Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE Another challenge is not This cycle of feedback and constant interaction is what makes the therapeutic relationship work. internalizing a client's problems. Therapists are faced daily with many physical and even emotional situations that can be challenging. It can be very difficult for a therapist to not feel sad for a client who is suffering from a painful disease or to not get angry when we hear a client is treated unfairly. For example, a client may have been injured in an accident and an insurance company will not allow treatment that could help the client. A therapist has to find the best way possible to treat the client within his or her area of expertise, while still providing quality care. FIND THE BALANCE Maintaining a constant connection with the client and obtaining feedback are important components in the therapeutic relationship. A therapist who assumes the client should always agree with his or her opinion eliminates the opportunity for the crucial feedback required for a healthy therapeutic relationship. This cycle of feedback and constant interaction is what makes the therapeutic relationship work. The open dialog and mutual agreement of the goals for the sessions will help both the client and therapist feel truly involved in the treatment and should enhance the outcomes for everyone. The therapist should continually guide the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship for the client's best interests. 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 109