Free Resources

Be prepared. Be strong. Be safe.

  • How Therapists Can Protect Themselves from Sexual Assault

    Editor’s note: This article is the beginning of a series on what you can do to adhere to the safest standards of care in massage therapy. Developed by the Massage Ethics Council, a volunteer group dedicated to sharing clear, ethical standards for the profession, this series focuses on how to keep practitioners and clients safe. Learn […]

  • 9 Reasons Why Giving Your Massage Clients Extra Table Time is a Bad Idea

    I was a brand new, rising star of a massage therapist . . . OK, who are we kidding, I was just starting off and only had two regular clients. I had all the time in the world, and I had an awesome connection with one of my new clients. I did what any new massage therapist […]

  • How to Choose a Massage Therapy Business Name

    When choosing a business name, you can attract the client of your dreams—or the client of your nightmares. Choosing a professional name will help deter clients who are looking for illicit services. Words to Avoid These commonly used words seem innocent, but when used in a massage business name, they may give the wrong impression. Here are some words you should avoid in a massage therapy business name: […]

  • Code Language for Happy Ending Massages

    Sexual solicitors will often use code language for happy ending massages. They don’t want to get caught by the authorities for the illegal act of solicitation, so they bait therapists to see if they will go for it. Unfortunately, sometimes the code goes over the head of well-meaning therapists, and they are faced with a sexual solicitor on their table. Know what to look […]

  • How to Spot Clients Who Ask for Happy Endings

    I did an online search for “How to Ask for Happy Endings,” and I was shocked at what I found—it was not a pleasant experience. Make sure you are not sending the wrong message with your massage therapy business by avoiding these code words and behaviors. Be Clear with Your Intentions Sexual solicitors are usually vague. They do not want […]

  • Should I Have My Picture on My Massage Business Webpage?

    Will Having My Picture on My Massage Business Website Attract Sexual Solicitations? In a career as fulfilling as massage therapy, it stinks to deal with the raised eyebrows, off-color jokes, and innuendo that come with telling someone what my vocation is. I created Respect Massage to elevate the profession from within by empowering massage therapists to take […]

  • How to Screen Massage Clients

    Screen massage clients to protect you and your practice from potentially dangerous situations. The purpose of screening your clients is to prevent unwanted clients from entering your practice. It is a delicate dance, however, because most of the clients you will be screening are well-meaning. Here are suggestions for how to screen massage clients in […]

  • Warning Signs for Massage Therapists

    There are warning signs massage therapists can look out for when faced with a client looking for a happy ending. Sometimes, the signs are vague and easy to miss because the sexual solicitor is fearful of getting caught and arrested for illegally soliciting sex. Some clients can slip through your screening process, which can result in an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous confrontation. […]

  • Security Systems for Massage Therapists

    A security system for my massage therapy office always seemed too expensive and out of reach. After all, I’m a small business owner on a budget, and I assumed security systems were something for the rich kids. Oh, how I was wrong. The best security systems for small businesses can often be the most affordable. We work in small offices, so using a home security system can […]

  • How to Build a Massage Practice Texting Etiquette

    A new massage therapy client text messages you and you are not sure of their intentions. How do you come across as professional (in case they are a legit client), but still make it clear that you aren’t a happy ending parlor (in case they are looking for . . . extras)? Want more? Protect […]

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