Sexuality and massage Sexual misconduct , one of the most egregious examples of inappropriate behavior, refers to any sexual activity between the massage therapist and client. While women are less likely than men to be accused of sexual misconduct, they are not immune to such allegations. Some practitioners employ strategies of avoidance, such as ignoring the issue of sexuality entirely, either consciously or unconsciously, due to their own embarrassment Strategies for client safety The emotional, financial, and legal consequences of professional misconduct for the client, therapist, and professional community are profound. Preventive policies should include an educational component that explains power dynamics in the therapeutic session, what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate conduct with individuals of the same and opposite genders, and strategies for speaking and acting in ways that clarify and reinforce appropriate boundaries. To ensure clients’ safety, therapists must identify issues that are inherently sexual and address then in a way that de-emphasizes or avoids the sexual nature of the action. Desexualizing massage emphasizes the components of therapy, acknowledging human sexuality as a given, with an emphasis on professional execution of the care plan. ● It is natural for clients to feel some anxiety or insecurity related to the process of disrobing and draping. Massage therapists can minimize anxiety or concern by stating and/ or providing written information regarding disrobing. Before the session starts, therapists should state that a draping procedure is required for purposes of modesty and physical comfort. Therapists can also have a written notice that explains that draping will cover all parts of the client’s body except the specific area receiving attention. ● Once therapists finish work in that area, they will cover it or recover it, and move to the next area. Massage therapists can tell clients to let them know if they have a question or concern, or feel uncomfortable in any way. If therapists encounter a client who prefers not to be draped, therapists should explain that they are unable to proceed with the session until the client agrees to this customary procedure. ● Therapists should reassure the client that it is not necessary to remove any more clothing than personal comfort or modesty will allow. In addition, therapists should request that clients wait to undress until after they have left the room. Therapists should never allow the client to dress or undress in their presence. ● Before they begin, therapists should inform the client of areas of focus and ask permission to proceed. Therapists Misconduct Misconduct has been a persistent and troubling issue in healthcare and medical professions since modern medicine began. Written more than 2,000 years ago, the Hippocratic Oath is the basis for the principle of “do no harm” as it states, “I will keep them from harm and injustice” [Hasday,2013). It continues, “Come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief, and in particular of sexual relations with both female and male persons” (Hasday, 2013). In recent years, accusations of misconduct in the healthcare and personal service industries have become increasingly common, due in part to formal regulation of the profession, standardization of the complaint process, and greater awareness of the issue and client rights among the general public. Misconduct takes many different forms that vary in type and degree of severity. Misconduct can occur in every aspect of business practice, from organizational matters, to billing, to social interactions. Even in cases where inappropriate behaviors are the unintended result of poor record-keeping, lack of staff training, errors in judgment, or improper planning, they risk harm to the client and serious penalties for the practitioner. Victims of misconduct may face long term emotional and physical issues
or discomfort with the topic. While this approach may save an awkward moment or two, an inability or refusal to address the subject when necessary, like ignoring signs of sexual arousal, may not only be inappropriate, but professionally irresponsible, resulting in a breach of ethical conduct, and becoming embarrassing or harmful to clients’ self-worth. should expose and work on only one area of the body at a time, and cover the exposed part before moving on to another area. ● Massage therapists should avoid ambiguity or the appearance of impropriety in their words and manner. For instance, therapists should dress in a professional manner, and avoid outfits that could be construed as revealing or provocative. The therapist’s demeanor should align with other professional healthcare personnel. ● In addition, massage therapists should use professional language and chose words carefully due the lack of personal space, and exposure of the body that can be intimidating, especially to new clients (Howard, 2011). When referring to physical conditions or parts of the body, therapists should use appropriate medical terminology. Therapists should never discuss sexual topics with or in front of the client, joke about sexual matters, make sexual or suggestive remarks, or use sexual innuendo. Several precautionary measures can help massage therapists to maintain a comfortable, safe, and professional environment: ● Massage therapists should avoid meeting new clients at unknown locations, at hotels, or in the client’s home, where personal safety may be at greater risk. If therapists meet a client on-site, they should set up the massage table in a neutral location, rather than a bedroom. ● Therapists can encourage relaxation through the client’s visual, auditory, and olfactory senses, but should keep the look and smell of the environment subdued and professional, avoiding creation of an overly perfumed, romantic, or sensual atmosphere. Therapists should also remember that a client might be allergic to certain odors, have strong negative reactions to certain smells, or associate a given odor with an unpleasant memory or incident. Music should also be soothing and subtle, and played only after therapists have asked the client about a preference for music or silence during the massage. and allegations of misconduct. Even if allegations are proven false, they can damage the reputation of the therapist and the profession at large. Misconduct may take many forms. The following list provides some examples of misconduct based on violations of ethical guidelines and standards of practice: ● Misrepresentation of educational status : Identifying oneself as a craniosacral therapist after taking a two-hour course. ● Substance abuse : Practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances. ● Financial impropriety : Charging a cash-paying client a different fee than an insurance-paying client. ● Exploiting the power differential : Asking a stockbroker for financial tips during a treatment. ● Misleading claims of curative abilities : Guaranteeing a client that his/her pain will be gone in two sessions. ● Accessibility : Refusing to adapt the office, or make a reasonable accommodation for those with physical challenges. This is also illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. ● Bigotry : Refusing to work with someone due to race, religion, size, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.
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Book Code: MTX1323
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