Massage Therapists Fearful Over Client Behavior

Massage therapists in the UK are increasingly refusing new male clients due to experiences of harassment and discomfort. Maria, a qualified therapist, now runs a female-focused business after clients made inappropriate requests and comments, leaving her feeling scared. She recounted instances of clients persistently asking to be uncovered and making suggestive remarks, highlighting a pattern of behavior that eroded her sense of safety.

Dani, another therapist based in Glasgow, prioritizes safety by only treating men she knows or those referred by existing clients. She once barred a client for joking about offering 'happy endings,' emphasizing the damage such comments can do to her reputation and personal security. Both Maria and Dani advocate for standardized training on handling inappropriate behavior and recognizing red flags.

Jenny Storey, with 25 years in the industry and a spokesperson for BABTAC, notes that inappropriate social media messages and comments like 'do you give happy endings' are frequent. While not all men intend harm, such remarks minimize the profession and create discomfort. The lack of a statutory governing body in Scotland for massage therapists means there is no formal channel for reporting incidents, leading to calls for better regulation and support systems.