Consultation Techniques

1. CONSULTATION
FOR
STUDENTS AND TUTORS

2. CONSULTATION INTRODUCTION
Client:
Client is tense
and apprehensive
Therapist:
Salon appearance and
environment must be welcoming
Therapists’ appearance &
manner are vital
Show client around and explain
sequence of events
Invite client to ask questions

3. SALON ENVIRONMENT
• Clean & safe
• Treatment room size & layout
• Soundproof
• Comfort - lighting, heating,
ventilation, music
• Modern decoration attractive
• Treatment couch linen
impeccable
• Induce relaxation

4. THE THERAPIST
• Must present well – first impressions are vital
• Friendly, pleasant
• Discreet, diplomatic, patient
• Remains in control
• Knowledgeable and up to date
• Attention to hair, hands & nails, jewellery, odours,
make-up, uniform cleanliness and style

5. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Client
• Client is still tense and
apprehensive
• Client will not know what
to expect
• Client may not understand
Therapist
Use all your senses to detect
client’s psychological state
Adapt approach to client
accordingly, i.e. body
language, verbal skills, use
of diagrams
Change level of language
using lay terms,
visualisations. Explain again!

6. BODY LANGUAGE
• Facial Expressions
• Gaze
• Posture
• Gestures
• Proximity
• Touch
• Appearance

7. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Listen – gather information
Give confidence
Analyse data
Plan course of action
Evaluate, give or receive
feedback
Give information or advice

8. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
• Focus entirely on client
• Use a variety of psychological approaches and
be adaptable at any time
• Always include the client. i.e. explain
procedures, ask for client’s feedback
• Give discreet advice. Read clients body
language and responses to know when to go
further and when to stop giving advice

9. TAKE A CASE HISTORY
Client
• Client may be
introverted and
unresponsive to
questioning
• Client may be
extrovert and provide
too much
unnecessary
information
Therapist
Explain why you are
asking certain questions.
Be discreet
Probe to get full details of
relevant information
Filter information

10. PHYSICAL ANALYSIS OF THE AREA
Client:
• May be shy or
nervous and
feeling vulnerable
Therapist:
Check which area is to be
examined
Respect privacy and modesty
Be sensitive to the client’s
needs
Instil confidence whilst
examining through touch

11. EVALUATE THE NEEDS OF THE
CLIENT
Client:
• Signs & symptoms
• Physiological
conditions
• Psychological outlook
• Time and money
available for
treatments
• Motivation to commit
to treatment
Therapist:
Make judgements
about the physical
examination - locally
as well as the
person as a whole

12. DECIDE ON A COURSE OF ACTION
•Can you treat?
•Should you medically refer the client?
Or
•Explain why you cannot treat – today or
long term

13. GIVE ADVICE & PLAN TREATMENT
TOGETHER
• Explain how the treatment works
benefits, effects, reactions and results
• Discuss time, frequency and cost
• Inform about procedures client can engage in
between treatments
• Offer retail products to assist results

14. EXPLAIN TO THE CLIENT
• Invite the client to ask questions to ensure they fully
understand
• Answer questions fully and honestly
• Be confident, enthusiastic
• Personalise and focus on the client
• Motivate the client

15. BOOK THE TREATMENT
• Ask client to sign consultation card to agree data is
correct and true
• The client has responsibility to provide accurate
information so that safe treatments will follow, based on
the information provided by the client
• Agree dates and times of appointments on a card with
contact telephone number and cancellation procedures
• Give name of therapist who will attend them

16. RETAIL AND HOMECARE ADVICE
• Give client an overview of the products you will use
for them
• Give leaflets & samples if possible
• Inform client of any procedures they can start at
home
• Use client’s name when finishing the consultation,
be positive with closing greeting, smile, escort client
to door

17. THANK YOU
I hope you enjoy learning your new skills on how
to conduct a consultation with your clients.