Even though a client may tell the therapist personal things, the therapist should not pry. Do not ask for more than the client is giving. Do not ask for details. The client really just wants someone to listen. Sometimes simply hearing their own voice describing things will lead the client to a solution. Getting something off their mind will allow the client to relax and make the therapy more successful. However, the client should not be encouraged to talk throughout the whole massage! Be a sympathetic listener. Do not judge. Acknowledge the concern and move on with the massage.

It may be hard to find someone to listen in this disconnected society. There is no longer an uncle or aunt to hear the problems. So an opportunity to voice their problems to someone may be rare. The therapist should acknowledge the issue but not prolong the conversation as the therapy will be more successful without talking.

If the therapist makes the mistake of giving advice, the client who does not follow that advice may be too embarrassed to make another appointment. The therapist is probably not qualified to give the advice and if things deteriorate, the client may blame the therapist whether or not the therapist’s advice was followed. Even casual suggestions may propel the client to precipitous action. It is common for clients to complain about boss or spouse. Even if the client asks the therapist for advice, the therapist who is not a psychologist should not respond by giving the client advice. Sympathy goes a long way.

A good therapist is like a good hairdresser. Both will see the client through the ups and downs of the years and still be there. Being a good listener and not giving advice is a big part of this longevity.

In school, the therapist was taught how to drape. The therapist should follow the procedures taught in their school. It is possible the therapist may become comfortable with a client and neglect proper draping. Clients however like consistency. Proper draping protects a client’s vulnerability and modesty. Sloppy draping may mistakenly sexualize the massage in the eyes of the client. The client may wish to discard draping but to do so impairs the professional image of the therapist. It was not that long ago that massage had a stigma. By following the draping rules, the therapist helps protect the profession’s reputation.

If the client should become overemotional, such as tearing, which has been known to happen, provide a glass of water and tissue. Sympathy may be proffered but, as described above, the therapist should be reticent in response. The object is to provide a massage or other body work in a relaxed free from stress environment.

With regard to the client’s beliefs, the therapist should not judge. The therapist should not inflict personal beliefs on the client. Weighty issues of the day, including politics and religion, should not be debated. Even if the therapist agrees with the client’s opinions, discussing them will not promote the relaxation which is necessary for massage.

The client has a reasonable expectation of professional behavior on the part of the therapist. Any unprofessional behavior by the therapist jeopardizes everything else, including the trust between client and therapist. The client will make judgments based on possibly very minor things like an improper drape, chewing gum, top cut too low, talking to someone else while massaging the client, leaving the massage room too often, messiness, any trace of the previous massage such as a soiled towel or opened magazine, an unkempt appearance, fingernails which are too long, or smoking in front of the client. Keeping a careful eye on the presentation as seen from the client’s point of view is a big part of being professional.

The client is autonomous and has the right to agree to the massage and to end the massage. These decisions should be respected. If the client appears to be handicapped, assistance should not be given without asking if the client desires help.