Handling Inappropriate Advances in Massage Therapy: A Guide for Professionals

Question
Hello,

I am a young massage therapist and have only been working for a few months. I had a very uncomfortable experience today.

I was giving a massage to an older woman, probably mid fifties. Near the end of the massage she asked me if I would have sex with her. I tried to decline politely but probably offended her by how abruptly I said no. She asked a time or two more, trying different approaches but I continued to refuse. I finished the massage, though the proposition made me uncomfortable.

What's worse is that she left a 35% tip AND made an appointment to have ME give her another massage next week.

What do I do? Has this ever happened to you? Should I not be surprised and horrified to be propositioned in the future? I have yet to tell my boss what happened but think I probably should. To be honest, I'm kind of embarrassed by the entire situation.

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Dave,

Ok don't panic, these situations do happen. What you need to tell her is that the way she is acting inappropriate. You need to let her know that you can not see her as a client anymore and refer her to a female therapist. By referring her to a female therapist you can ensure that she doesn't try it with other male therapists.  When you go to work you need to make sure you wrote what happened in her file. Why? Because this saves your butt if she tries to reverse it and press charges against you. Also make sure don't leave out any details.

Next you need to let your boss know what happened. After that you call her and let her know that her appointment has been cancelled and she is not to book with you anymore as you will not see her. Again let her know that you will be referring her.  

If this happens again to you with another client you need to stop the massage and let the client know that they are being inappropriate and if they continue to act like this you will have them leave. If you do have to kick them out you stop the massage even if you are half way through and do not charge them. Let me know if you need anything else.

Zira