The Eduated Heart - Professional Boundaries for Massage TherapistsThe Educated Heart: Because we work so closely with people (touching people in a semi-state of undress) it is important for massage therapists and other movement therapists to understand the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship that occurs between therapist and client. It is really the heart and soul of building a business and career. Setting boundaries requires that you have an understanding of your own personal and professional needs when working with someone in a helping relationship. Boundaries are what will keep you on track in your career and also in building your practice. It is really the ultimate in self care. The main focus of a healing relationship should always be the In the book Nina says this about boundaries: Unless we are self aware, our personal histories or trauma can interfere with making wise choices... Massage therapists who are drawn to the profession because of wanting to help people often come in with this agenda and will do things that help too much like giving freely of their time without getting paid adequately. Doing things like that will ultimately lead to burnout (as in any other helping profession.) The unconscious beliefs that helping will make you feel better and make you a better person often is the driving force for massage and bodyworkers and also the cause of many leaving the profession burned out. There are many aspects to creating boundaries and it is seen in everything that you do -from creating your business cards to talking to clients to balancing your checking account. It is seen in the power imbalance that goes along with people seeking our help. Quite simply the client may consciously but more often unconsciously think of us as an authority figure and confuse us with our early caregivers - parents or guardians. They look to us for answers that many already have within themselves. When situations arise, it also brings up our own issues that often start in early childhood and become unconscious patterns. Boundaries are also what keep both the practitioner and client safe. Nina McIntosh also covers other issues in detail from dealing with money to dealing with dual relationships (becoming friends with clients, dating, exchanging services), dealing with many different possible client interactions and helping to explain the complex dynamics of relationships. This book needs to be in every massage therapists hands. Share your opinion or comments about this BookHave something to say about this book? Share it with others so they can learn more about the value of this book for their massage career. 
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Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers by Nina McIntosh is a key textbook for massage therapists at any stage of becoming a massage therapist.
