When my friend and collaborator Siobhan Guthrie asked me if I would teach a group of 30 of her Kinesiology students a course on chronic pain, I wasn’t phased by the number of people – in another life I was a lecturer after all. But I did find the prospect of teaching such a large group during a pandemic a little daunting – how on earth to go about engaging a big group of students over Zoom? And what’s more, the sessions Siobhan was proposing would be regular – twice a week – and long – two hours each. Torture for the students!
As it happens, I have just finished teaching the four-week course. I loved it, and I have a feeling the students did too – many of them have told me so at least. One even compared it to something like the opposite of torture – I can’t think of higher praise for a teacher!
The students were in various stages of Kinesiology training with Siobhan, who runs the Academy of Systematic Kinesiology in Westport. We first met in 2014 at a course run by Lissa Rankin in San Francisco – Siobhan and I were the only Irish course members, and we immediately found each other! We have collaborated on a number of projects through the years since.
The objective of this course was to give the group of 30 students an understanding of Psychophysiologic Disorders (PPD) and help them recognise when their clients might need some extra support. In practical terms this may be to suggest some gentle exercises, journaling, reading material or support from a PPD practitioner.
I was really struck by the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about how chronic pain can manifest itself. Over the weeks we grew a little community, and I already find myself missing the sessions. Some of the students have said the same, in their very generous feedback. Here’s a snapshot:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed your course. I did a work related course in Feb, also two mornings a week three hours each, and it was a form of torture to be honest, and every morning dragged. However, your course has flown by, and I loved every minute. I’m looking forward to reading the book, which I have ordered.” Janette W
“I just want to Thank you! You explain everything so clearly. First the fact that your mind plays such a large role in chronic pain and that suppressed anger can manifest in pain. I also liked the explanation of our Autonomic Nervous System and how both are needed and how important it is for our bodies that their "switches" work so they can turn on and off when we need them too. Also, the part about self healing and how to present that to clients. To get them to realize their triggers and what is their unconscious mind doing and why?” Therese A