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Article du mois
Article of the month

 

 

A MASSAGE THERAPIST IS NOT A PSYCHOLOGIST
Par: Jocelyn Vincent, translated by CATCM's team

Although certain approach, known as body/mind therapy, like Californian massage, Esalen and Néo-Reichien massage, to name only those, implies a PSYCHOlogical approach, it is important to make allowances.

When one says of a type of massage that it is body/mind therapy, we must understand that this simply means that this approach can support the awakening or the consciousness of elements (memory, emotion) engram in the body. Thus, a person who would have been victim of physical or psychological abuse could, during or after this type of massage, to bring-back or feel the emotions in bond with these abuses. This process is normal and salutary, since it indicates the awakening and the beginning of the exorcizing of the event or the emotion.

This thus makes it possible sometimes for the client to become aware of the events, often occulted, for better walking on thereafter.

Although the massage therapists, had to succeed of the examinations in relationship, it does not remain less that the empathy and active listening do not make them psychologists able to deal with psychological problems or to make psychotherapy. Depending on the problems, it happens that the massage therapist refers his client with a psychologist so that he can continue his psychological advance after this one, made awakening.

Refer a client, it is to be able to recognize its limits, its field of expertise and this must be seen like a sign of competence and professionalism.

Massage and psychotherapy can coexist very well. If the body decided to express itself through the massage, the continuation of session of massage in alternation with psychotherapy can give excellent results.

In short, if you pass more time speaking with your massage therapist than lying on the table receiving your treatment, it is that your therapist probably plays the psy.

Since your first responsibility is to protect yourself, do not hesitate to discuss it with your therapist, ask him if he have the required qualifications and if your small interior voice warns you, change therapeutists.

Jocelyn Vincent is a massage therapist and president of the ACTMD

 

 

 

 

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