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Communicating Before the Session

Client and practitioner exchange information before a session. Certain topics must be covered. This happens in three settings: when making the appointment over the phone, on a questionnaire filled out by the client, or in the water, face to face, directly before starting. How we, as a practitioner, interview and present the work to the client can establish our professionalism and caring. The client is then better able to trust, surrender and thereby benefit. Some of the following topics would be for first time clients only. Topics are keyed as T for telephone, Q for questionnaire, and P for pool.

1) Massage experience (T)
"Have you ever had a professional massage? How frequently? How was that for you?"
2) Relation to water (T, Q)
"How would you describe your relation to water? What do you think of when you think, water? Do you swim, dive, sail? Have you ever had any traumatic experiences in water?"
3) Physical condition (T, Q, P)
"Is there anything about your body I need to know? Do you have any injuries, health conditions or sensitivities I need to know about? Recent whiplash? Spinal conditions of any kind? Any tendency toward nausea or dizziness in cars or boats? Do you take medications prescribed by a doctor? Drugs?"

4) Last meal (T)

"Your last meal, if it’s a large one, should be minimum two hours before our session, one hour if it’s a small meal."
5) Expectation (T)
"Do you have a picture of what you want from this session? Why did you decide to have a Watsu?"
6) Abuse (Q)
"Have you ever been the victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse? Are you currently in the care of a therapist?"
7) Bladder (P)
"Did you remember to empty your bladder before entering the pool?"
8) Stretches (P)
"How do you like your stretches? Gentle, medium, strong? If you like you can signal to me during the session. Just say 5 if a stretch is just right, 4 could be more, 6 is too much."

9) What will happen, How to receive (P)

"We'll begin by breathing together at the side of the pool in order to start relaxing. Then I'll be floating you with your nose and face out of the water."

"You don't have to do anything for me. This is your time. I encourage you to allow yourself to breathe and let go. Don't try to float. Let yourself sink into my arms as if you were seaweed. I'll be holding you up the whole time."

"We'll start slowly, do stretches and movement, then finish in stillness with you lying horizontal on the shelf / lying on the steps / at the wall again. As after a massage, you can stay as long as you like with your eyes open or closed. I’ll be nearby, and as I see you coming out, I’ll be there."

10) Signal system (P)

"How would it be if we have a signal system if I notice you holding your body stiff or helping me? I could tap you on that part of the body."
11) Communication, Boundaries (P)
"Watsu is a very intimate form of bodywork. I’ll be holding you in my arms, rocking and stretching you. Was there anything in the photos or video that you’d like to leave out? If anything is uncomfortable physically or emotionally, please tell me immediately. If I inadvertently cross a boundary, I want you to let me know right away. Agreed?"

12) Feelings (P)

"Feelings may come and go during the Watsu; laughter, tears, or sighs are not uncommon. Whether it’s feelings of joy, sadness, anger, fear, sensual feelings or sexual feelings, I want you to know it's okay with me for you to experience them."

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