Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68013
PREVENTIVE MEASURES SETTING THE STAGE The first step in protecting yourself as an MT isn't necessarily taking a self-defense class, although that's a wise choice for anyone in today's world. The first safety step for massage professionals is to properly set the stage—it's the old "ounce of prevention" notion. Experts say you can avoid most bad situations entirely by planning wisely. For example, when choosing a location for your office, be smart. Choose a well-lit area where there will commonly be plenty of traffic during the hours you will operate. As Cherie Sohnen-Moe, coauthor of The Ethics of Touch and a home study massage ethics series, puts it, "Don't be the only place open, the only car in the lot. Set up your practice so that you don't look like a target." Examine nearby businesses and think about the kind of impression a walk-in client might get. Use these same criteria if you are considering employment in an existing spa or clinic. Another way to set the stage is to evaluate your advertising to ensure you convey a professional tone. Make sure your telephone listing is in an appropriate category, such as Licensed Therapeutic Massage and not something too generic, like Massage Services. Likewise, your business cards should include your full credentials so that potential clients understand the service you provide is therapeutic. Given the potential for confusion with those providing entirely different services, be especially careful about placing advertisements or business cards in public places, on bulletin boards, or with certain lists and publications. The next step is to evaluate your work space and environment. Give some thought to your basic setup. Place the massage table and other furnishings so that you will naturally tend to keep yourself between the client and the door as much as possible throughout the session. You should never need to turn your back on a client who is not on the table. Proper clothing can be both a boundary issue and a safety matter. Resist the temptation to dress informally and keep jewelry to a minimum. Professional attire sends an appropriate signal. Don't set yourself up to be misunderstood. MEETING THE CLIENT As we all know, there are those in our culture who sell sex under the guise of providing massage services. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding on the part of prospective clients who may be seeking something entirely different than therapeutic massage. Given societal barriers toward touching, the innately personal nature of massage can sometimes cause even well-intentioned clients to become confused, which can then lead to inappropriate behavior. The key to avoiding most expectation or behavior problems before they materialize is to have strong client intake procedures and to use them routinely. 40 massage & bodywork may/june 2009