A seasoned massage therapist in the United States has made the difficult decision to stop accepting new male clients, citing the pervasive sexualization of the profession and the emotional toll of managing inappropriate behavior. After nearly 30 years in the field, she emphasizes that this choice stems from a need to protect her well-being and maintain a safe environment for therapeutic work.
Throughout her career, this therapist has witnessed the powerful effects of massage therapy on individuals’ physical and emotional health. “Massage therapy is not just about physical relief; it is about providing a safe space for healing and connection,” she said. Through her work, she has seen clients transform, finding peace and comfort during challenging times. However, her experiences have increasingly been overshadowed by negative encounters with male clients.
The therapist recounts her initial motivation for entering the field, which emerged from a personal loss that left her seeking solace. She found comfort in massage therapy, appreciating its unique ability to provide support beyond traditional talk therapy. Yet, over the years, she has faced numerous challenges, particularly concerning societal attitudes toward touch and sexuality.
One of the primary reasons for her decision is the constant and often subtle sexualization of massage therapy. Many men mistakenly conflate these services with sexual encounters, a misconception partly fueled by businesses that exploit the term “massage” for illicit purposes. This misunderstanding has led to countless instances of inappropriate jokes and comments, contributing to a culture of discomfort and risk for female therapists.
The therapist shared a particularly troubling incident during an abdominal massage, where a male client ejaculated without her consent. “Despite no physical contact, I was left feeling manipulated and violated,” she explained. This experience, while shocking, is not isolated; her online support groups reveal a troubling pattern of similar accounts among female massage therapists, many of whom have chosen to leave the profession due to their experiences.
In both spa settings and private practice, she attempted to implement strategies to ensure her safety, such as screening potential clients and establishing strict boundaries. Despite these efforts, she found it increasingly difficult to mitigate risks. The emotional burden of constantly assessing and second-guessing the intentions of male clients proved exhausting.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the therapist has revised her practice policies. “I require all new clients to fill out a detailed intake form, stating that any sexual requests or innuendo will lead to immediate dismissal,” she said. However, she recognized that this measure, while necessary, was not sufficient to safeguard her well-being.
The implications of her decision are significant, limiting her practice and potentially affecting her income. Nevertheless, she believes prioritizing her emotional health is essential. “This choice is not about my feelings toward all men; it is about creating a respectful environment for my work,” she stated. By refusing to work with new male clients, she aims to return focus to the true purpose of massage therapy: providing therapeutic care.
In making this decision public, she calls on male clients to understand and respect the boundaries set by massage therapists. It serves as a wake-up call to society regarding the realities of this profession and the need for change. As she advocates for a safer and more respectful approach to therapeutic touch, her decision highlights the critical need for awareness and understanding in the field of massage therapy.