Review of The Educated Heart by Nina McIntosh

Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers

Sep 12, 2009

In this classic reference, now in its second edition, McIntosh explores ways for manual and movement therapists to honour professional boundaries.

Almost all massage therapists, bodywork practitioners, Pilates and yoga instructors, Feldenkrais and Alexander teachers, and other mind-body professionals sooner or later experience difficult situations in their practice. A client starts showing up late and expects a full session. A new client books sessions five times a week and then loses interest. A client flirts. Another practitioner gossips. The therapist talks about personal issues constantly and clients leave. People want discounts and demand miracles. What's a practitioner to do?

McIntosh's book offers practical help for dealing with these and many other difficult situations. She discusses the power imbalances inherent in the client-practitioner relationship and establishes the need for clear, firm, kind boundaries.

A key concept in The Educated Heart is that it is vital to be aware of the effect that any words or actions may have on a client. Practitioners can do themselves and their clients a disservice by simply assuming that they can conduct bodywork or movement sessions in the same way that they would conduct ordinary social situations.

As well as discussing many subtle concerns – such as the best way to take phone messages, communicate cancellation policies, maintain clients' privacy, and deal with clients who stop making appointments – McIntosh also tackles the two areas that cause bodywork practitioners the most grief: sexual and financial issues.

Sexual Boundaries for Bodyworkers and Movement Teachers

McIntosh discusses transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship. She deals with crushes (which may be innocent and best ignored), sexual attraction (which needs to be handled very carefully to avoid damaging feelings and reputations), and predatory behaviour (in which a therapist needs to act firmly and decisively to avoid being victimised). She advocates an honest, reflective approach to what may be a fraught and frightening area.

Financial Issues and Charging Clients

Taking people's money is a vital but often awkward part of a therapist's or teacher's work. McIntosh suggests clear policies that allow practitioners to be fairly compensated, while allowing some leeway for client emergencies. It's important, she argues, to remember that paying money is part of what makes the therapeutic relationship beneficial for clients – practitioners shouldn't feel embarrassed about charging a fair price.

Though originally written for manual therapists, and revised for movement practitioners, The Educated Heart would also be valuable to more mainstream practitioners such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, medical doctors, beauty therapists, personal trainers, sports coaches, tutors, art therapists, and anyone who works with clients on a deep and personal level.

The copyright of the article Review of The Educated Heart by Nina McIntosh in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Elisabeth Marshall. Permission to republish Review of The Educated Heart by Nina McIntosh in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.