Understanding transference in massage therapy Transference, a normal, unconscious phenomenon, may appear during a therapeutic process in professional helping relationships such as a massage therapist and patient setting, but it is still real in the client’s mind because of unresolved needs and issues from childhood (Benjamin, 2009). During the massage therapy sessions, the transference element of the parent-child relationship can be unconsciously re-established. Clients generally seek medical attention from someone who knows more than they do about a pain, a condition, and so on. So, a client sees the massage therapist as a professional with power. This creates a power differential which could also bring flashbacks of previous relationships that may have ended badly. Then the client may react to the therapist in the same manner as he or she did to the prior power relationship. This is known as transference, a normal, unconscious phenomenon that appears during a therapeutic process. Signs of transference There are suggestive signs for the therapist to be aware of during the massage therapy sessions. Be aware when the client: ● Asks for help with solving personal problems. ● Attempts to give inappropriate touches at the end of sessions. ● Calls the therapist at his or her home. ● Continually expects more from treatment sessions. ● Frequently asks personal questions. ● Is overly complimentary of the therapist and his or her work. ● Invites the therapist to social events. ● Lavishes the therapist with gifts. Counter-transference Countertransference is also transference, but it goes the opposite direction—from the massage therapist toward the client in a very specific emotional entanglement. The counter-transference is similar to or parallel to past relationship patterns which the therapist has experienced with other people and in other settings. When the emotional feelings are strong, there will be problems, and boundaries can be crossed on both the therapist and the client’s part. The therapeutic relationship will be in great jeopardy if the therapist allows the boundaries to blur and to even be crossed. When individuals are victims of massive violence, the possibility of the ethical issues which follow countertransference is higher. The therapist and the client will both be liable to strong counter-transference reactions when the therapy sessions are more emotionally intense. The therapist must understand and prepare himself or herself to therapeutically and ethically navigate these waters. 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
The power of touch in stimulating transference hasn’t been formally studied, but anecdotal evidence suggests that touch, especially when it’s intentional and done with care, can create regressive experiences. Clients frequently disclose personal information, talk about their emotional problems, or demand special treatment. On an unconscious level, clients often expect practitioners to help them emotionally and in other areas as well. These are transference reactions. Therapists need to understand and deal with these situations in a gentle, appropriate manner. In mature adult clients, these feelings will likely be recognized and not control their behavior; however, in individuals incapable of handling these feelings, transference may become the dominant reality and cause frequent disappointment and feelings of rejection, often followed by anger and withdrawal. Maintaining clear boundaries is crucial for handling transference and ensuring it does not negatively impact the therapeutic relationship (Benjamin, 2009). ● Repeatedly requests the therapist change a schedule for client’s accommodation. ● Shares intimate details about his or her life and expects the same from the therapist. ● Tries to negotiate for a reduced rate. (Benjamin, 2009) Sigmund Freud identified the way patients “transfer” feelings from important persons in their early lives onto the massage therapist as transference. Freud also realized that transference is universal, independent of therapist or client. Even though he did not write much about counter- transference, he did say that it will interfere with successful treatment (Reldbord, 2010). Transference and counter-transference are an unconscious occurrence. However, it is not so unconscious that a therapist is not responsible for crossing forbidden boundaries. The third type of transference is energy transference. In a professional office setting, the emotional mood of one office employee can affect others in the same office space. That emotional mood may be gloomy depression, or it may be a satisfied contentment. Both spread, and more quickly than one thinks. When the therapist works in a close physical manner, the energy transference is an understandable phenomenon. Moods are easily transferred from one person to the other, so when the therapist realizes he or she has a client who has particularly high swings of emotional moods, he or she would benefit to guard against counter-transference. Even though counter-transference appears to be for the betterment of a client, it is not an effective treatment path. 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
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Book Code: MFL1225B
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