American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

Which of the following is an appropriate reason for a massage therapist to terminate a session?

1. Client requests that the session be terminated immediately

2. Client shares that they are feeling tired

3. Therapist feels unwell

4. Client is late for the appointment

The correct answer is: Client requests that the session be terminated immediately

The appropriate reason for a massage therapist to terminate a session is when the client requests that the session be terminated immediately. In the therapeutic setting, the client's comfort, consent, and well-being hold paramount importance. If a client feels uncomfortable or wishes to end the session for any reason, it is crucial that the therapist respects this request. This affirms the client’s autonomy and ensures they feel safe and in control during their treatment, helping to maintain a positive therapeutic relationship. While there can be valid considerations for the other scenarios presented, they may not inherently necessitate the immediate termination of the session in the same way. For instance, a client feeling tired might not require an end to the session but rather an adjustment to the treatment approach. The same applies to a therapist feeling unwell or a client being late; these situations can often be managed without abruptly terminating the session, such as rescheduling or altering the treatment plan. However, respecting a client's explicit request to end the session takes precedence and is a vital aspect of ethical practice in massage therapy.