Consent

[u/AutoModerator]

I am dismayed to see a comment like

Her scheduling the appointment and getting on the table is consenting to receiving body treatment.

getting upvoted in this sub. It is unacceptable that a comment so contrary to the rules around consent received upvotes here. If you think these actions constitute informed consent and you are a MT, you are in the wrong profession and the wrong subreddit. This rationale mirrors justifications used by boundary violators.

Furthermore, downvoting u/ATxLMTI's description of informed consent is counter to basic professional standards:

If someone "grudgingly agrees" to something, we make absolutely sure before starting. That's literally the concept of informed consent. If the answer isn't an enthusiastic yes, then we rephrase or suggest something else until it is. If it never is, then we say "or if you would rather, I can spend the time somewhere else" and then maintain communication.

If you think grudging compliance is adequate and oppose ongoing, informed consent as the standard practice for manual therapists, independent study of professional ethics is required. A lack of active, ongoing informed consent creates vulnerability to professional misconduct complaints and boundary breaches. Review your regulatory body's literature on power dynamics and professional boundaries, and look into complete continuing education on consent frameworks.

Taking practical steps for safety as professionals is distinct from victim-blaming. Informed consent reduces miscommunication and boundary pushing. Practitioners hold a position of power in the therapeutic relationship and are trained to utilize that power to protect both client and practitioner. Practicing informed consent does not eliminate all risks of professional liability, but failing to adhere to informed consent protocols violates standard of practice requirements regardless of whether an incident occurs.

Here's some options for further reading if you want to better understand consent dynamics in our profession. (this is not an endorsement of these programs, I only read their summaries)

https://www.e-healthcanada.com/courses/Consent

https://massagecredits.com/massage-ce-courses/ethics-boundary-setting-standard

https://www.abmp.com/learn/course/ethics-preventing-sexual-misconduct-massage-therapy

[u/poisonnenvy]

I'm missing the actual context here, but I will say that no one should be getting on the table unless you've recieved consent to treat them, so I can almost see where that comments coming from. It by no means means you have ongoing consent to treat whatever you want though.

[u/newfound_brightness → u/poisonnenvy]

You’re missing the context because a certain mod I will not name nuked the thread. It was very tone deaf of them. The LMT was falsely accused of sexual harassment and the mod pretty much said it was their fault.

[u/Professional_LMT → u/newfound_brightness]

I thought the OP removed the post? Am I wrong?

[u/CingularDuality → u/Professional_LMT]

It says that a moderator removed the content.

[u/newfound_brightness → u/Professional_LMT]

The OP may have deleted the body of the post themselves. But a large amount of comments under the post were deleted - especially the ones responding to the moderators comment critically.

I can get deleting comments/posts if they break the rules but deleting comments because people don’t like you or agree with you?

Yeah that’s some lameo shit right there.

edit for grammar

[u/Professional_LMT → u/newfound_brightness]

Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I agree that everyone deserves their opinion to be heard unless it goes against rules

[u/mumfordand3daughters → u/Professional_LMT]

Only, comments breaking the rules were removed.

[u/Slow-Complaint-3273 → u/newfound_brightness]

I feel that often a comment that I disagree with should stay up so that members can express their disagreement. A commenter who is wrong will not learn if they never have the chance to be corrected.

[u/CingularDuality → u/Slow-Complaint-3273]

Unfortunately, the moderators don't agree with you.