Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1488451
Consider a situation where you have made an error in judgment. For example, perhaps you misinformed a client on the best way to self-treat an injury because you made a guess when you weren't sure, rather than taking the time to look it up. You later realize it and say nothing. Or your client calls to tell you they are having an adverse reaction and you say you aren't sure why. Is this demonstrating accountability? The answer is no. If you make an error, own it. You might have the misperception that owning errors causes clients (or anyone, for that matter) to lose faith in you. In fact, most people gain more faith in you when you are willing to own your errors and learn from them. Professional Image Professional image is the visible representation of values and behaviors in alignment with the agreed standards of a profession. In the massage and bodywork profession, it includes personal hygiene, the use of good manners, and clean, modest dress. I've seen violations of this standard repeatedly over the years. Examples include performing massage dressed in a sleeveless shirt/tank top, skirt, open-toed shoes/ sandals or barefoot; showing cleavage; wearing a long necklace that inadvertently skims across the client's skin; sporting long fingernails and fingernail polish; or smelling like cigarette smoke. Another violation of professional image is putting inappropriate content on personal social media pages. Yes, you deserve a personal life. But if you have a public account, your clients can see your personal social media activity and your posts ref lect on your professional image. Whether you are on or off the clock, your professional image must be at the forefront of your mind. Specialized Knowledge Specialized knowledge refers to the information, skills, values, behaviors, and abilities to perform a job or participate in a profession successfully. This component is typically managed through state licensure rules and regulations. Most states have a document that outlines what is expected of you to maintain professionalism when it comes to specialized knowledge. Do you know what these rules and regulations are for your state? If not, do you know where to find them? Visit abmp.com/practitioners/ state-requirements to learn more. Even with these rules and regulations, personal responsibility (which includes honesty and integrity!) must be present. Let's say a client with lymphedema wants to schedule with you. You are not trained to work with clients with lymphedema. Should you perform the session anyway? The answer is no. Instead, you should refer them to someone who has this specialized training. This demonstrates professionalism. Self-Regulation Self-regulation is the ability to control oneself in response to stresses or pressure exerted by an outside force. Let's say a professional colleague you share office space with becomes angry and aggressive because you make a change to the space without asking permission. Do you fight fire with fire by responding with anger and aggression? Not if you are demonstrating professionalism. Instead, you should practice self-regulation by staying calm. You might need to set clear emotional boundaries, but this can be done with finesse rather than fire. There are many excellent communication models available, and this would be a great opportunity to practice one. I recommend reading Chapter 7, on "Practice Management," in The Ethics of Touch, third edition, by Ben Benjamin and Cherie Sohnen-Moe. Time Management Time management is the analysis and adjustment of how working hours are spent and how tasks are prioritized to maximize efficiency. Simply put, use your time wisely, stick to your agreements, and don't bite off more than you can chew. Don't assume a client is OK with extra time added to their massage session. If you think you will go over the agreed upon time frame for a session, communicate it and get permission. They might be on a tight schedule, or they might only want to lie on your table for an hour (I have some clients who get antsy after 50 minutes). Additionally, if you can't meet an agreed- upon deadline, don't make the agreement. For example, let's say you are offered a teaching opportunity, but you must develop the curriculum and practice the delivery in a short time frame. If you don't have time to do it and do it well, don't accept the offer. It's that simple. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST Given this information, how would you rate yourself now? The best approach might be to rate yourself on each component and calculate the average. Most important is your willingness to take an honest look in the mirror and, in areas where you might fall short, develop a plan of improvement and hold yourself accountable. You won't always be perfect, but you can make progress toward doing your best. Your profession depends on you. Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. In addition to maintaining a part- time massage and bodywork practice and teaching yoga, she is a freelance content writer and educational consultant. Contact her at massagetherapyfortwayne@gmail.com. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 89 TAKEAWAY: It's important to understand the components and criteria that define what it means to demonstrate professionalism.