feel bad. If someone does not want a massage at all, I ask them to let me explain about massage, and to answer any questions they have, so that they will have some information to help them decide if they’d like to try it at another time. I never take it personally if someone decides they don’t want a massage, or don’t like a technique I’m using. Ego has no place in this interaction, and I must not have any particular expectations of our session other than that I will do my best.
My job is to draw upon my knowledge, intuition, and heart to do what I can to help my client along their journey of healing. It is very important to keep in mind what they are dealing with, and why they have chosen to attend the retreat. If someone wants specific work on an injury or problem area, I have been well trained in
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