Do massage therapists have favorite clients? There is actually a term that refers to a patient’s feelings about his therapist known as transference. Every therapist has one favorite client but we think we aren’t supposed to tell. Massage therapists need to listen carefully to clients. Massage assists people to release emotions stored in their energy system. Here’s a tip: you probably shouldn’t pick up on your massage therapist while getting a massage. Speaking of picking up on massage therapists, you might find her on Mingle2 instead of trying to flirt at work. That also means that just because your massage therapist doesn’t seem interested when you try to flirt at work, she might be interested if you found her elsewhere.
Types of Massages and Clients
You should keep in mind types of massages the therapist performs to get an assessment of how far they can go. Do massage therapists get turned on by clients? I used to wonder when I worked in the corporate world. Our clients would bring in a masseuse just to get a “test run”. They felt testing this masseuse might make them feel good enough to give the client what they want.
Professional Boundaries and Favorite Clients
Most therapists have favorite clients, even if few admit it. A therapist may gravitate to a patient because of appreciation for their personality. The patient may be a better fit or due to unique moments. It’s ethical for a therapist to have favorite clients. Let’s acknowledge the line massage therapists tread providing healing touch. It’s important the relationship remain professional. Yet still, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to indications from time to time. Transference blurs boundaries of a session when clients project feelings onto therapists based on past experiences or desires.
Some massage therapists prefer clients receptive to treatment and follow recommendations. Others enjoy relaxed, easygoing clients. Ultimately, therapists decide favorite clients themselves. Reasons massage therapy is a good career include high demand, great income potential, rewarding work, and a fun, low-stress career. So who is the ideal client for our therapists? Therapists work with diverse people. If you don’t match the ideal, it doesn’t mean they can’t help.
Connecting With Clients
Much of therapy happens in the relationship between therapist and client. Each therapist is different, so each client can find someone who is perfect for them.
In our Conversations With Clinicians series, we asked our therapists who they most love working with:
- Committed to personal growth
- Open and non-judgmental mindset
- Willing to take responsibility for their actions
- Can express thoughts and feelings honestly
- Comfortable engaging in reflective dialogue
What approach do most therapists use? Here are the most common types and approaches:
- Cognitive-Behavioral/Problem Solving Groups: using the CBT approach to interpret addiction and dependency as learned behaviors.
- Interpersonal Process Group Psychotherapy: healing by changing maladaptive internal and interpersonal psychological dynamics.
Effective communication between the therapist and the client is essential for therapy to be successful.
Ideal Traits in Clients
Which clients do therapists like the most? A therapist’s ideal client is someone who:
- Is invested in the therapy process
- Is motivated to work both in and outside the sessions
- Is willing to try new things
- Is willing to explore deeply within themselves
A therapist may also favor a particular client due to natural human inclinations towards certain personalities. However, it’s important to note that a good therapeutic relationship doesn’t necessarily translate to preferential treatment.
Which type of therapy emphasizes the importance of a good relationship with clients?
Humanistic therapy emphasizes the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life.
Therapists are human, with their own likes and dislikes. Having a personal liking for a client doesn’t mean they will receive better care. Often, it can make objectivity more challenging.