Talking to the clients

Reflexology is slightly different from many massage therapies in that you are directly in front of the client while you are working.

Since a reflexology treatment is very relaxing it is almost inevitable that these two things spur the client into conversation and most clients tend to talk to me while I am working. Also many clients see me as a person to whom they can talk about their day-to-day problems.

When I first started, I was never sure how to react to this but over the years I have realised that this is something that 'goes with the job'. Older female clients often have no one else to talk to about the things that are troubling them and I find that I am used as a nurse, social worker and confidant all rolled into one.

I have accepted this now and I try my best to do two things. Firstly, I try to be attentive, supportive and helpful on the one hand and then I do my best to forget all about the conversation, the client and their problems the moment I set foot outside their door. And, of course, anything they say to me is treated in the strictest confidence.

It is, however, I believe, an important part of the job as it helps clients to feel relaxed and I believe helps their treatment.