Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68008
QUESTIONS ABOUT PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES AND ETHICS? CONTACT NINA MCINTOSH AT 877-327-0600 OR VISIT WWW.EDUCATEDHEART.COM. You don't need to be a therapist (and it's better not to try) and you don't want to distract them by engaging in a detailed conversation with them. All you have to do is make sympathetic noises to indicate that you're listening. Avoid telling a client to be quiet. Some people unwind by talking about their day-to-day problems. If you notice a client getting tighter as she talks, you can point that out to her by saying, "It's fine if you want to talk, but notice how tense your shoulders are becoming." Or if you think a client is talking because she thinks it's rude not to, you can say, "This is your time for yourself, so feel free to drift away and quiet your mind during this time if you want." LEAST COMFORTABLE ADMISSION YOU CAN'T BE ALL THINGS TO ALL CLIENTS. Part of your job is knowing when to refer out: knowing when a client needs someone with more technical skill, a different method, or a practitioner he or she might click with better. You may really like the client but not have the skill he needs. Or your work with this client may be fine, but in addition, he or she needs a trained counselor or some other kind of help. And when you're referring a client to a counselor or suggesting they see a counselor, be careful that the client doesn't feel rejected or demeaned. Try, "I enjoy working with you and I hope you will continue to work with me. However, you've reported feeling depressed (overwhelmed, sad, anxious) for several months and I wonder if you'd also like to talk with a counselor. It's up to you, but I have some names of people who have good reputations if you want them." WORST BOUNDARY MISTAKE SEXUALIZING YOUR WORK. Without a doubt, sexualizing your work is potentially the most destructive boundary mistake you can make. These types of behaviors range from flirting, dressing seductively, and dating clients to the most destructive act of being sexual with a client during a session. Nothing hurts your reputation more than being linked with sexually inappropriate behavior. And no rumor travels faster or sticks with you longer than a sex-related one. Compare, "She's late for her sessions," with, "She dates her clients." Which one are you more likely to remember and repeat? In addition, nothing hurts the reputation of the profession more. It reinforces the persistent and erroneous public image that massage therapists offer sexual services. Nothing will bring more hostility from your colleagues. Make sure you take care of your own body. How long has it been since you've had a massage? For the next one, instead of going to the same old predictable buddy, you might try someone you haven't seen who has a great reputation. You'll get good work and learn something new. Make sure you have enough professional support. Go to a conference and get re-inspired or just get together with other massage therapists for an informal gathering. Call a favorite teacher and see if you can take her to lunch and get a fresh perspective on some of those problem clients. Remember that investing time, energy, and money in yourself pays off. BEST FEELING A FULL APPOINTMENT BOOK. And no violation is potentially more destructive to clients. Because of your role as the caring massage therapist, clients will feel affection toward you. Some will even develop a crush on you. Most of the time they do not want an equal, real-life relationship with you. They want you to keep being that all-caring nurturer that you are during a session. It's a mistake, an ethical violation, and possibly an illegal activity to try to turn a vulnerable client's affection into a romantic or sexual relationship. WORST ASPECT OF YOUR JOB TO NEGLECT SELF-CARE. SELF-CARE. SELF-CARE. Taken a vacation lately? Sometimes you can't afford not to take some time off to recharge your batteries. Even a weekend away can help clear your mind. Looking at your appointment book on Monday and seeing a week full of clients you love to work with, Or . . . seeing the client who came in looking glum and harried walk out the door with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. Or . . . insert an example from your practice here ___________. Maybe you have some categories or examples from your own experience to add to this list. We'd love to hear from you. You can e-mail your additions to editor@abmp.com. years of experience as a bodyworker with her previous years as a psychiatric social worker. She is the author of The Educated Heart: Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapists, Bodyworkers, and Movement Teachers. To learn more about professional boundaries and ethics, visit www. educatedheart.com. Nina McIntosh combines more than 20 Gayatri Stein, visit www.gypsydogpress.com. To learn more about illustrator Mari visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 117