Dual relationship in massage therapy Dual relationships occur in the massage therapy setting when the therapist treats a client with whom he or she has another relationship with such as a personal friend, a family member, someone who is a member of the same social club, or someone who attends the same church. In a dual relationship, it is much more possible that a romantic relationship will evolve. If the therapist continues treating the client, then ethical boundaries are being crossed. There are professional boundaries and ethical considerations which every massage therapist is required to follow and adhere to. The professional boundaries are clear and repeatedly stated with various ethical associations which monitor and oversee the massage therapist’s work and actions. It may be possible to have a therapeutic relationship with a known client, but maintaining appropriate professional boundaries while providing therapy is much more difficult. Though not all dual relationships are automatically a problem, managing a dual relationship still requires professional skill and responsibility. So, despite existing or developing relationships outside of the therapy session, the therapist can still treat the person as a client but maintain boundaries in the therapy session.1 The following are common types of dual relationships: ● Business dual relationship or supervisory dual relationship. ● Forensic dual relationship. ● Digital, online, or Internet dual relationship. ● Institutional dual relationship. The practice of draping in massage The draping methods adopted by a massage therapist should always keep the client covered in all positions and uncovering only the part of the body that is being worked. Draping allows the client to be nude underneath a sheet or towel yet feel safe and unexposed. Draping allows the massage therapist to massage more easily without wrestling with clothes. An experienced massage therapist handles draping in a quick, efficient way, so the client receives sufficient massaging. The therapist will provide precise instructions for moving or turning over and communicate where he or she is massaging so the client knows what is happening and what is expected. When the massage is complete, the therapist will let the client know that he or she can get up and get dressed. The therapist will wait outside the door till the client cracks the door, signaling he or she is clothed. The therapist will then give further information or instructions if needed (Evolve College, 2010). Because massage therapy crosses the normal boundary between the professional and the client, it is important that
● Communal or social dual relationship. ● Sexual dual relationship. (GoodTherapy, 2019)
Some dual relationships very well may be unavoidable, but most are voluntary. The most controversial of the dual relationships, ethically speaking, are those of a sexual nature which as well as being unethical are likely to present legal issues in the long run. Sexual dual relationships will appear to occur between two consenting adults, which is true, but the nature of a therapeutic session will cause there to be a compromise of ethical boundaries. The intimate thoughts and the process of exploring raw emotional territory with the therapist should be conducted in a safe environment with ethical and legal boundaries, which will be difficult or impossible once sex begins between them. It may start out without problems but has the high probability of leaving the client feeling victimized, and the therapist could have a sense of being used. This may exacerbate the client’s mental health; lawsuits, criminal complaints, and licensing board issues will likely ensue, and a good therapist’s career will be in jeopardy. Boundaries must be taken seriously at all times, particularly in a time when temptation can start pulling to cross an ethical boundary. Take time to assess how a multiple relationship could affect the client’s ability to delve deep and face difficult issues and the therapist’s ability to give grounded guidance (GoodTherapy, 2019). the boundaries between client and therapist are clearly defined and understood. The professional touch of the massage therapist can be confused with sexual touch, resulting in the potential for confusion, discomfort, and inappropriate behavior. It is of utmost importance to do the massage therapy work in a safe and comfortable environment conducive of trust and mutual respect in order to administer health-promoting treatment. Whether sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual contact has been a part of the therapist’s history or the client’s history, many are sensitive about touching and being touched even in a respectful treatment and massage therapy setting. And as members of the profession of massage therapy, we have a responsibility to adhere to clear ethical standards in whatever settings: ● In the classroom. ● In the clinic. ● In the external location. ● In one’s home. (Benjamin, 1990) ● Therapist uses the hands, arms, elbows, and feet to massage a client. ● Therapist uses only the knee side aspect of the hip and lower leg for bracing. ● Therapist uses appropriate draping procedures. ● Therapist refrains from flirting or creating a flirtatious atmosphere (Benjamin, 1990). ● Therapist uses appropriate clinical terminology when speaking about body parts to the client. ● Therapist does not remark about the client’s body in a sexual manner.
Guidelines for appropriate behavior respecting sexual boundaries ● Therapist and client are forbidden from sexual contact or intercourse before, during, or after a treatment session. ● When a therapist and a client decide to have a romantic sexual relationship, the therapist must end the professional relationship. ● The therapist is charged with maintaining appropriate boundaries in all circumstances. ● Client undresses and dresses in private. ● Client has a clear choice as to being clothed or nude but draped during the treatment. ● Therapist never massages the genital area, the anus area, or the nipple area.
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Book Code: MFL1225
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