Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

84 • Massage Therapy Journal

Of course, intake is a great place to learn more about our clients, but we may not get all of the information that we need, especially when clients are not familiar with massage. Delivering safe touch can look different depending on each client’s specific needs. Any client seeking massage will have layers of history and memories that live within their muscle tissue, and some of these experiences will have been in the body for

years. In many cases, the client may not have any awareness around what might trigger emotional release and memories of the past. So, with all of these variables, how do we consistently create an environment that promotes safe touch? Everything Begins With Boundaries Creating and maintaining a semi-permeable boundary where the client knows the therapist is approachable but also at a safe emotional distance promotes an environment that protects the client and therapist from transference or countertransference. A semi-permeable boundary also promotes a healthy change in flows of energy based on how the client is feeling from session to session. For example, perhaps the client is very chatty in one session but doesn’t want to talk in the next. Massage therapists need to recognize and respect the boundaries their clients set from session to session. Massage therapists must also enforce their own physical, emotional and professional boundaries. Communicate Compassion Developing eye contact with positive body language such as nodding as the client speaks, which illustrates you are engaged and paying attention, is important. These small gestures let the client know they have the power to speak and be heard regarding their body, and the massage therapist is actively listening and validating what the client is telling them. Repeating the information back to the client while making eye contact shows the client the information they’re sharing, which is sometimes vulnerable, is being embraced and respected. This communication also creates the opportunity for clearing up any misunderstandings while a plan for the session is being developed. LEARN MORE For more on maintaining boundaries, see “Drawing A Line: Defining Boundaries for Massage Therapists,” available at amtamassage.org/mtj.

Noticing and Responding to a Client’s Vulnerability

There are several ways clients may subtly signal they are feeling vulnerable. A few things massage therapists can look for include: • Parts of the body becoming rigid or tense • Holding breath or deep breathing after holding the breath • Sniffling, as if holding back tears • Moving arms or legs away from the therapist • Moving the drape to re-cover an area that is about to be worked • Eyes tearing up or becoming glassy When you notice a client may be entering vulnerable space, checking in with them can be a good way to both reinforce boundaries and show compassion: • “I noticed you tensed up a little bit here. Is that due to pressure or would you prefer I move to a different area of the body?” • “Let’s take a deep breath together here. If you’d like, I can refrain from touch for a moment until you guide me further.” • “Is there something specific I could do for you in this moment? I can also leave the room for a bit if you would like.” • “I will let you direct me on what you feel you need in this moment. Take your time.” In all of these examples, the therapist demonstrates professional yet empathetic language focused on comforting the client while protecting boundaries for both the client and themselves. Offering water, a tissue and space are the tools every massage therapist has for the client. Another powerful tool is to offer the client to continue the massage at another time. Giving the client the power to make decisions that are best for them in the moment demonstrates your top priority is creating a safe environment.

amtamassage.org/mtj