Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1208028
Arousal in the Treatment Setting While an erection is one of the most obvious indicators of physiological arousal, it doesn't necessarily mean emotional or sexual desire is also present. Touch itself on any part of the body can stimulate a physiological response that results in a partial or complete erection. Not all forms of (accidental) arousal or discussion of sexual anatomy are inappropriate. Practitioners need to immediately clarify with their client when instances of erections or other forms of arousal occur, especially to rule out whether the behavior was inadvertent and without sexual intent. Once one party is uncomfortable, the session isn't going to be truly beneficial because attention is diverted. It is also important to be aware of clients who repeatedly expose themselves during the treatment. One or two episodes may be accidental, poor boundaries, or a lapse in judgment. Regardless of the reason, the practitioner needs to verbalize the physical boundary of draping at the first instance of self-exposure. Boundary Crossings and Sexual Harassment/Assault Below are a few specific therapist accounts of what they've experienced in the treatment room, followed by a list of more general examples. Therapist Experience #1 Client: "I'm having fun at your expense." Therapist: "Oh? In what way?" Client: "I've been telling everybody I have a young woman who comes to see me and tells me to get naked and get on the table (laughs)." Therapist: "So, what do you think that costs me?" Client: "What do you mean?" Therapist: "Well, you said it's at my expense, so what do you think a joke like that costs me?" Client: "Nothing. It's just a joke." Therapist: "Well, if it's at my expense, it means it cost me something, so let's think about it. Maybe my reputation as a professional? Maybe my safety in that somebody might think it's OK to try something with me? Maybe future clients who think I do sex work? So really, what do you think it costs me?" Client: (long pause) "I was trying to be funny. I am so sorry. I never thought of it that way." Therapist Experience #2 "A man took my hand while I was massaging his forearm, telling me how lucky my husband was. He attempted to kiss me after the massage while his bathrobe was untied. Then he made it clear (by stacking cash on the end of the table and choosing only small bills) that I could have had much more money had I complied." Therapist Experience #3 "I had this happen to me alone in my office for the very first time when I was fresh out of school. He was a returning client and I [would] just get into [a routine] . . . [until] I noticed when I'd move, he'd move. Took me a minute to realize he was grinding my table. I ended the massage, he left, and I 56 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 2 0 For you to be empowered when addressing any level of sexual harassment, you need an understanding of how you can respond.