Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68165
ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE Referring does not mean a client will be lost, it simply means the therapist is acting ethically for the well-being of the client. therapist does not have the resources for referral, call other therapists or a mentor and ask for help. A therapist should try and build a good network of counseling services; other medical professionals such as doctors, chiropractors, and nutritionists; and other massage therapists who may offer alternative treatments. The well-being of the client should be foremost in any therapist's mind. Referring does not mean a client will be lost, it simply means the therapist is acting ethically for the well-being of the client. without the client even being aware it is happening. A gentle reminder to return to working on the area of concern by focusing on breathing techniques can help take a client out of that moment. Simply saying how sorry you are that something bad has happened to the client acknowledges the event, but does not get into the personal situation. Asking questions or offering advice is out of the scope of practice for a therapist, unless you are trained and credentialed in the mental health profession. This is challenging because massage therapists nurture clients in so many good and effective ways. The pain relief and relaxation have such a positive effect on the emotional well-being of clients that massage therapists often need to bring the focus back to providing the client's treatment. It is very easy for a therapist to get distracted by listening and getting emotionally involved in what the client is saying. If a therapist begins to feel the client's anger or hurt, this should be a warning sign that she is beginning to get involved. This is not a bad thing as long as the therapist is aware that this is happening and knows not to pursue his thoughts, feelings, or the need to know more information about the situation with the client. This information can help therapists understand more about the client's condition or symptoms and can help bring about a treatment plan that will be effective and nurturing. Clients may also reveal information that can be reason to recommend further treatment or help from other parties. If a client is suffering from depression, a referral to a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist may be in order. This should be done gently so as not to offend the client. If a GET THE RIGHT INFO Clients can neglect to reveal information or reveal too much information for effective treatment. Finding the balance of the information that is needed is the responsibility of the massage therapist. Although challenging, there are no guarantees you will obtain all the information that is needed. Asking the right questions, along with understanding the information that is obtained, will help therapists make wise and educated choices toward appropriate treatments. The physical work that is done on a client can help with some emotional issues. Knowing the right time for help from others is equally important. Sometimes being only a part of a client's journey to well-being is the ethical and right thing to do. massage therapist for 18 years, working both in private practice and medical settings. She began teaching massage techniques and ethics 12 years ago and became program manager at Allied College in St. Louis, Missouri, nine years ago. She is the author of Ethics for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). Contact her at TYardleyNohr@ alliedcollege.edu. Terrie Yardley-Nohr, LMT, has been a connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 107