Folding Towels - A Podcast for Massage Therapists with Jackie and David Episode 022 - Can I Be Friends With My Clients?
Sep 5, 2023
The hosts dive into the tricky waters of friendships with clients, sharing personal tales that highlight the delicate balance of professionalism. David reveals his cycling escapades with clients, while Jackie reflects on how a friendship impacted her work. The conversation shifts to the ethics of romantic relationships in therapy—an unequivocal no. With humor and candor, they explore power dynamics, emotional transference, and the complex nature of navigating boundaries in a therapeutic setting.
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David's Coaching-to-Marriage Story
- David Clayton shared a personal story about dating an athlete he coached with committee permission and a risk management plan.
- They married 17 years ago, illustrating complexities of romantic relationships with clients.
Transference in Therapy Relationships
- Clients sometimes transfer emotional needs onto therapists, blurring the therapeutic relationship boundaries.
- This transference complicates clear professional roles and requires emotional intelligence to manage.
Avoid Romance with Clients
- Never pursue romantic relationships with clients; end therapeutic relationships if feelings develop.
- Refer clients to another therapist to maintain professional boundaries and ethics.