How Massage Therapists Can Avoid Clients Seeking Sexual Services: Strategies and Examples

As the Founder of IMA and an international massage instructor, I have been made aware over the past year by several massage therapists of the challenges they face with clients who desire or hope for sexual services. There has been a desire to discuss this issue, yet also reluctance, as it remains a taboo subject for many. Rather than “teaching” how to avoid these situations, I tasked my students with developing a list of tips on how to handle this topic or these situations. This resulted in the article below.

For professional massage therapists, encountering clients who mistakenly expect or explicitly seek sexual services, such as “happy endings,” can be challenging and uncomfortable. This issue not only undermines the integrity of the profession but also puts therapists in difficult and potentially unsafe situations. It is crucial for therapists to establish clear boundaries and adopt proactive strategies to prevent and handle such encounters professionally and safely. This article outlines practical steps that massage therapists can take to avoid clients with inappropriate expectations and offers examples to illustrate these strategies.

1. Set Clear Professional Boundaries from the Start

Example: Website and Marketing Materials

Ensure that all marketing materials, including your website, social media, and business cards, emphasize professionalism. Use language that clearly defines the services you offer, such as “therapeutic massage,” “sports massage,” or “deep tissue massage,” and avoid any wording that could be misinterpreted as suggestive.

How to Implement: Include a statement on your website and intake forms that explicitly states your policy: “This is a professional therapeutic massage practice. Any requests for sexual services will not be tolerated and will result in immediate termination of the session.”

Example: Initial Client Communication

When speaking with new clients over the phone or via email, communicate your services and policies clearly. If a client asks vague or suggestive questions, such as “Do you offer full service?” respond with professional language that clarifies your offerings.

How to Implement: “I specialize in therapeutic massage techniques that help with muscle tension and pain relief. If you’re looking for anything outside of professional massage, I’m not the right fit for you.”

2. Screen Clients Effectively

Example: Pre-Session Screening

Develop a pre-session intake process that includes questions about the client’s goals and reasons for seeking massage therapy. This can help you gauge whether the client is genuinely interested in therapeutic treatment.

How to Implement: “Can you tell me more about the pain or tension you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to achieve with this session?” If the client’s responses are vague or seem unrelated to typical massage goals, this may be a red flag.

3. Maintain a Professional Environment

Example: Office/Clinic Setup and Dress Code

Create a professional atmosphere in your treatment space. Avoid overly dim lighting, scented candles, or anything that could be misconstrued as romantic. Your attire should also reflect professionalism; scrubs or a uniform are more appropriate than casual or revealing clothing.

How to Implement: Use clean, neutral decor and play calming, non-suggestive music. Your personal presentation should be neat, clean, and professional to reinforce the therapeutic nature of your services.

4. Use Professional Language During Sessions

Example: Verbal Communication

Throughout the session, use language that reinforces the therapeutic nature of your work. Avoid overly personal conversation topics and maintain a professional tone at all times.

How to Implement: Instead of saying, “Does this feel good?” say, “Is the pressure comfortable for you?” or “Do you feel relief in this area?”

5. Establish a Zero-Tolerance Policy

Example: Handling Inappropriate Requests

If a client makes an inappropriate comment or request during a session, it is crucial to address it immediately and firmly. Have a pre-prepared response ready to clearly communicate that such behavior is unacceptable.

How to Implement: “This is a professional therapeutic session. I do not provide any sexual services. If you continue with this behavior, I will end the session immediately.” Always follow through if the behavior continues.

6. Know When and How to Terminate a Session

Example: Dealing with Boundary Violations

If a client crosses a boundary or behaves inappropriately despite your warnings, it’s essential to end the session and ask the client to leave.

How to Implement: “I’m ending the session now due to inappropriate behavior. Please get dressed and leave the premises.” Have a plan in place for such situations, including alerting building security or having a trusted person you can call if you feel unsafe.

7. Report and Document Incidents

Example: Post-Incident Procedure

If you have an encounter with a client who behaves inappropriately, document the incident in detail, including what was said and how you responded. This documentation is crucial if you need to report the incident to law enforcement or professional organizations.

How to Implement: Keep a log of the incident, including the client’s name, time, and a detailed description of the event. Consider reporting the client to local massage associations or online platforms to help protect other therapists.

8. Educate Clients About Professional Massage Therapy

Example: Client Education

Some clients may not understand the difference between legitimate massage therapy and illicit services. Take the opportunity to educate them about the therapeutic benefits of massage and the ethical standards of your profession.

How to Implement: Include information on your website or in your practice about the health benefits of massage, professional ethics, and your commitment to providing a safe, respectful environment.

Conclusion

Massage therapists can take several proactive steps to avoid clients seeking inappropriate services by setting clear boundaries, maintaining a professional environment, and effectively communicating their policies. When combined with effective client screening and a firm, professional approach to any inappropriate behavior, these strategies help protect both the therapist and the integrity of the massage therapy profession. By fostering a safe and respectful environment, therapists can focus on providing the high-quality care their clients deserve.

• Article by Jeppe Tengbjerg (Founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and IMA Academy)

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