A large part of establishing a positive therapeutic alliance depends on a client’s perception of whether or not they believe they can trust their therapist. Without intending to do, clients may test therapist limits by asking for special favours, framing the alliance as a “friend relationship” rather than accept the transactions implicit in private healthcare. Clients may see themselves as special and expect therapists to treat them accordingly. The onus rests on massage therapists to communicate clearly and compassionately. Occasionally, therapists realize that they need to share difficult conversations.

This workshop introduces communication techniques and reflection that supports client-centred conversations. It explores the framework of therapeutic dialogue and the nature of the therapeutic alliance. It links active listening skills to trauma-informed care. It explores how to ask questions authentically, specifically, when to ask, when to listen, when to wait patiently while someone struggles to respond, and when to clarify reasons for asking.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Explain MT responsibilities for therapeutic communication
• Reflect on principles for engaging in difficult conversations
• Discuss communication techniques that never fail
• Describe the consequences of poor communication

This webinar touches on principles of practice associated with the following Standards of Practice:

• Communication
• Professional Boundaries

It also relates to the following Career Span Competencies:

• Act with professional integrity
• Apply the principles of sensitive practice
• Communicate effectively
• Function in a client-centred manner
• Practice in a self-reflective manner
• Treat others respectfully

About the Presenter:

Pam Fitch, writer, researcher and practitioner, has helped countless massage therapists make sense of ethical and communicative issues challenging our profession. An experienced educator and author of the text, Talking Body Listening Hands, Pam brings humour, openness and acceptance to all of her presentations so that each participant’s questions may be addressed before the end of any event. With almost 40 years’ experience, Pam helps every group, virtual and in-person, feel cohesive and connected. For more information: www.pamelafitch-rmt.com

Notes:

-Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 8 by 9:00am.

-All webinar registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per webinar.

-Webinar will be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the webinar recording. Access to the recording will be available for up to 3 months from the webinar date.

Recording Consent Disclaimer for RMTAO Webinars:

This webinar will be recorded. By registering for the event, you are providing your consent to being recorded and the use of your image and voice by the RMTAO in replaying the webinar in the future.