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How do counsellors refer their clients to bodywork therapists? Hover Rosen, Marilyn C.

Abstract

Current research and writings recognize the therapeutic benefits of attention to the body within a psychological context. Psychological counsellors and therapeutic bodyworkers have each developed systems in which the verbal and kinesthetic realms are joined, to allow clients to experience somatic awareness. To date no research has been done on the relationship between the counsellor and the bodyworker. Little research has been done on referrals among professionals. The purpose of this study was to explore the process and meaning of referral of clients by counsellors to therapeutic bodyworkers. The participants were eight volunteer counsellors who were recruited by word-of-mouth. Participants were interviewed about their predispositions to make referrals to therapeutic bodyworkers, perceptions of the risks and benefits of such referrals, relationships with the bodyworkers to whom they made referrals, and visions for their counselling practices. Results indicated that participants' personal experience and feedback from others influenced how they brought body awareness into their counselling sessions, and predisposed them toward the application of therapeutic bodywork by referral or within their sessions. Fundamental to the process of referral was the counsellors' respect for the therapeutic process and consequent deep level of caring about the nature of the referral to the bodywork therapist. This respect and caring was revealed by participants' descriptions of their relationships to the therapists to whom they referred, their concern for clients' readiness for referral, and their perceptions of the risks of referral. Respect for the collaborative therapeutic process also emerged in counsellors' descriptions of their visions. Implications for practice and ideas for further research are also presented.

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