Therapist Safety & Why Our Vetting Process Matters
I never planned to write a blog post like this. But after a recent experience in my practice, I realized just how important it is to help people understand why massage therapists have safety protocols in place, and why I personally follow a vetting process before confirming new appointments.
As a licensed massage therapist, I work one-on-one in a private setting with individuals I’ve often never met before. While 99% of my clients are kind, respectful, and genuinely seeking therapeutic care, there is a very real history of massage being misunderstood, misrepresented, or misused. Because of that, safety isn’t just preference — it’s part of ethical practice.
Today, I want to pull back the curtain on what this looks like from the therapist’s side.
Safety isn’t optional. It’s part of ethical, professional care.
Asking why you’re coming in sin’t prying - it’s part of clinical assessment and safety.
A Recent Example: When Things Don’t Add Up
I recently received a booking from someone with several concerning details:
• A very uncommon name
• A completely different area code
• No working voicemail
• No social media or online presence
• And when asked why they were coming in, the response was simply: “happiness.”
None of these things alone would be an issue —
we all know plenty of people who don’t use social media or who have different area codes. But when several factors stack together, they can signal that something may not be aligned with safe or appropriate intentions… Because of these red flags, the session was cancelled for my protection.
In response, I received a very angry phone call telling me I had “lost potential clients” and “good luck with my business.”
And that’s exactly why this conversation matters.
This wasn’t about judgment. It wasn’t about being rude.
It was about safety, ethics, boundaries, and the integrity of the massage profession.
Massage Therapy Is Healthcare — Not What Some Have Turned It Into
Unfortunately, massage therapy has long been misrepresented in certain circles, leading some people to seek services that are not massage.
This has damaged the reputation of legitimate therapists and opened the door to unsafe situations — especially for women working alone. Because of this, every licensed therapist has the right (and responsibility) to screen clients before confirming a session.
Vetting protects:
✔ The therapist
✔ The client
✔ The clinic environment
✔ The profession as a whole
Why I Ask Questions Before Your Appointment
If you’ve ever booked with me, you know I ask a simple question:
“What brings you in?”
This isn’t to pry. It’s not to gatekeep.
It’s because I need to understand:
• What hurts
• What your goals are
• Whether this is for pain relief, injury support, stress reduction, or maintenance
• Whether your intent aligns with therapeutic bodywork
• Whether the session is appropriate and safe
This information helps me choose the right techniques — and ensures the appointment is ethical, professional, and safe for both of us.
What Legitimate Clients Should Keep in Mind When Booking
If you’re coming in for genuine massage therapy, here’s what helps your appointment move smoothly:
• Use your real name
• Ensure your contact information is accurate
• Have a working voicemail
• Be open to answering basic intake questions
• Provide a clear reason for scheduling (back pain, stress, neck tension, etc.)
• Understand that safety protocols are standard in healthcare settings
If your intention is therapeutic, the process will feel easy and normal.
Phrases That Unfortunately Raise Red Flags
Certain terms are commonly used by individuals seeking inappropriate services — and these will automatically pause or cancel a booking:
🚫 “Happiness”
🚫 “Full release”
🚫 “Extra attention”
🚫 “Not the regular kind of relaxation”
🚫 “Private session” without therapeutic reasoning
🚫 Vague or evasive answers to intake questions
If you’re truly looking for soft tissue work, clarity helps immensely.
Examples:
✔ “Low back tightness”
✔ “Stress + tension relief”
✔ “Post-sports recovery”
✔ “Shoulder or neck pain”
Creating a Safe, Ethical Wellness Environment
My mission is to offer meaningful, therapeutic massage rooted in respect, boundaries, and professionalism.
Your safety matters.
My safety matters.
And the integrity of this healing profession matters.
I am endlessly grateful for the wonderful, supportive clients who understand and uphold these standards. Your respect helps keep this space safe for everyone who walks through the door.
Thank you for being part of a community that values wellness, ethics, and the true purpose of massage therapy.
Love,
Lex w/ Lex Lives Real 🤍🤍
