That final moment of a session will make an impact on your client and the feelings they have will be with them as they leave your space. So you want to ensure your communication is clear and your movements are slow and gentle. More than likely, the person you are working on is in a deep state of relaxation by this point and allowing them to stay enveloped in this feeling is a beautiful way to end a session.
- After holding the final hand position, I will sweep down the arms and legs, slowly, 3 times.
- I gently give their feet a few long squeezes or a short foot massage, to bring their awareness to their physical body.
- Then I return to their shoulder, place a hand on it and say:
“{Name}, we are all finished now.
I am going to give you a few minutes to lay here on your own and slowly transition and get up off the table.
Just be sure you are not light headed before standing up.
There is a glass of water waiting for you over on the table for you to drink.
I’m going to leave the room, but I’ll meet you back in here in a few minutes.
Okay?”
Here are the important parts to this blurb (the underlined bits):
all finished now : Clearly let them know the session is finished. Every practitioner ends their session differently. I don’t want them laying there wondering if we are done if they all of a sudden don’t feel my hands on them.
I’ll give you a few minutes to lay here & slowly transition : I don’t want them to rush getting up, I want them to ease into it and allow the state of relaxation to linger a little bit longer.
get up off the table : I am clear in my instructions that I expect them to get off the table. (just because we are finished, some people will wonder if they stay on the table for anything else or to chat). Be clear on where you want them after you are done. In some sessions in the person’s home, I will allow them to stay on their bed or couch… so I will say that instead. “We are all finished, but feel free to stay here on the couch if that feels cozy for you”.
water for you to drink. : It is so important for them to drink water after. Saying so in this blurb plants the seed for it happen. I will always have a full glass of water before and after the session within arms reach of them.
I’m going to leave the room : I think it is important to give the person some space to just be on their own. No need for us to hover over them as they get up. Perhaps they need to wipe some tears away. Perhaps they want to blow their nose and check to make sure it’s all clear. Perhaps they just need to have a few moments to process what has taken place without someone staring at them. Even if they need assistance off the table, I will still say “I’m going to leave the room, to give you some time to savor these last minutes of stillness, but if you wait on the table for me to come back in, then I’ll help you up.”
I’ll meet you back in here : Be clear on where you want them to be after they get up and get their stuff together. In the same room you worked in? Out in the waiting room or entrance? Into the kitchen? Where do you want them to be? “I’m going to leave the room, and whenever you are up and ready, come join me out in the other room.”
Okay? : I want to be sure they have heard me and understand me, (and not fallen back asleep). I wait for their nod, or their croaky ‘Yes’ or ‘Okay’ or ‘Thank You’.
The main thing to remember is you want to be as clear as possible in everything you are saying. Guide them the entire way through it with your words. We are finished. Now you are going to do this. Then you are going to do that. There will be no confusion or questions running through their mind if you are clear. That is how I want them to finish the sessions… With ease. With clarity. With peace. Slowly.
