Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68013
PREVENTIVE MEASURES Many massage therapists may have difficulty in properly recognizing or assessing a problem situation. Marsh emphasizes this in her seminar, Embodying Ethics. "Massage therapists work with bodies, but don't listen to warning signs from their own. Self- care and personal safety are part of the journey of listening to our bodies and living in our bodies." She has found this to be an area not covered in-depth in many training programs. She sees many new therapists in her ethics seminars who need a better comfort level in dealing frankly with personal contact issues. Marsh incorporates role-play exercises to help bridge the experience gap. Sohnen-Moe likewise uses role- playing training to get massage therapists comfortable with direct communication. This sort of frank communication can diffuse a misunderstanding, work past a purely physiological reaction, or forgo other awkward situations. It also helps the therapist to recognize when something more could be going on, and to increase their willingness to put their needs first and end the session. Fortunately, few inappropriate requests lead to physical confrontations. Despite your stage setting and intake procedures, the client may have misunderstood the nature of your practice. The client still may simply be confused as to the boundaries of therapeutic massage contact. Be direct. Firmly explain that you only provide professional therapeutic massage and that the request is inappropriate. It is possible, after making this clear and seeing that the client truly understands, that the session could continue if you are comfortable with the situation. If not, do not be reluctant to terminate the session and ask the client to leave. As Marsh says, listen to what your own body is telling you. The appropriate response depends on several factors. A client lying supine on the table making a verbal request is not (yet) as threatening a situation as a client who is standing. The setting is very important. If you are within earshot of other therapists in a large office, your risk exposure is not nearly so great. If you're the only one there or if you're isolated, in solo practice, or on an outcall, your exposure is much greater. In those situations, you will need to have a much higher level of caution. Instances of actual physical assault on massage therapists are fortunately rare. But the bottom line—both for peace of mind and for your safety—is that you need to be ready for even that sort of assault, just as you would when alone on a dark street. Here is the most basic rule: when in doubt, move. If you feel threatened, or sense that you could be in physical danger, or even are feeling unsure whether you're entirely safe or not, just go. Don't hesitate, don't let the situation escalate, don't worry about explanations or the rest of the session. Get out. WORST CASE SCENARIOS, SOLUTIONS Just as many of us keep a fire extinguisher on hand without necessarily fearing a fire, consider the worst case scenario and be prepared to deal with it. If, despite all precautions, you are confronted with physical violence and can't leave, what will you do? While the ideal solution might be to have several robust coworkers within shouting distance, in the worst case scenario, you'll be alone. 44 massage & bodywork may/june 2009