American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

If a client shows signs of sexual arousal during a massage, how should the therapist best respond?

1. Educate the client regarding the physiologic processes and clarify it is a non-sexual relationship.

2. Ask the client to leave due to inappropriate behavior.

3. Leave the room immediately for supervisor assistance.

4. Ignore the situation and continue the massage.

The correct answer is: Educate the client regarding the physiologic processes and clarify it is a non-sexual relationship.

Responding to a client who exhibits signs of sexual arousal during a massage requires a professional and sensitive approach. Educating the client about the physiological processes can help demystify the reaction they are experiencing. It is important for therapists to communicate clearly that the massage is a non-sexual therapeutic relationship, reinforcing professional boundaries and ensuring that the client understands the nature of the therapeutic environment. This educational approach helps maintain a safe space and provides reassurance to the client. It also allows the therapist to address the situation with professionalism rather than judgment, which can foster trust and comfort in the therapeutic relationship. By clarifying the intention and nature of the massage, the therapist helps the client understand that their bodily responses, while normal, are not the focus of the session. Other responses, such as asking the client to leave or ignoring the situation, are less appropriate because they either escalate discomfort or avoid addressing the underlying issue, which could lead to misunderstandings or negatively affect the therapeutic relationship. Seeking supervisor assistance might not be necessary if the therapist can handle the situation adequately through communication.