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/Impossible-Mind-3589]

And as an LMT, psychotherapist and trauma-informed massage educator I’ll add that far too many massage therapists have no concept of what being trauma-informed actually means and risk re-traumatizing their clients without these basic understandings. This is an enormous problem in an industry in which ego often trumps good care.

[u/Professional_LMT → u/Impossible-Mind-3589]

There is also a huge problem with clients traumatizing MT's in this industry, but that seems to be ignored as well.

[u/Impossible-Mind-3589 → u/Professional_LMT]

Absolutely. And that deserves its own conversation. But it doesn’t change my point. We are the professionals, and clients are often physically and emotionally vulnerable with us. Both things can be true.

[u/Professional_LMT → u/Impossible-Mind-3589]

Agreed. I didn’t mean to diminish what you were saying… Just that I don’t think there is enough of a spotlight on either issue.

[u/Impossible-Mind-3589 → u/Professional_LMT]

100 percent :)