The Bowen Technique: The Inside Story [Paperback]

A few days ago I received my copy of John Wilks new book. I have read it from cover to cover like I would a new best seller and like a best seller I have not been able to put it down. In my opinion the Bowen community have been waiting for a text like this ever since Ossie began teaching Tom Bowen s work. The intervening years however have provided the time for the understanding and study of the Technique that has provided the genesis of the inside story John has taken all that been learnt or hypothesised about the Bowen Technique over these past years and worked it in an extremely informative and visually appealing book. He has drawn from his 12 years of both the practice and observation of Bowen Therapy to weave a tapestry of known knowledge, ancient wisdom, philosophy and thought provoking hypothesis. Topics covered include How Bowen affects the body Assessment Fertility and Birth & Babies Discussion of Procedures How to Promote your Business Client Practitioner Relationships This sounds like an advertisement but there is no conflict of interest at play. I honestly believe that any Bowen Therapist would thoroughly enjoy reading and returning to this many times over. This is a must have for both students and experienced practitioners. Do yourself a favour and get one for Christmas. --Chris Reid - Bowen Association of Australia Newsletter

With his latest book, John Wilks provides us with a route map through the Bowen Technique. Not for the complete beginner although much of the professional how to advice will be invaluable to those starting up the book does assume a reasonable level of knowledge about the technique and indeed anatomy and physiology. Chapters 17-21 The Therapeutic Relationship are by Su Fox. And whilst I am not sure about a couple of the chapter titles Working with Chronic Pain and Facilitation and The Esoteric, because many people won t have the faintest idea what to expect from those chapters, this minor niggle doesn t detract from the fact this is a book that a newcomer can grow into, and be glad it s on their bookshelf. If you are already an established practitioner, the same applies it s a great resource aid interesting and informative. So let s talk practicalities and there is plenty of help on this very subject from Su Fox's contributions, especially in the Relationships Need Attention section the statement she makes in chapter 20 that is followed up with helpful advice and reminders from Boundaries and Containment which includes an excellent Boundary Checklist (see how you rate...) and continues with sections on Money, Contracting, Client Records and Professional Boundaries. There s a section on Clear Communication too, again with a checklist on listening skills. In Chapter 17 Su Fox introduces 2 sample treatments 2 good examples of good and bad practice. Which one is you? If you re not too sure, refer swiftly back to chapter 15 Being Professional for a quick refresher! There s a running reference to the history of Bowen through the book, gently educating the reader a much better approach than I ve often encountered before, when you find can yourself confronted with a whole chapter devoted to the past when, if we re honest about it, we really want to get to the good bits and are inclined to skip what is actually rather interesting and informative!! This is a publication for the professional and provides many useful tips as well as answers to some questions you maybe haven t thought of yet. The illustrations are good too and inform rather than simply pad out the number of pages. The section on testing was very welcome and I think we d all like to see more of this. Tests give therapists information and clients confidence, but, surprisingly, their teaching can sometimes be rather thin on the ground during the basic training of some therapies. I particularly welcomed the scientific approach John has taken with this work I ve read enough books on various therapies that have left me asking the question that s all very well, but WHY does it work? John explains. And of course The Procedures are revisited as one would hope, with the benefit of modernization and useful add-ons. There s a great deal of detail in this book and it passes the interesting read test with flying colours. --Positive Health Magazine

Written by a leading Bowen practitioner and teacher, this book is essential reading for anyone practising, studying or wanting to increase their knowledge of the Bowen Technique. It expands on John Wilks' previous book Understanding the Bowen Technique and covers: Practical Explanations as to how Bowen works How to assess clients for the most effective treatment An in-depth look at the procedures Working with mothers and babies Nutrition and after-care advice Understanding the relationship between practitioner and client