Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70065
Your values and beliefs will help you set your boundaries and parameters that ensure safety for both you and your clients. Cultural differences, race, religion, and political beliefs are just a few beliefs that could be brought into the therapeutic relationship. Although we say these should not make a difference in a massage session, they can. Clients have values and beliefs, which are shaped by their life experiences, just as your values and beliefs are shaped by your experiences. Knowing when your beliefs may need to shift is an important part in your growth as an MT. The key is knowing when beliefs and values should not change. Your values and beliefs contribute to your own personal code of ethics, which along with the ethics in the profession of massage, will determine how you act and treat other professionals and clients. Your values and beliefs will help you set your boundaries and parameters that ensure safety for both you and your clients. OUTSIDE THE MASSAGE ROOM Throughout their careers, most (if not all) therapists have encountered the "wink-wink" comments and innuendos at social gathering, once their profession has been disclosed to the group. Oftentimes MTs will avoid the debate, but when your profession or skills are called into question, it might be the perfect opportunity for some public education. Here are some hints to handle these uneasy moments. dOn'T gET Angry Or dEFEnSIVE When you encounter an off-hand remark about your profession, remember that you have nothing to defend. You are trained in a wonderful career that has a very valuable place in society. Instead of getting angry, take a moment to share your enthusiasm. You might begin by saying, "You may not know how many doctors these days are sending their patients to massage therapists. Lots of research has shown how massage helps people become much healthier." It doesn't hurt to have a few of those research facts tucked away in your brain for someone who might be eager to hear the science of the profession. ThE PErSOn MAKIng ThE COMMEnT MAy juST bE KIddIng Friends and family like to have fun with each other. You might say, "I know a lot of people think being a massage therapist is not a real career, but I can't wait to work in the health-care community and help people feel better." TAKE ThE OPPOrTunITy TO EduCATE An important responsibility of all massage therapists is to educate the public about what they do. Most negative comments are made because people simply do not understand this type of work. You might say, "There are so many misconceptions about what massage therapy really is. To practice in most locations, we are required to have extensive training, such as a minimum of 500 hours connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 105