CST - what to tell clients over the phone?

[jhall20032003]

Okay. So I just took the class in June '07. I've been able to perform a limited number of 10-steps (and growing). A couple of the people I've worked on are fellow therapists with whom I work. One of them asked me to tell her something she could say when a client calls re: CST session.

Here's what I told her in my normally rambling kinda thinking on my feet as we walked:

'light pressure, no greater than a nickle, a CST session is performed fully clothed"
"gently releasing fascial restrictions"
"it's very relaxing and yet very therapeutic"

So, okay CST people (and you know who you are), wanna help me out? Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your much needed help!

 

[Drake]

I describe how the cerebral spinal fluid that is produced at the back of the cranium is pumped through a membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord bringing nutrients to the nerves (menengies). Any kind of trauma to the body such as car accidents, falls, hits to the head, etc. can disrupt this system. CST uses light pressure to help release any restrictions that may have occurred in the system to help the central nervous system function better. This in turn affects the organs and the muscular systems of the body as well. Then I let them know the superficial things, like they can remain fully clothed and light pressure is used. (Although I do mix in the Barnes CST, so I do some diaphragm work on the skin).

That's not what I say verbatim but pretty close. I don't use any big words or phrases the client may not understand, unless they are in the medical field. Most clients want to really know the how and why of things, especially how it can help them. Using a better description usually gets more people interested in trying it out.

Although I have seen many pieces of literature from other therapists who advertise CST that says CST "balances the energies of the body" (what does that mean, really--- to the client?)

 

[masdradok]

I recently posted a reply to a similar type of question:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13178&highlight=

I believe that you should stess what you are able to do for the client and put less emphasis on what you do. CST, MFR, etc, all can be explained in due course, but the important aspect is the effect that you can create for the potential client. If you felt that you were rambling, imagine what the potential client on the other end of the phone conversation felt like. I will repeat a recommendation for an excellent book on this topic: Michael Port's "Book Yourself Solid" walks you through establishing an effective means of communicating what you do to the public. This book is a worthwhile investment.

 

[Pompal 09.]

CranioSacral Therapy is safe, effective, hands-on manual therapy that works with the body’s natural healing ability to decrease the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. It focuses primarily on the craniosacral system which is made up of the bones, tissues and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord, from the head (or cranium) all the way down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). Much like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the craniosacral system is a physiological system which has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body.

A trained, skilled therapist can evaluate this natural rhythm at key points on the body to determine areas of decreased mobility and increased stress on the system. Once these areas are identified, the therapist will use very gentle techniques to engage the body’s tissues and fluids to facilitate the release of restrictions. This helps to bring the central nervous system back into balance allowing your entire body to function more efficiently.


Or something like that ... because I take my own calls I'm able to adapt what I say based on why the client is calling. I also try to be brief, and non-technical about what I say and stress that he/she welcome to come in for a free discussion about CST: what it is and how it might help him/her.

 

[tarsha]

cranio--what?

Cranio-sacral therapy is a gentle, but highly effective aspect of massage. During the fully-clothed session, I help your body release tensions and stress that cause

 

[snowboarding1236]

I've tried the protocol described by Brian but have found it overwhelming for the majority of people. They are usually looking for a very simple description about what it is and what it will do for them.

When someone asks me what CST is I answer that it is not massage. The client stays dressed and I use incredibly light touch across the body. It is a very subtle way to balance the body. Our bodies have an innate ability to balance themselves if given the opportunity. By using the CST techniques it assists the body in releasing soft tissue restrictions especially if they have experienced trauma in their body via accidents, falls or chronic problems. The majority of clients experience profound relaxation at the end of the session.

If they ask for further information beyond that I go into the specifics Brian talks about and how that assists the body in letting go of what their body is holding. I talk about the length of the first session and that I recommend they allow the rest of the day to relax and let the CST "set". I also engage them a bit to find out what has happened to them and how they found out about CST so I can then frame the information around their particular issue(s).

For folks who have a very specific issue I refer them to the Upledger website to research it further since the website has a tremendous database regarding CST.

This has worked really well for me over the years.

 

[johnny1]

I know my 'script' can be a little technical. But Gaspen asked what someone else could say on the phone if a client called. I think it's good to have a sort of scripted piece for a non-therapist to learn to tell people when they call. Then if they want more info they can visit the web or leave a message for him to call back directly.

When I speak to people personally on the phone it sounds nothing like the script as I base it on why they are calling for a session.

 

[Pompal 09.]

On the phone it's hard to determine what the client may prefer to hear, so as Brian does, I usually go by what the client is asking to prompt what and how I explain CST.

In person though, I find that clients/potential clients who are in the medical, science, or engineering field, well-educated or well traveled tend to prefer the more technical explanation. So how you would explain it would depend on what type of person your client/potential client is.

 

[Sandralynn]

CST - what to tell clients over the phone?

I wanted to bump this up because this is something I am working on.

 

[hindi.girl]

CST - what to tell clients over the phone?

Are there specific things you're working on not addressed by the previous replies? Can you give a little more info on what you're working on?

 

[Victoria U]

CST - what to tell clients over the phone?

Are there specific things you're working on not addressed by the previous replies? Can you give a little more info on what you're working on?

I find it difficult to explain cst to the general public. Espically when potential clients ask how it feels and what the effects are going to be after the session.

 

[rauma_raumamary]

CST - what to tell clients over the phone?

As to how it feels, I usually mention some common motifs/experiences, and then let them know that there's really no way to prepare them because everyone has their own experience. I.e. "Here are some examples of what it could feel like, and just know that for you it could (will probably) feel completely different."