ISST Informed Consent
Rebecca Stacey-Gomez has completed Master Level training in Integrative Systemic Supportive Touch (ISST). This is a body-oriented coaching method based in gentle physical touch. The purpose of the touch is to support the entire biological system with special attention to the nervous system in releasing a myriad of known and/or unknown affecting stressors. This work is a form of coaching, and the touch is by your permission only.
ISST is applied with hands and occasionally with forearm contact, and can also be offered indirectly, such as providing support through a cushion. Body Coaching clients do not experience body manipulation, they are fully clothed, positioned comfortably and co-creating within the sessions. Together, you and Rebecca will evaluate and explore the appropriateness/comfort level of ISST Body Coaching (touch) in your individual situation. Know that she maintains open communication throughout the session about your comfort level with regards to the location of touch, amount of gentle pressure, length of contact, and her proximity to you both before and during.
ISST offers support to muscles, joints, diaphragms and organs to support regulation and healthy functioning. Touch can be applied with the client in a seated position, lying face up on a table, lying face down on a table or standing during movement exercises.
I understand I have the right and responsibility to refuse or terminate ISST techniques, or any other modality proposed or employed should I become uncomfortable at any point in the Coaching process without fear of punishment, even if you previously provided consent.
By signing I confirm that I have read and fully understand the information contained in this document. Any and all questions I have regarding the contents of these documents have been answered to my satisfaction and I consent to receiving body and touch oriented interventions offered by Rebecca Stacey-Gomez.
Ethics of Touch
The United States Association for Body Coaching has outlined ethical considerations for the use of touch and body-based approaches in healing. To read the standards outlined for the safe and ethical practice of touch visit:
http://www.zurinstitute.com/ethicsoftouch.html
A summary of these guidelines follows:
• Informed consent for body and touch-oriented approaches within Coaching is essential and out of respect for your right to choice and self-determination consent must be given voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently.
• Consent is required when using touch-related techniques in healing, and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Sexual touch of clients by a Coach/Practitioner is unethical and illegal. Genital touching is not performed, nor does a Coach/Practitioner use touch to sexually stimulate clients deliberately. Touch should not be used to foster dependency of the client on the Coach/Practitioner, and are cautious about the potential to re-enact dynamics or trigger transference coming from vulnerable experiences/states. Clear boundaries are outlined prior to and during the use of touch in a manner that is not enmeshing, shaming or derogatory.
• Touch is only used in your best interest to benefit healing with respect for your self determination, and never to gratify the personal needs of your Coach/Practitioner. Your unique and individual needs and wishes take priority over any clinical or theoretical approach. You might change your mind about specific areas that were formerly uncomfortable toward touch and decide these areas may now receive the supportive touch; inform your Coach/Practitioner of any changes.
Please read through ALL forms presented on this page
A signature will be required before any sessions are held.
ISST Informed Consent
Ethics of Touch
Benefits and Risk
Benefits and Risk
• Identifying an area of the body for tracking internal sensations.
• Supporting an area of the body to release tension or constriction.
• Stabilizing a highly activated / dysregulated nervous system.
• Containing and processing difficult emotions (e.g. feeling Coach/Practitoner’s hands on the outside of your upper arms to provide a sense of containment to reduce flooding).
• Bringing awareness to an area of the body that feels disconnected or numb.
• Engaging a reflexive action or defense to support completion / discharge of a response (e.g. pushing into the Coach/Practitioner's hands to engage a frozen fight response).
• Resourcing an individual with a positive sensation or a healthy body function (e.g. pressure on the feet can enhance a sense of grounding).
• Calming an anxiety response, by supporting the brain stem or the kidney/adrenal area.
• Connecting with tissue / muscle memory or natural biological rhythms.
• Increasing blood flow to damaged tissue.
As outlined above, ISST Body Coaching (touch) can be very beneficial. Additional outcomes that may accompany these forms of touch work include decreased pain and tension, improved range of motion, alignment and posture, increased energy, resolution and completion of past experiences to allow forward movement, a felt sense of inner balance and calm.
Touch and Soma based modalities, especially during the release of a known or unknown body memory or self-protective response, can also unexpectedly bring up emotions, thoughts, reactions or memories. Common body sensations experienced during a session might be vibration, trembling, numbness, chills, tingling, heaviness, lightness…
Sharing and processing sensations, awareness, “feelings”, “colors”, “visions” and even, “oh, that is interesting or was unexpected”…with your Coach/Practitioner, if they arise, are welcome for a more co-create experience BUT ONLY if you want to and are comfortable sharing. Either silent or verbally expressed, the sessions are equally as effective.
The ultimate goal of ISST is to provide supportive aid to you/your body in gently, safely and effectively raising the unbalanced and dis harmonious current threshold eliciting growth to experience NEW emotions, sensations and resiliency!