Ethical Issues in Massage

[Rebecca Mauldin]

Post your questions and opinions about ethical issues in massage therapy. (www.instituteofhealingarts.com)

[Amanda Rose Shission]

Some people have attachments to people who provide service to them...as in saying "my accountant, my hair dresser and of course, the biggie, MY massage therapist." Although these declarations are understandable, for the new massage therapist trying to introduce themselves into the world, breaking these attachments can be hard and frustrating. What is the appropriate, neutral, adult response to clients when they say "Well I always see her/him, and I don't want to upset them by seeing you." or "I've always seen him/her and they might get mad if I go to anyone else." Also what is the response to our fellow massage therapists who proclaim "this is my client!" Without going into a long explanation about transference and countertransference, how can we explain that we are here to serve the needs of the client and not those of our own ego?

[Rebecca Mauldin]

Good question Amanda! I'm looking forward to seeing what others have to say about this. I think a neutral, adult response to the client would be to allow her to have the feelings of attachment and just let it go. If you have a close relationship with them, you might feel comfortable exploring the reasons they feel they owe something to their therapist (and yeah, I've been there myself--wondering how my hairdresser would feel if I went to someone else!). Or you could let them know that as therapists, we are ethically bound to act in our client's best interest and they might be able to discuss other treatment options (or practitioners) with their current therapist before trying something else. But ultimately, I'd say if a client feels that way, then so be it.

To a fellow massage therapist proclaiming "this is my client!" --- hum, I'd have to say that depends. Are they up in your face, aggressively protecting "their territory" or just referring to a client who sees them regularly? (Hopefully not the former!!) I am all about discussing our ethical vulnerabilities with each other, so I think it would be a great opportunity to share with the therapist your own issues with "owning" a client relationship and countertransference and seeing where it leads.

[Amanda Rose Shission]

As I look at this question more and more of how do we break these attachments, I see this is a vulnerable area for me. Why do these attachments that people have cause frustration in me? What is it about the other therapists and how they act with clients cause me to want them to change? What does all this stuff bring up for me? It IS appropriate to let people have their feelings of attachment. Who am I to change another's beliefs or feelings? I have now found peace in the fact that I shall act in accordance to what I feel and believe is ethically sound and lead my example. I shall give each client the respect and care they deserve as well as fellow therapists. I shall do my best. I shall have fun!

As for my vulnerabilities, I would like to try expose them as much as possible and have them be a learning tool for all.