Bodywork and End of Life Care

Please see our Special Seminars page for information on the
evening seminar "Bodywork and End of Life Care" 

End of Life Care: Being Present without an Agenda
Sacred Moments

This day-long class, Being Present without an Agenda: Sacred Moments, will focus on fundamental concepts of massage and Palliative Care. We will review various hospice settings and clinical considerations to work safely. It will give the practitioner an opportunity to clarify their own perceptions and identify methods for self care. Helping them move beyond their concerns in working with this population. The intention of this class is it to help practitioners find peace in being present without an agenda, and open to sharing sacred moments with another.

The following questions are among those for reflection and personal growth:

• What brings me comfort in difficult times?
• What beliefs do I bring to my work in end of life care?
• How do I "let go of" my need, my agenda to fix?
• How can I ‘just BE" with my clients?
• How do my clients shape me?
• What are my personal and professional boundaries in this work?
• What are my support systems and self care methods?

Life is relational; we come to know who we are in each others presence. As bodyworkers, we are used to tending to the physical body. When we work with those who are elderly, ill or dying, it brings forward an emotional component that bodyworkers are sometimes uncomfortable with. Yet, end of life care calls us to share our hearts and our compassion as a human being. When we share and serve in this way our common human vulnerabilities are revealed; we are no longer just massage therapist and client.

When we comfort another, we offer our strength and hope by simply being present in their life. Caring touch offers connection, comfort and compassion when isolation, pain and suffering are constant companions. The time we spend with clients gives them an opportunity to reconnect and heal into their own sense of self and well being at any stage of their life. Through this connection, this contact, we can help relieve another's suffering and pain. This is one of the most gratifying experiences we have as bodyworkers, and may be among the most profound experiences in our personal lives.

Lecture, discussion, case studies and hands-on time will bring a sense of ease and confidence in working with people at the end of life. Class goals for students:

• Gain an overview of the various hospice settings
• Review basic clinical considerations to work safely within this setting
• Gain insight into their beliefs/experiences in working with terminally ill
• Practice caring touch and offering comfort with each other
• Identifying personal/professional boundaries, and self care methods
• Share Case Studies

Whether you attend for professional or personal considerations, this class will expand your awareness of one of the great transitions in the lives all human beings.