Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68013
SCREENING NEW CLIENTS A NETWORK OF SUPPORT These telephone contacts with colleagues require only a few minutes. By identifying yourself in a professional manner as an MT who wants to alert colleagues about a threatening phone call or experience, you are being proactive in taking preventive measures. This is one way to create a network of support in a profession where the one-on-one nature of its services tends to isolate its practitioners. Ideally, all salons, spas, and dramatic life changes, you may want to be on the lookout for significant underlying issues that would be better addressed by a mental health therapist. At this point in the conversation, you might mention that massage is not a substitute for therapy or counseling. Be prepared to offer the phone number and name of an appropriate resource that may help the caller. In this instance, I suggested a local counseling service. The caller became agitated, began cursing, and demanded a massage appointment. As with all relationships, if someone raises his or her voice and is offensive, we must look at this as a sign that more is going on. At this point, I said, "Goodbye" and hung up the phone, dialed 9-1-1, and identified myself as a massage therapist who had just received an abusive call from a prospective client. I further relayed the caller's exact words and voiced particular concern about the mention of suicide, as well as the negative reference to a former massage therapist. Additionally, I phoned the place of business where the caller mentioned receiving a poor massage. The MT there related details of the client's alarming behavior with her, including sexual language and inappropriate touch. My instincts had proved accurate, and I encouraged the therapist to call the local authorities with the information. By being aware of atypical comments, MTs can stop threatening situations from occurring in their massage studios. A demanding tone of voice and inappropriate use of language can be red flags that the call should be terminated. If you're uncomfortable talking with this person on the phone, imagine how you would feel being in the same personal space and delivering a massage. If a caller speaks of violent behavior toward himself or others or becomes abusive when refused a massage, call the police and give an account of the conversation. Also, contact other local massage therapists and relay the call. If the caller located your phone number on a website by zip code, call the MTs whose names appear along with your own. If you are in the phone book, you might call others listed in your area. Contacting nearby salons and spas to give them the caller's ID and details of the conversation is important. As long as the information you share is factual, you are single- handedly taking responsibility to protect your profession, your colleagues, and the public. businesses that schedule appointments for MTs should have a protocol, such as the quicklist, for obtaining basic identifying information when first-time clients request a massage service. If possible, giving MTs the list of new clients ahead of time will allow them to personally call and conduct a short interview, so that any unfavorable situations can be avoided. When returning messages or initiating this pre-screening call, the MT can explain that this will help expedite the spa or salon check-in process. A client's answers to questions will prepare the therapist to best serve each individual client. For example, based on the information the client gives, the MT can determine whether to prepare such therapies as hot towel compresses, cold packs, or hot stones. These questions are natural, but necessary, components of a safe and successful massage therapy experience. Be smart. Be safe. Ask questions. massage therapy in Maryland. Since 1989, she has taught children and adults in the fields of creative writing, literature, English as a second language, and sociology. She is the author of articles and books including a grief-assistance activity book for children titled Keeping Memories Alive. Contact her at www.memorylanepress.com or mimicmt@ yahoo.com. MiMi Zannino, MA, LMT, practices visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 51