client, not is any type of sexual innuendo. If a sexual relationship between a therapist and a client is desired, the professional relationship must be terminated. All massage therapists must strive to maintain high standards of conduct thus ensuring a safe and comfortable environment and preserving the image and ethics of the massage profession. Massage therapists are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment cases. Therapists must be constantly on guard to prevent any suspicion of sexual misconduct. Massage therapists can be accused of sexual harassment even though their intent is purely professional. A strict code of ethics must be respected to prevent any subtle appearance of wrongdoing. For instance, hugging a client after a massage may enhance the client’s perception of the sexual nature of the massage. Experienced therapists are aware that inappropriate bodily contact can open up problems for the therapist as well as the client. It is important for the massage therapist to consider each encounter with clients separately and use introspection to see if any boundaries may be crossed. It is important also to establish a mentor relationship with other therapists and to discuss any situations that do not feel right. Usually if something does not feel right, the professional needs to 11 trust his/her intuition. It helps to discuss these issues with other therapists and learn how they handled similar situations. Remember, our first duty is to do no harm. Creating personal and professional boundaries isn’t always easy work. Doing so effectively requires that you take the time to really understand your goals and priorities, as well what you will and will not accept from clients and others. When you take the time to clarify your professional boundaries your practice will thrive. Therapist and Client Relationship Dynamics In every relationship, professional or personal, dynamics are formed to either sustain or breakdown the relationship. Dynamics can be healthy or counterproductive and possibly harmful, depending on the client and/or the therapists’ responses. The therapists’ relationship and interactions with clients is a partnership that promotes healthy behaviors. It leads to sound, informed, health-care decisions; and ensures the client’s voice is heard. The client’s best interests should always be the therapist’s primary goal, and the guide for all actions and decisions. When a client seeks the services of a professional, an authority figure, someone to whom the client can defer judgment, that client enters a relationship in which it is comfortable. There is sometimes an unconscious predisposition for the client to project onto the practitioner qualities of someone from a former relationship. The client might also seek more out of the therapeutic relationship than is appropriate. When a client tries to personalize the therapeutic relationship, it is known as transference. Transference can appear in any relationship in which there is a power differential. Transference involves misperceptions that the client might have toward the massage therapist. Those unconscious misperceptions can be positive or negative. The therapist should be aware of the signs of transference and take necessary measures to reduce its occurrence. Some signs of transference include the following: 1. The client attempts to become more personally involved with the practitioner. 2. The client asks personal questions not related to the reason for the visit. 3. The client might vie for extra time during or at the end of the session. 4. The client might invite the practitioner to social activities, or try to get closer physically, socially, or emotionally. 5. The client brings or offers gifts or favors. 6. The client proposes friendships or sexual involvement. 7. The client might become more demanding of the practitioner's time and attention or even become angry, disappointed, or rejected if the practitioner does not 12 respond. 8. The client might want to adore, befriend, and please the practitioner or berate and mistrust the practitioner. These signs of transference are not necessarily about the therapist but are related to the power differential and the attempts of the client to personalize the therapeutic relationship. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to maintain clear professional boundaries when transference occurs. When the practitioner tends to personalize the therapeutic relationship, it is known as countertransference. Countertransference involves misperceptions of the practitioner toward the client. It is usually unconscious and always a problem for the therapeutic process. Signs of countertransference include the following: 1. Strong emotional feelings toward the client, either positive or negative. 2. Thinking excessively about a client between sessions. 3. Dressing in a special manner when a certain client is corning. 4. Malting special provisions or spending extra time with a client. 5. Fantasizing or having sexual feelings toward a client. 6. Yawning excessively during an appointment. 7. Dreading an upcoming appointment with a client. 8. Negative reactions to a client, such as: 9. Feeling guilty, frustrated, or angry if a client does not respond to treatment. 10. Feeling anger or disappointment if a client is late or cancels. 11. Experiencing fatigue, disappointment, depression, or even infatuation after a session. Strong feelings toward a client can signal countertransference including: