Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68173
Confidence and a solid professional foundation go a long way when handling boundary issues. the client and therapist. For example, when working the inner thigh of a client, the draping creates a physical boundary that the therapist should not cross. A securely tucked sheet gives the client a feeling of safety. It is important for a therapist to also know his or her own comfort zone. But what if the client does not like being draped? This may be against a state regulation and it's clearly against associations' codes of ethics; those facts can be communicated to the client. If there are no rules to fall back on, a therapist must rely on his or her own boundaries. Again, it's crucial to establish firm foundations with clients. When a therapist tells a client that full draping is his or her policy, the statement holds more weight than simply saying draping is someone else's rule. We have all had clients who may not be able to articulate their comfort zones. The client who barely gets undressed or feels uncomfortable when the therapist works certain areas of the body can send nonverbal messages that a comfort zone is being crossed. Paying close attention to both the verbal and nonverbal communication will help both therapist and client have a more rewarding session. SOCIAL BOUNDARY How do you keep the relationship professional and not social? This is one of the gray areas of boundaries because opinions vary widely. When a client invites you to his or her home for a party, your relationship shifts from professional to social if you choose to accept the invitation. Some therapists are comfortable with this transition. But, family and friends aside, many therapists do not want to cross this line. It can be challenging when you work on a client for years and you may know a good deal about the client's personal life just through causal conversation. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable inviting this person to your house for a party. If so, then this is probably a person with healthy boundaries who respects you as a professional and whom you respect as a person, but also appreciate as a client. EMOTIONAL BOUNDARY There are definite limits when exploring the personal feelings and emotions of not only the client, but also the therapist. A therapist may have a client who asks a lot of questions and wants to know too much about the therapist's life. These questions can vary from professional to personal. Therapists know that clients relax better by just breathing and remaining quiet, but perhaps the client is having a difficult time relaxing. There is always the danger of clients talking about their problems and the therapist being drawn into client dramas. It is difficult not to have compassion for a person who has been hurt or abused in some way. These emotions can easily be released as part of their massage session. There is a gentle way of letting a client know that you acknowledge that she has had pain by gently telling her you are sorry for what has happened and she is here now to relax and let go. It is dangerous—and outside an MT's scope of practice—for the therapist to become a part of the client's emotions by offering advice. A savvy therapist will have a mental health professional's contact information on hand to suggest to clients. connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 105