Aquapoetics: sessions
I am available for seasonal or short-term contracts at suitable warm-pool venues. Currently I have no venue of my own.
I'm interested in collaborating in the development of a spa-retreat with special emphasis on aquatic healing: see Vision Spa Retreat.
For more on my background and training: see Sara Firman (Sulis)
Intuitive aquatic bodywork: workshop
This mobile workshop offers an overview of the potential of non-clinical approaches to aquatic bodywork, including:
It is designed primarily for experienced practitioners of aquatic therapy (especially those with Watsu-type background).
If you are interested in organizing a presentation of this material, adapted to suit your setting, please contact me: Email
You can see more and download materials from an adapted presentation of this workshop for ATRI National Aquatic Healthcare Conferences (2009) here.
Some background
As the practitioner of Watsu-type aquatic bodywork becomes more adept with their techniques and more sensitive in their awareness of the receiver, they will inevitably witness some profound and mysterious effects of this work. These are subtle effects that arise out of the ways in which touch and movement are translated through water, a medium with sensitivities that are rarely acknowledged.
On the other hand, those who practice in a more methodical and results-orientated way are unlikely to create a setting that allows for this deeper experience. To a certain extent this can act as a kind of safeguard. This is because such work needs a well-developed sense of safety in guiding a person who will often be experiencing something akin to an altered state that is difficult to articulate.
There are great 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 intuitive aquatic bodywork, it is especially important to record and research its effects. It is also important that we value and respect the skills required to practice in this way, and that we begin to define benefits and applications. This workshop will touch on some of the challenges presented in this kind of practice.
Such work can be an effective adjunct to psychotherapy and to the care of those facing life transitions that have a non-medical aspect to them - such as pregnancy, bereavement, old age, and terminal illness. The expanded awareness and enhanced well-being engendered by aquatic healing, also has the potential to promote creativity and an attitude of optimism in the receiver as well as the giver.
Over several years in both spa settings and private aquatic bodywork practice, I have documented my experiences of a non-clinical but nevertheless therapeutic approach. In this workshop I share some of the insights gained from this and encourage input from participants regards their own experiences. Some water-based experiences may be included in suitable venues.
I am available for seasonal or short-term contracts at suitable warm-pool venues. Currently I have no venue of my own.
I'm interested in collaborating in the development of a spa-retreat with special emphasis on aquatic healing: see Vision Spa Retreat.
For more on my background and training: see Sara Firman (Sulis)
Intuitive aquatic bodywork: workshop
This mobile workshop offers an overview of the potential of non-clinical approaches to aquatic bodywork, including:
- definitions and distinctions
- subtle energy effects of water
- developing intuitive skills
- benefits and applications
- documentation and research.
It is designed primarily for experienced practitioners of aquatic therapy (especially those with Watsu-type background).
If you are interested in organizing a presentation of this material, adapted to suit your setting, please contact me: Email
You can see more and download materials from an adapted presentation of this workshop for ATRI National Aquatic Healthcare Conferences (2009) here.
Some background
As the practitioner of Watsu-type aquatic bodywork becomes more adept with their techniques and more sensitive in their awareness of the receiver, they will inevitably witness some profound and mysterious effects of this work. These are subtle effects that arise out of the ways in which touch and movement are translated through water, a medium with sensitivities that are rarely acknowledged.
On the other hand, those who practice in a more methodical and results-orientated way are unlikely to create a setting that allows for this deeper experience. To a certain extent this can act as a kind of safeguard. This is because such work needs a well-developed sense of safety in guiding a person who will often be experiencing something akin to an altered state that is difficult to articulate.
There are great 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 intuitive aquatic bodywork, it is especially important to record and research its effects. It is also important that we value and respect the skills required to practice in this way, and that we begin to define benefits and applications. This workshop will touch on some of the challenges presented in this kind of practice.
Such work can be an effective adjunct to psychotherapy and to the care of those facing life transitions that have a non-medical aspect to them - such as pregnancy, bereavement, old age, and terminal illness. The expanded awareness and enhanced well-being engendered by aquatic healing, also has the potential to promote creativity and an attitude of optimism in the receiver as well as the giver.
Over several years in both spa settings and private aquatic bodywork practice, I have documented my experiences of a non-clinical but nevertheless therapeutic approach. In this workshop I share some of the insights gained from this and encourage input from participants regards their own experiences. Some water-based experiences may be included in suitable venues.
Water is the element of intuition and healing counsel. It can cleanse us and create a thirst for new adventures in self-exploration. Sulis
