Resources to help develop listening skills

[Pompal 09.]

I recently read an article that I can't find any more that addresses the top 5 complaints clients list about their massage experiences. A big complaint was therapists that talk too much during the session, especially about personal issues. I'm not much of a talker myself and still occasionally find my mouth open more than I'd like during a session. 90% of my clientele are repeat customers and it's natural to take some interest in each other.

I would like to find a class or home study material with role-playing exercises to strengthen my listening and communication skills with my clients during our massage sessions. I would like to develop skills in active listening, understanding, reflecting, and perhaps quieting down the chatty clients so they get more from the session.

Has anyone seen any resources like this? It doesn't have to be for CEU credit.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Resources to help develop listening skills

I'd love some techniques for quieting the chatty ones, too. While I understand that sometimes that's how they relax, if they are really involving me in a conversation, I feel like my full attention is drawn away from my work and I don't give my best. I tend to initiate conversation very little, and it's always regarding client comfort or condition. I hate being talked to when I receive!

 

[HardcorePunk]

Resources to help develop listening skills

Yeah, if I don't find better resources in a week or two I'll be creating more classes on this myself! Which is a scary thought...

Not really. I've been a part of the corporate world so long that it would be OK with me!

 

[[email protected]]

Resources to help develop listening skills

If you are female, I can suggest Woman Within, as they work with communication skills for regular people. I've mentioned it once or twice on these forums. I have never gone to one of their workshops, but I have about 5 clients on my table now, who have. Each client has shown marked changes in their entire actions/attitude and lifestyle since attending. One is a clinic supervisor and has repeatedly remarked about the change in her communication/listening skills. And, from the discussions we've had while she was on the table, I have also been impressed in the unique ways she can now work with conflict.

If you are male, I think they have a counterpart group, possibly called the Mankind Project. I don't know anything about it.

Hope this helps.