Content Outline

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Learning Objectives

1. Define the terms “paradox of healing” and “armoring” correctly describe how they apply to massage and bodywork situations.
2. Identify the essential elements that characterize the bodymind connection and affect the shape of the body.
3. Identify the essential elements in the nature of armoring and how it develops.
4. Give at least 1 example of each of the following components of armoring: charge; grounding, bounding; tissue patterns and layers of the body.
5. Define the terms disembodied; collapsed and compressed character structures.
6. Describe the key elements in the relationship between armor and character.
7. Describe the essential elements in the disembodied, collapsed and compressed character structures and identify examples of each.
8. Identify an example of each of the 4 types of rigid character structures and a recommended therapeutic strategy for them.
9. Identify an example of each of the following terms: generalized anxiety disorder; phobia; panic disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder; PTSD; ADHD; addiction; eating disorder; somatoform disorder; mood disorder; psychosis; abuse, and uncontrollable anger or rage.
10. List at least 5 recommended resources for additional information in the field of body psychology.
11. Describe at least 1 key element in successful referrals and/or collaboration with mental health professionals.
12. Achieve at least 70% correct on the open-book test.

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Sample Text

"...examples of acting out by clients with a collapsed structure are seeking to extend their time by complaining of one last little pain that needs some attention, asking one last question, or dressing slowly when it is time to end the session. Their acting out often eventually triggers rejection by others resulting from their slow but steady incursion on others' boundaries and the other person eventually reaching a limit and feeling 'they can't take it anymore.' Massage therapists can be drawn into this pattern. Because many massage therapists overdo caregiving, they tend to overextend giving to this type of client...To avoid repeating and reinforcing this pattern, making professional boundaries clear from the outset, holding them firmly, and saying no to uncomfortable, unrealistic expectations - even when it is difficult to do so - is critical for the massage therapist to do. The boundaries need not be rigid, but they do need to be firm." from The Psychology of the Body by Elliot Greene and Barbara Goodrich-Dunn (2004), page 175

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Sample Test Question

Because massage therapists can be drawn into the collapsed structure’s pattern of acting out, therapists should

a.    raise their expectations even higher

b.    avoid people with a collapsed structure altogether

c.    play along with the beliefs and complaints of the client

d.    set clear boundaries from the outset and hold firmly to them

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