Working as a Licensed Massage Therapist requires a multitude of skills. Clients present in many different ways and oftentimes, LMTs are called to collect more information than that of the clinical or technical aspects of health intake and objective observation. Good hands-on therapy depends on the therapist’s ability to listen, observe, assist clients’ awareness of physical changes, respond to discomfort, modify interventions according to client wishes, and reinforce the therapeutic changes that clients make. LMTs may work hard to address impairments and functional limitations, yet clients may make little progress without both parties participating in clinical decision-making.

The LMTs ethical behavior and clear communication are essential for a strong therapeutic alliance and client-centered care. We often try to separate massage therapy from interpersonal interaction between the client and therapist when in reality, the technical and interpersonal aspects of care are both required for a well-rounded approach. This course will provide clear explanations of the therapeutic process and provide solutions to problems that may arise in the therapeutic relationship. It will also outline concrete strategies for ethical decision-making and enhancing the therapeutic relationship in typical “in the moment” clinical situations when planning client-centered treatment plans.

Learning Objectives:

• To recognize the foundations of building a therapeutic relationship

• To recognize the 3 strategies of the therapeutic process to client-centered care

• To outline the strategies for enhancing the therapeutic relationship

• To work through case studies give with the newly acquired skills for client-centered care