Ben E. Benjamin, PhD, has done much pioneering work in the areas of ethics and comunication, writing articles on professioal, sexual, and business ethics, and is the co-author of The Ethics of Touch, a textbook used in schools throughout North America to teach ethics and boundaries to massage therapists as well as other hands-on health-care profesionals. He has been an expert witness in cases of sexual assault in the massage and bodywork field since 2004. In 1974, Dr. Benjamin founded the Muscular Therapy Institute, a school he owned and directed for over 30 years. In the 1980s, he developed a 150-hour curriclum in ethics and communications skills for therapists in training. He has taught courses in ethics, boundaries, sexuality, and communication to somatic therapists for over 30 years.
The massage profession continually deals with issues around sexual misconduct and harassment—from both therapists and clients. The Attention Button, produced by BEC Integrated Solutions, is an alarm system that can be used by therapists and clients to alert the front desk of an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.
When a person is starved for physical intimacy, they may make an emotional leap in a massage setting, confusing physical intimacy with sexual intimacy. Strong, clear boundaries help create functional professional relationships that last.
Part two in this series from Ben Benjamin explores ways to communicate with clients and how to avoid violating client boundaries.
These sexual assault prevention guidelines provide a road map to maximize the safety of both clients and therapists for massage clinics, day spas, franchisors, franchisees, or those looking to expand their solo practice.
Every therapist I know sincerely wants to help their clients feel better, whether the treatment is geared toward relaxation or a specific injury or pain. Unfortunately, in my work as an expert witness, I have seen many cases of well-meaning therapists who have injured their clients. Here's how to prevent that.
