What is a Polarity Therapy session like?

Good question! The answer can’t be very concrete. A session usually begins with the polarity practioner finding out the perceived needs of the client. Once that is ascertained, we proceed to the table to begin our hands-on work. The client is fully clothed but typically removes their shoes and eyeglasses.

Polarity Therapists first discern their own energy state and bring it into awareness, and then through gentle palpation assess the client’s energy state. We then begin to work wherever we sense an energy encapsulation, or non-free flowing energy in the client’s body. We use whatever Polarity techniques are applicable as we continue to follow the energy.

A great deal of the work is done very gently. Sometimes there is the need to stimulate energy in the client by stimulation that is not as gentle and can become deeper and more physical, feeling almost like massage movements.

If we notice that any of our work causes the client pain, we back off to a more gentle touch because pain causes some resistance that has a tendency to hold energy. We proceed with the session, striving to attain a balance in the client’s energy while we stay aware of our own energy movement.

A Polarity Therapy session can bring some pain to the surface that has been held dormant for some time. This creates awareness for both the practioner and client of what needs work. All of the work is intended to create relaxation for the client, which is the beginning of the healing process.

As the session winds down, we allow the relaxation, the awareness and the physical difference for the client to be recognized and enjoyed.

-John Bodary

What is the difference between Polarity Therapy and Reiki?

Many have asked about the difference between Reiki and Polarity Therapy.  Both work with the subtle energies of the body that underlie its form and functions.  Both require hands-on positions, although Reiki can be performed at a distance.

Reiki involves what is called an “attunement,” an energetic initiation to the Reiki lineage from the original Masters to the current students.  Reiki supporters believe that attunement to the lineage of Reiki invites all who are practicing to energetically call on the lineage to inspire their work. 

Polarity Therapy utilizes techniques that connect the positive, neutral and negatively charged energy forces to enhance the life force within a problem area – whether mental, emotional, physical or spiritual – creating a free flow of the life force energy.  It is my experience that Polarity Therapy is more anatomically and physiologically specific. 

Both therapies are greatly enhanced by the presence, intention and passion of their practitioner.

-Karen Kerns

What is presence and how does that work with the Polarity techniques you teach?

When we teach Polarity, we give students as many techniques as each of us knows. At the same time we stress the importance of presence. The balance of these components is most important. Each if them is essential.

So how do we go about keeping a perspective that helps to develop practlioners who know how to use techniques in a sequence that produces highly productive sessions.

Generally we start our instruction with techniques that allow participants to palpate the flow of energy in the person they are working with or client. These are relatively simple techniques.

Once the level of feeling energy is attained we move into the concept of presence. Presence is the ability and willingness to get in touch with our own energy so that we can effectively contact the energy of our client. When that ability is brought to bear, we allow ourselves to patiently contact the energy of the other person so that we feel a movement of energy through palpation.

Once a movement is sensed, we wait to see where that movement leads us. When we get a clearer sense of where energy is blocked, we move to that area and use techniques we learned earlier to work with the block.

Which technique we use is dictated by what we feel and what first comes to us as a way to open the energy block. This is not a thought process, but an intuitive listening to the coming together of our energy and the energy of our client. The technique that arises out of this presence is the first work we do. After that we follow the flow of energy by staying present to the energy and doing whatever technique presents itself to us.

Techniques are how we approach blocked energy. Presence is the attitude that allows us to come in to contact with a block through t he coming together of our own and another’s energy.

Presence is first, followed by an appropriate technique that will move the work ahead. One is not more important than the other. One just comes first and leads the way. Both are important and make for a total attentive and productive Polarity session.

-John Bodary

What are supervisions and why are they part of the Polarity Therapy curriculum?

Supervisions are private meetings between the student and instructor held between classes. It is an important opportunity for the student to get individualized support, mentorship and feedback from the instructor. The students may receive or give a session, or ask questions about the material being covered in class. Supervision is an integral part of our curriculum and is included in the cost of tuition. 

Learning Polarity Therapy often opens up a personal process for students that can include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual changes. The staff at the Polarity Center is committed to providing safe and nurturing support as these changes arise for students.

We also believe that receiving and experiencing Polarity Therapy sessions is one of the best ways to learn about the Polarity process. This direct experience allows the student to integrate the Polarity principles into their daily lives and apply them.

-Renee Rutz

Describe the free Polarity Therapy clinic offered at Holy Rosary Church in Detroit

In 1996 I asked Fr. Morand, pastor of Holy Rosary and a lifelong friend, if I could offer Polarity to the parish members on the parish grounds. He agreed, and after a short talk about Polarity Therapy, we began offering sessions.

The first Thursday five people showed up. From that point the numbers began to grow and I could no longer do all the sessions myself. I asked for help from current and former Polarity students and got a positive response.

Soon, myself and another practioner or two were seeing about 16 people every other Thursday. And it grew. At a peak we were seeing about 30 people with six practioners. I wish I could remember all of you who have participated in the project but I don’t, so I’ll mention no names.

For the past few years Betty Teeg has done all the scheduling of practioners and clients, for which I am very grateful. The clientele comes from the parish, the neighborhood, nearby Wayne State University and the streets.

We currently see between 20 and 25 people every other Thursday and still need help. It’s a great way to serve people and it’s also a great way to practice skills for those of you who don’t always have the opportunity.

Many good people are served by the work and many good people do the work. We always need practioners, so if you can assist please call Betty at (313) 647-0038. The atmosphere is great and the work is valuable.

-John Bodary