A Massage Therapist's Guide To Talking During A Session

Your client is paying you for a treatment, and has certain expectations of what that session will look like.  Talking is a touchy subject, no pun intended.  It might be helpful if you let your client set the tone when it comes to conversation.

There are three types of clients, the talker, the sleeper/daydreamer, and the one that falls somewhere in between.

The Talker needs to talk in order to relax.  They don't like silence.  It makes them uncomfortable.  They aren't picky.  They are willing to discuss anything that comes to mind.  The talker can be refreshing, especially if you've had several sleepers in a row. 

Playing the role of moderator is often necessary when dealing with a talker.  Switching subject matter is important if you can see that your client is becoming too engaged.  It is difficult to massage someone when they are using their hands to express themselves.  It also defeats the purpose of relaxation when the topic is visibly upsetting to your client.  Venting can be therapeutic, but it's up to the therapist to redirect if the client starts getting agitated.

The Sleeper and the Daydreamer want to be left alone.  They will find another therapist if you are unwilling to accept their need for silence.  I've heard it more than once.  "I quit going to her because she never stopped talking!"

It's easy enough to tell.  If your client hasn't said a word since you walked in, keep your mouth shut.  If they want to talk, they will start a conversation.

The In-Betweener is a mix of both, and in my experience, the most common.  There's a natural flow from conversation to silence and back again.  The key is in remembering to honor their silence when it comes.

Here is a list of absolutes.  These are things that are never acceptable in a professional setting.

• Don't gossip.  It's childish and it will undermine your professionalism.  That includes sharing information from one client to another even if it's positive.  Let's say your last client just told you she got engaged.  Keep in mind, this is not your news to share.  Respect the privacy of your clients.
• Don't use your clients as counselors.  If you had a fight with your spouse the night before, talk to a friend, not your client.  They come in to relax and forget their problems.  Please don't burden them with yours.
• Keep the intimate details, of your personal life, private.  People tend to view massage therapists as health care professionals.  They will lose respect if they hear about the wild party you attended over the weekend.  Building relationships with your clients is different from telling them everything.  Monitor the information you choose to share, after all, you are at work.