Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

Fall 2024 • 83

Learn how being present and practicing with intention can help make your clients feel safe during a massage session—and why doing so is imperative to building trust. By Jules Wyatt

M assage therapists find their way to the massage profession in a variety of ways, but one constant is the desire to help people. An integral part of ensuring massage therapy provides as much benefit as possible is creating safe space where both you and your clients understand what safe touch looks and feels like—and when resetting boundaries might be necessary. Often, our own experience in the profession— whether we’ve been practicing for years or are just starting out—means we sometimes forget that our clients may not always understand how a massage therapy session works. We may forget that our clients don’t always understand our intentions the minute they walk through the door, and everyone comes with personal experiences that have shaped their lives. We must always account for the power deferential between the client and massage therapist.

Firefly image based on Enjebe/ Shutterstock.com and Eliana

Valerio/ Shutterstock.com with MariMuz/ Shutterstock.com

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