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Transference in the Massage ProfessionThe process of transference occurs in all relationships. Transference is a projection of internal drama that usually comes from early childhood relationships. (You come home angry at a co-worker and kick the cat. You yell at your spouse when they don't pay enough attention to you, when it was an absent parent who is really the cause.) It is important to learn about the power of transference so that you can be more present for your clients' needs. Transference creates a power differential that is a key component in healing. When clients seek us out for specific reasons they are usually looking for an expert to help them with their issues. They come to believe that we know more about them than they do themselves. They come looking for answers to their pain and dysfunctions. They come looking to get the unmet needs of early childhood attended to without really knowing it. The fact that clients take their clothes of to some extent creates a vulnerability that is unique to the massage profession. The power of touch also takes people to a deeper part of themselves where these unmet needs and repressed feelings live. It is an unconscious process in all relationships. Becoming more aware of yourself can help you become more aware of when a client is in a state of transference. Some common signs of transference:
Dealing with transference. Client's usually are not aware that they are transferring these feelings or behaviors onto you. How we can deal with the issue is transference is to be aware of ourselves and our own needs. When you know what you need, you can create clear boundaries. Setting up the framework of your business with clear policies and procedures in one way to create boundaries. Setting fees, setting work hours, setting rules about social interaction and dating clients will all help keep the interaction clean (and you not ending up in counter-transference. The process of supervision and peer supervision groups can assist you in dealing with such client interactions and help you create your ideal practice.
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