In the
relatively unexplored and, by definition, fluid area of alternative aquatic bodywork that employs intuitive and subtle energy-related sensitivities, it is challenging to record and research effects.
But it is also important that we value and respect the skills required
to practice in this way, and that we begin to acknowledge unique benefits and
applications. Sara Firman, Presenter of Alternative Aquatics/ Aquapoetics
Below you will find outlines of lecture and workshop presentations given by me (Sara Firman aka Sulis) at the ATRI National Aquatic Healthcare Conference, Nov. 2009 in Chicago, US.
There are also:
- Samples and other downloads of the information presented
- An invitation to host a similar workshop at your own venue
In 2009 the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute ( ATRI) changed the name of its annual gatherings from 'Specialty Institutes' to 'National Aquatic Healthcare Conferences'. The word 'healthcare' was chosen to appeal to a broader group of more than licensed therapists (physical, occupational and recreational therapists) since ATRI recognized that there were many non-therapists who thought they couldn't attend.
This opened up the possibility for my presentation looking at the value of (and potential for) documenting anecdotal vs evidence-based findings in alternative aquatics*. I hoped to inspire participants to explore outside of their usual working parameters and also to encourage their alternative colleagues (or counterparts) to record and share their experiences of working in the water outside of clinical service.
* By Alternative Aquatics I mean any water-based healing modality that involves movement and/or bodywork but that is not generally considered suitable without modification for clinical settings or medical billing.
There are differences between this type of approach to aquatic bodywork which is highly intuitive and not easily quantified, the kind of practice appropriate to the spa leisure industry which is intended for relaxation and pleasure, and the carefully regulated ways of working in the disease/disorder-defined clinical practice.
In the relatively unexplored and, by definition, fluid area of aquatic bodywork that employs intuitive and subtle energy-related sensitivities, it is challenging to record and research effects. But it is also important that we value and respect the skills required to practice in this way, and that we begin to acknowledge benefits and applications.
In an evening talk and a land-and-water workshop at the ATRI Conference in Nov. 2009 in Chicago, I explored these ideas further. For all those attending the lecture and/or workshop, who returned the feedback form, this material was new and the majority found it valuable. This is encouraging!
If you are interested in organizing a presentation of this material, which can be adapted to suit your setting, please review the samples below and contact me for more information.Email
Some of the items listed require a small payment in acknowledgment of my work in preparing and sharing this material. I appreciate your support in this and gratefully accept further donations also.
This opened up the possibility for my presentation looking at the value of (and potential for) documenting anecdotal vs evidence-based findings in alternative aquatics*. I hoped to inspire participants to explore outside of their usual working parameters and also to encourage their alternative colleagues (or counterparts) to record and share their experiences of working in the water outside of clinical service.
* By Alternative Aquatics I mean any water-based healing modality that involves movement and/or bodywork but that is not generally considered suitable without modification for clinical settings or medical billing.
There are differences between this type of approach to aquatic bodywork which is highly intuitive and not easily quantified, the kind of practice appropriate to the spa leisure industry which is intended for relaxation and pleasure, and the carefully regulated ways of working in the disease/disorder-defined clinical practice.
In the relatively unexplored and, by definition, fluid area of aquatic bodywork that employs intuitive and subtle energy-related sensitivities, it is challenging to record and research effects. But it is also important that we value and respect the skills required to practice in this way, and that we begin to acknowledge benefits and applications.
In an evening talk and a land-and-water workshop at the ATRI Conference in Nov. 2009 in Chicago, I explored these ideas further. For all those attending the lecture and/or workshop, who returned the feedback form, this material was new and the majority found it valuable. This is encouraging!
If you are interested in organizing a presentation of this material, which can be adapted to suit your setting, please review the samples below and contact me for more information.Email
Some of the items listed require a small payment in acknowledgment of my work in preparing and sharing this material. I appreciate your support in this and gratefully accept further donations also.
Documentation and research $35
Documentation package $50
Developing intuitive skills $70
Discounted price for all 3 items $140 (save $15)
Documentation package $50
Developing intuitive skills $70
Discounted price for all 3 items $140 (save $15)
Please contact me by email stating which items you are interested in and your extra donation if applicable. I will send you a PayPal payment request by return email. The items will be sent on prior payment only. Email
Documentation and Research for Alternative Aquatics
(Nov. 2009 National Aquatic Healthcare Conference, Chicago, 2 h Lecture presented by Sara Firman, BSc. MPhil. Watsu Therapist)
Aquatic bodywork is now part of spa-leisure and alternative health services. In these different settings, it has different purposes and values. Even where evidence-based research is not considered important, there is value in documenting sessions and sharing findings.
Sample: Download Documenting_Alternative_Aquatics
Link to full powerpoint presentation with notes
Pdf copy of lecture handout
Cost for both items above: $35 Email
Pdf copy of lecture handout
Cost for both items above: $35 Email
Documentation package for aquatic bodywork practice
Sample: Download Documentation_Package_for_Alternative_ Aquatics
The following materials (6 documents) were designed for use in a non-clinical setting with a view to gathering anecdotal information that may be:
- helpful in recording preferences, needs, results with individual clients
- valuable to a practitioner in developing their own unique skills
- useful in developing further research studies
Sample Alternative Aquatics (Aquapoetics) FAQs Sheet
A. Alternative Aquatics Pre-session Questionnaire (Client)
B. Alternative Aquatics Evaluation (Practitioner)
C1. Alternative Aquatics Experience Questionnaire after 3+ sessions (Client)
C2. Alternative Aquatics Experience Questionnaire after 15+ sessions (Client)
D. Update Questionnaire for Alternative Aquatics (Client)
Cost for all six items above: $50* Email
*this includes membership of an alternative aquatics practitioners database to be announced
A. Alternative Aquatics Pre-session Questionnaire (Client)
B. Alternative Aquatics Evaluation (Practitioner)
C1. Alternative Aquatics Experience Questionnaire after 3+ sessions (Client)
C2. Alternative Aquatics Experience Questionnaire after 15+ sessions (Client)
D. Update Questionnaire for Alternative Aquatics (Client)
Cost for all six items above: $50* Email
*this includes membership of an alternative aquatics practitioners database to be announced
Developing Intuitive Skills for Aquatics
(Nov. 2009 National Aquatic Healthcare Conference, Chicago, 3 h Workshop presented by Sara Firman, BSc. MPhil. Watsu Therapist))
Intuitive aquatic bodywork acknowledges the subtle healing effects that arise when touch and movement are translated through warm water, a medium of extraordinary inherent sensitivity. This workshop introduces the skills, benefits, challenges, and applications of this alternative approach.
Sample: Download Developing_Intuitive_Skills_for_Alternative_Aquatics
Link to powerpoint presentation with notes
Pdf copy of lecture handout
Cost for both items above: $70 Email
Pdf copy of lecture handout
Cost for both items above: $70 Email
Sara is clearly outstanding in her profession and exemplifies the best in service, research, teaching, and administration. She has written definitive articles for the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute’s newsletter and website. She has delivered lectures and pool workshops on her specialties. She was excellent in both regards. You will be more than satisfied with her work ethic, the quantity and quality of her work, her quickness in understanding parameters, her planning and foresight, her organizational skills, and her dependability and stability. Ruth Sova, President ATRI (1.21.2010)
For more see this page on the website: Aquapoetics Sessions+Workshop
