Choosing A Bodyworker: 
The Five Most Important Questions To Ask
           By Summer Jones

You've weeded through the many kinds of bodywork, from Rolfing to Reiki, and chosen a modality that you think is right for you. Now it's time to pick a practitioner-a process that can be confusing at best, even scary at times. Because bodywork necessarily involves a certain degree of trust and vulnerability, you don't want to take your body to just anyone. How can you tell who's right for you? According to local bodyworkers, these five must-ask questions can help you meet your match.

1. What is their general approach and philosophy?

It's important to know the style in which the bodyworker operates. Some take x-rays first or do an overall examination. Others may require a consultation and filling out paperwork to help clarify the situation. Additionally, you should know your bodyworker's philosophy about his or her method and practice. Do they believe that the body has a wisdom and they are helping to clear whatever is in the way of its natural healing ability? Or do they think that their work is an intense way of making structural changes, independent of the body's abilities? Find out the answer, then choose what works best with your belief system.

2. What are their credentials?

Finding out about a bodyworker's background and certifications can tell you how qualified they are. Ask who he or she has studied with, and where. Knowing the specific skills and years of experience a bodyworker has can also help clarify your decision, especially if your problem is more difficult. More experienced bodyworkers not only can discern quickly if they can help, but probably know who to send you to if they cannot.

3. How can their particular bodywork apply to your problems and needs?

It is important to ask the bodyworker if he or she has worked with your particular problem before and, if so, what the results were. You may ask to talk to a client who had a similar problem. You should also ask about the bodyworker's personal method. Some may work with a gentler, lighter touch and others may work in a more deep and intense manner. This can be reflective of their personality and what they specialize in. Also find out how many sessions it generally takes before you will start to see results, so that you can decide whether the process will fit in your time frame and budget. 

4. What can I expect from the session? What do they incorporate into the session?

Many bodyworkers combine several different kinds of bodywork, adding techniques from other disciplines that you may or may not be comfortable with. For example: If a massage therapist also uses emotional release and gentle rocking techniques, you need to know that before the session. Also, ask how long a session generally lasts-it may be as short as 30 minutes, or as long as two hours. 

5. Is their approach symptomatic or more holistic?

Some bodyworkers may address only a specific problem, working for symptomatic relief. Others may look at the whole body system. One approach is not necessarily better than the other, but your expectations should differ. For example, a bodyworker who's looking for causes that created a specific problem will generally require more sessions than one who is providing symptomatic relief. 

Most important: before you make your final decision, notice the kind of rapport and connection you have with the bodyworker. A sense of trust is crucial for healing. Choose someone with whom you can communicate openly, and who is sensitive to your needs and circumstances. Most important, select someone with whom you feel safe. And go with your gut-even if a bodyworker's credentials are impeccable, and the match still doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.