Who Really Received Therapy?

In massage school we are taught all about the body - the bones, the muscles, the systems. We're taught the basic techniques for massaging, and, depending on the school and length of training, additional techniques to heighten our skills.

We're taught SOAP notes, charting, and filing; scheduling and confidentiality.

And, if the teacher was good, in my opinion, we were taught that there are occasions clients will relax and feel comfortable enough to talk about events, occasions, and even troubles.

One of my teachers did mention this as well as the need to remember as Massage Therapists we are not counselors in any sense of the word and all we generally had offer was a listening ear; which, often, is all that is needed or wanted.

But, nobody ever mentioned how sometimes the coin may flip: sometimes a client may stay a few minutes longer and just talk. About anything.

There's nothing like a boost to the ego when a client reschedules while singing praises of loose and pain-free muscles: but, there's also much to be said of a client who enjoys the company just as much and chooses to stay a few minutes longer to chat about everything and nothing.

Sometimes at the end of the day I feel as though I am the one who received therapy instead of the one who gave.
Sometimes I am reminded that I am a great Massage Therapist only because I have such great clients!

May everyday bring such Reconnecting experiences!!