Rubenfeld Synergy: the art of listening hands
Method relaxes through touch, verbalization...
What is the art of listening hands? Well, my discovery of this art began shortly after my first column was printed in the Leader, about two months ago. Upon reading my column, Gillean Thomas, a student of the Rubenfeld Synergy Method (RSM) called me and asked if I was aware of that healing modality. As I was not, we arranged to meet for coffee to discuss more about RSM. Gillean had invited me to participate in the client practicum (a maximum of three sessions), which would allow me to have a first-hand experience of RSM.
After asking a few standard precautionary questions regarding this healing modality, I thought to myself: What do I have to lose? She also gave me a couple of books to read on the subject. Here is what I found out. Developed by Ilana Rubenfeld, RSM is an educational approach to healing that combines touch with verbal expression. On her search to heal injuries resulting from training as a musical conductor, Ilana quickly recognized the divide between body work (touch) and psychotherapy (talk). Her life's work has since been consumed with devising a therapy that integrated body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Rubenfeld has combined her studies of four healing methods (Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Gestalt, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy) and her concept of listening hands to form Rubenfeld Synergy. A session typically lasts 45 minutes with the client fully clothed and lying on a firm, padded table. The Synergist uses gentle intuitive touch or listening hands, along with verbal expression and movement to detect areas of emotional holding and tension in the body. The Synergist then talks with the client to evoke the unconscious emotional issues that are the cause of the holding-in. Through the Gestalt technique of addressing these issues in the here and now, the Synergist helps the client become conscious of body patterns and causes of emotional holding. The Synergist also works with breathing patterns, body posture, kinesthetic awareness and visualizations, all with the aim of raising the client's awareness of their present body/mind state. As a result, clients experience a more pleasurable and integrated way of being. All Synergists must be certified by Ilana Rubenfeld through her program conducted by the Rubenfeld Synergy Center in New York.
Sessions cost from $50 to $100. The number of treatments required depends on the person, but immediate changes are often apparent. The goal of RSM is to explore the cause of a problem that appears physically and to help the client unfold its resolution. Relief of physical symptoms and increased emotional and psychological openness often result. RSM can help just about anyone including the following:
- People in high- stress occupations such a performing arts, business, government and education;
- People suffering from acute anxiety, panic disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome;
- Those with addictive behaviors and eating disorders;
- Couples and families suffering from dysfunctional patterns;
- Care givers - individuals caring for their family members as well as health-care professionals.
Will Rubenfeld Synergy help you? The only way to know for sure is to try it. I did, and noticed profound differences. For more information on Rubenfeld Synergy Method, you can contact Gillean Thomas at 678-3618.
Cinnamon Smith is a registered massage therapist practicing in Canmore. She can be reached at 609-3101.
by Cinnamon Smith - HEALTH MATTERS
CANMORE LEADER, Tuesday, August 11, 1998
Are you ready to feel better and enjoy the benefits of enhanced performance?
Let's get started! Contact Evolution Ergonomics today.