If I am you on that situation, I would say very firmly and still being polite, to stop it, If repeated again I will end the session and put that client's name on black list. Simple!!
Sep 11, 2010 Rating
Boundaries by: Anonymous
It's all about boundaries. I respect my client's and they must respect mine.
Conversations, discussions should never take place while client is on the table but face to face when the client is fully dressed.
A respectful and professional manner and tone about what takes place and what is appropriate and what is not during a therapeutic massage.
If you are not clear with each other then trouble is inevitable.
Sep 10, 2010 Rating
Female clients over sexualizing massage by: Raul Alberto
I have not had this happen yet, i am sure it will happen one day, i have only had a gay man in a session sexualize the session by making an inappropiate comment.
I have to agree with Sean,and i think it is best to address the issue right when it happens..if best, just lay your hands on the client,but stop the massage..stay quiet for a moment..and make sure you are calm and address the issue at hand, trying to not come off as offended or emotional..just be assertive and let them know that this is a professional massage and that you are a professional.
Ask them if they were wanting you to continue with the professional massage and that if they do that you are strictly obligated by your code of ethics to maintain a manner of conduct and so are they. But the intake form,that is a wonderfull thing and it makes all parties involved know where the other stands.
There are no gray areas with an intake form and after they sign they have stated that they know this is ONLY a professional massage and you are not that type of therapist.
Aug 29, 2010 Rating
Persistent client by: Anonymous
Some clients, male and female can sexualize a massage and as long as they don't cross lines, I am okay to continue.
It's something about touch that sometimes confuses an otherwise good intentioned client.
Whatever "offenses" or inappropriate behavior they fall into should be discussed in a sensitive professional manner off the table and not during the treatment, face to face, noted in the treatment record.
A point by point explanation would help.
Draping must be comfortable but secure, relaxing the body and letting go, minimize movement,
In supine a small flaxseed pouch or eye cover can minimize "the look of love" lol
Also if I find the sexual energy building I start a conversation about anything unsexy, current events, any travel plans, etc.
If the client continues the same behavior on the next appointment, then I would end the treatment.
Whether you choose to charge a prorated fee for the time spend on the table or no fee at all would be your discretion.
Best of luck!
Aug 28, 2010 Rating
Good Strategies by: Sean
Prem, I believe your current techniques and stragies to combat these behaviors are appropriate.
"Therapist retains the right to stop any session that he feels deviates to a sexual reference or nature, whether verbalized or made by behavior by the client".
I once worked at a pediatric facility, but we also treated adults. We actually had a sign in the room with similar wording printed on it. Not that it was ever needed, but it sent a message to all who entered the room that our services were strictly therapuetic in nature.
This seemed to convey some degree of security to the parents of the children we massaged.
