The Story Massage Programme became a beneficial part of a bedtime routine for a 7 year old who finds it hard to sleep after the death of a much-loved grandmother. “Massage stories really helped her cope with bereavement,” says her mother, Kath Routledge, a Story Massage Instructor, Relax Kids Coach and now an author, “And we are still sharing the massage story.”
Kath’s Massage Story for Bereavement
“My daughter still finds things tough when thinking about her granny, especially at bedtime,” says Kath, pictured above with her children, “So we do our ‘Missing Granny’ massage story – and sometimes in the day too! It’s a real comfort for her, and I’ve found it has helped her settle. At times in the past she has been inconsolable, but since writing and sharing this massage story, things are a lot easier for her. And if she does wake in the night, a short massage story helps her get back to sleep quite quickly now.”
You can download the massage story here: Missing Granny
Creativity with Kath
Kath uses the Story Massage Programme with her children at home whenever the time feels right – at bedtime or in the day. “I love that we don’t have to follow a script” says Kath, “I make something up linked to what’s bothering them at that time – and it is always so relaxing and calming for them. I’ve found I’ve become very creative in my story telling now.”
Kath has also recently written a book Yasmine Yogi and Phoebe Bee (based on her own children) which helps teach self-help techniques including yoga, mindful exercises and breathing techniques for children to do when things get tricky. So do check it out on Amazon plus her other books (here’s the link: Kath’s Books) and also her facebook page: Yasmine Yogi and Phoebe Bee.
More about the Story Massage Programme
The Story Massage Programme combines the benefits of positive touch with the creativity of storytelling. Ten massage strokes form the basis of the programme. These strokes have a simple name, such as The Circle or The Sprinkle, and an easy to recognise symbol making it fully accessible for all ages and abilities.
Would you like to train in the Story Massage Programme?
Are you inspired by the way that Kath has used massage stories to help her daughter cope with bereavement? If you would like to use the programme at home or work then you will love our flexible online course. All the information is here: Online Training Course.
You will learn how to share the ten Story Massage strokes, adapt familiar stories and even create some sensory stories of your own. Ideal for well-being coaches, therapists, teachers, SEN staff, support staff, Early Years practitioners, those working with people with additional needs, everyone with an interest in sharing positive touch activities with adults or children.