"He has also determined that it is not necessary to put him self in this type of compromising situation."
By compromising I suppose you mean in a situation of sexually exploiting a client? Any teaching school in the country will confirm what I have said in that regard: Such a person is unqualified for the work. Sexuality is a part of life. You don't indulge it where to do so would violate ethical codes.
"You have a problem with that."
Quite the opposite. I said repeatedly (I can't even remember how many times) that I would support anyone discriminating against a client and excluding him if they felt unqualified to do their work without following the ethical precepts of their profession. We definitely DO see sexual exploitation in teachers, lawyers, doctors, pyschiatrists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, etc. So if your man (or woman) considers himself capable of violating social norms and professional ethics then I fully support his voluntary withdrawal of services to those people he feels uncomfortable working with.
"There is no evidence that the man is sexually “hung up,” or that he is not able to do his job. Quite to the contrary"
Oh, come on! Be serious! A person who feels himself liable to violate sexual ethics in a position of professional trust is a person who is untrained and very hung-up! He is a person who PROJECTS his own sexual fears and discomfort unto others simply because of their gender. So he is not going to work with a female because he does not see how he can do his job without turning her on--at which point she will presumably rape the living crap right out of his defenseless little frame!
"You have a problem with the boundaries he sets for himself, so that he can perform his occupation with confidence that he is not being sexually compromised"
Repetitious nonsense! If the woman is there for a sexual massage rather than for her bursitis (yeah...right, Jewels!), then he has every right to refuse her if that is not the line of work he is in. But if she is there for a therapeutic massage (the kind of work our therapist is obviously in) then on what basis does he refuse her other than his own perceived inability to handle her gender and to guarantee his professional conduct will be non-exploitive?
"He has to a great extent eliminated it as an issue. You have resorted to comparing it with life and death issues and name calling. I would say, it is very revealing but since it is you, it’s nothing new."
If you would stick to the facts instead of running off at the mouth like this, you might find it advantageous. Here is a copy of sample ethics in the massage profession:
"As a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, I hereby pledge to abide by the ABMP Code of Ethics as outlined below.
Client Relationships
• I shall endeavor to serve the best interests of my clients at all times and to provide the highest quality service possible.
• I shall maintain clear and honest communications with my clients and shall keep client communications confidential.
• I shall acknowledge the limitations of my skills and, when necessary, refer clients to the appropriate qualified health care professional.
• I shall in no way instigate or tolerate any kind of sexual advance while acting in the capacity of a massage, bodywork, somatic therapy or esthetic practitioner.
Professionalism
• I shall maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, providing services in an ethical and professional manner in relation to my clientele, business associates, health care professionals, and the general public.
• I shall respect the rights of all ethical practitioners and will cooperate with all health care professionals in a friendly and professional manner.
• I shall refrain from the use of any mind-altering drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants prior to or during professional sessions.
• I shall always dress in a professional manner, proper dress being defined as attire suitable and consistent with accepted business and professional practice.
• I shall not be affiliated with or employed by any business that utilizes any form of sexual suggestiveness or explicit sexuality in its advertising or promotion of services, or in the actual practice of its services.
Scope of Practice / Appropriate Techniques
• I shall provide services within the scope of the ABMP definition of massage, bodywork, somatic therapies and skin care, and the limits of my training. I will not employ those massage, bodywork or skin care techniques for which I have not had adequate training and shall represent my education, training, qualifications and abilities honestly.
• I shall be conscious of the intent of the services that I am providing and shall be aware of and practice good judgment regarding the application of massage, bodywork or somatic techniques utilized.
• I shall not perform manipulations or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, diagnose, prescribe or provide any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, psychotherapy, acupuncture, dermatology, cosmetology, or any other profession or branch of medicine unless specifically licensed to do so.
• I shall be thoroughly educated and understand the physiological effects of the specific massage, bodywork, somatic or skin care techniques utilized in order to determine whether such application is contraindicated and/or to determine the most beneficial techniques to apply to a given individual. I shall not apply massage, bodywork, somatic or skin care techniques in those cases where they may be contraindicated without a written referral from the client's primary care provider.
Image / Advertising Claims
• I shall strive to project a professional image for myself, my business or place of employment, and the profession in general.
• I shall actively participate in educating the public regarding the actual benefits of massage, bodywork, somatic therapies and skin care.
• I shall practice honesty in advertising, promote my services ethically and in good taste, and practice and/or advertise only those techniques for which I have received adequate training and/or certification. I shall not make false claims regarding the potential benefits of the techniques rendered."
________________________________
Now as to this excerpt above:
I will not employ those massage, bodywork or skin care techniques for which I have not had adequate training and shall represent my education, training, qualifications and abilities honestly.
A therapist would normally take several dozen hours of training strictly on the issue of sexuality and how to make sure it is not instigated or tolerated in the professional relationship. Your fellow is clearly not trained to the standards where he is comfortable working with people without projecting his own sexual needs (and his wicked fantasies that woman and homosexuals will be simply helpless to resist the arousal of his therapeutic touching)!! Talk about ideas of reference. EDGAD!
"It seems like some sort of misplaced advocacy for women and homosexual men"
This is just spit and dribble. I made it clear I would rather your fellow be aware of his limitations as a professional and as an adult than risk exploiting someone sexually in his professional work. I don't care rather or not he massages woman. If women cause him discomfort then he should either get proper training or do as you suggest--disqualify himself from working with them. |
