What confidentiality do you expect from your massage therapist?

Chris and I follow the Code of Ethics of our professional organization, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, including:

Commitment to Confidentiality
I will keep client communication and information confidential and will not share client information without the client’s written consent, within the limits of the law. I will ensure every effort is made to respect a client’s right to privacy and provide an environment where personal health-related details cannot be overheard or seen by others.

No regulations require us to do this. So why do we?

Think of it this way. Imagine you were eating at a café and overheard two massage therapists discussing a client. Even if they didn’t mention the client’s name. Hearing that would leave me wondering if my bodyworker talked about me.

Being able to relax requires trust. We offer clients time and space to be exactly as they are, free from the concern that we will discuss them with anyone else.

A client may share whatever they wish about working with us. But we do not share about them. If someone asks, “How did so-and-so like her reflexology treatment?” we would respond that they would need to ask the client. If someone says, “Does my cousin get craniosacral with you?” we’d say that only their cousin can answer that.

Clients entrust us to be present with their stress, pain, sadness, joy, relaxation, hope, fear, relaxation, and more. We might not converse much during treatments. But that conversation doesn’t leave the room. And there are countless nonverbal communications in any exchange.

What do you think about confidentiality and bodywork?