Ethics is defined as a set of principles of correct behavior and, like Rolfer, the therapeutic relationship needs this structure as much as it defines it. Les Kertay, Advanced Rolfer, defines ethics as the principles of a therapeutic relationship. In this brief overview I will discuss how and why problems arise in the therapeutic relationship discussed at the 2002 Rolf Institute Annual Meeting, and provide general principles / guidelines for asking the question “What is Rolfing?”
The basic assumption with Rolfing is that the complaints stem from a failure of the therapeutic or ethical relationship. “What to do with what is” is the Rolfers ontological resource to use when hiring a past, current or future client. It appears to be both a philosophy and a psychology, a complete lifestyle, which in itself raises the question “What is Rolfing?” All care relationships are therapeutic relationships and the phenomenon known as Transference / Countertransference that exists between a Rolfer and his clients is palpable, in all encounters. The nature of the work will magnetize the expectations of the repair sessions or the desires to process emotions through the sessions, this is where it can start to get sticky. The Rolfer is always responsible for the framework of the relationship which always includes Transfer / Countertransference, so the limits and framework must start with an Informed Consent form. This will always serve as a resource when it comes to unacknowledged / unexpressed expectations of a customer, a misunderstanding. NEVER HAVE SEX WITH A CLIENT. Make no exceptions; if so, you just changed the context of the relationship! Don’t do anything with a client that you can’t openly and comfortably discuss. Remember that customers can find limits by testing them.
Problematic clients can include those involved with workers’ compensation or car accidents, which means an attorney is involved or soon will be, so don’t keep secrets and give no guarantees. It is always best to be yourself when dealing with clients because you never know when you may be ordered to testify under oath or to end the relationship. Make rules, don’t break them. Never say, Rolfing can “do” anything, especially about pain, do not create expectations. It is also advisable to separate the initial interview and the first session so that both parties have time to assess the potential or lack of it. Some clients will jump from every Rolfer in town to navigate the control of therapeutic relationships. Don’t get caught up in the Victims’ Triangle.
“What is Rolfing?” Rolfing is an inquiry into the optimal functioning of the human being, so learn to tolerate ambiguity. It is a science, an art, a philosophy and a psychology. It is action and not action. It requires the practitioner to fully immerse himself in it, to merge with it. Honor the process without completely sticking to expectations. Rolfing is the optimal functioning of the therapeutic relationship; so don’t offer what the customer doesn’t want. Don’t fall into the trap of “trying” to legitimize Rolfing as if he needed recognition. This does not need recognition, it facilitates recourse and points to a potential of a higher order that does so, and this is the manifestation of health in the context of the therapeutic relationship. Rolfing is always changing and adapting to the shape of the human being. This, properly applied, is ethical at its finest.
In 2002, Les Kertay spoke at the annual meeting on ethics and therapeutic relationships and it was my intention to communicate the content within the context of Rolfing as he did. Ethics are the principles of the therapeutic relationship and Rolfing is our gift as a somatic therapist to fully involve ourselves in life.
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