Foundations of Touch & Sexuality
What nervous system is commonly associated with relaxation and physiological arousal?
Parasympathetic nervous system (CH 6)
Before working sensitive areas, what must a therapist obtain from the client?
Informed consent (CH 6)
What term means feelings of closeness, support, and connection?
Intimacy (CH 6)
What is the professional term for unwanted sexual behavior in the workplace?
Sexual harassment (CH 6)
What should always be used to protect a client’s privacy during massage?
Proper draping (CH 6)
What are the four distinct phases of the human sexual response cycle?
Excitement/arousal, plateau, orgasmic, and resolution (CH 6)
What is the first step of the Intervention Model?
Stop the treatment using assertive behavior (CH 6)
What type of intimacy involves sharing feelings and opinions?
Verbal intimacy (CH 6)
What are the three major influences on sexuality?
Biological, psychological, cultural (CH 6)
What type of intimacy includes affectionate and sexual touch?
Physical intimacy (CH 6)
What matters more than the existence of an erection itself when deciding if behavior is inappropriate?
The client’s behavior and intent (CH 6)
Name one reason a therapist may need to address a client’s arousal during session.
Sexual comments, sexual behaviors, obvious discomfort, or signs of sexual intent (CH 6)
Why can massage therapy feel unexpectedly intimate to clients?
Because of the physical, emotional, and verbal closeness involved (CH 6)
What does “quid pro quo” harassment mean?
Sexual favors requested in exchange for benefits (CH 6)
Why is proper draping ethically important?
It protects privacy and professional boundaries (CH 6)
What is the difference between sexual feelings and sexual misconduct?
Feelings can occur naturally; misconduct involves unethical or inappropriate behavior (CH 6)
After describing inappropriate behavior in the Intervention Model, what should the therapist do next?
Clarify the client’s intent (CH 6)
Why should therapists avoid seeking emotional support from clients?
It weakens professional boundaries (CH 6)
Why can off-color jokes become an ethical issue in massage therapy?
They can sexualize the professional relationship and create discomfort (CH 6)
Name two ways to desexualize the touch experience.
Professional language, proper draping, informed consent, respectful communication, professional appearance, describing techniques beforehand (CH 6)
What is the difference between physical, emotional, and verbal intimacy?
Physical = touch, emotional = closeness/support, verbal = sharing feelings/opinions
Why is it important to stop problematic behavior immediately instead of later?
Early intervention prevents escalation and maintains safety and professionalism
Why does the therapeutic setting sometimes create emotional vulnerability in clients?
Because massage involves physical touch, trust, privacy, and emotional closeness
Why is “I was joking” not a strong defense for inappropriate comments in a professional setting?
Because inappropriate comments can still create discomfort or a hostile environment
What is the biggest ethical danger of a therapist continuing sexual conversations with clients?
It can blur professional boundaries and sexualize the therapeutic relationship