Boundaries
I recently had the experience of trying to do business with someone who is lacking clear boundaries around her business. It has been the most exasperating experience of my life. Everytime I try to use her service I try to follow the guidelines and rules that have been outlined only to find out there is small print that isn’t even written anywhere so I am not able to get the service I need. She somehow thinks I can read her mind and will know that I have to do xxyy before I can use her service. I am not sure if that is clear as I am trying not to give the details.
Being clear about your business and what services you offer will help you to create a strong framework for your business to grow from. The deeper and wider the foundation the more room for growth and expansion because of the strong base to hold and support the growth.
The framework of a massage business is built on establishing and maintaining boundaries. Boundaries are what allow a client/patient space to heal. This healing container is kept safe and secure by each party knowing their responsibilities and needs.
Boundaries are things like:
- office hours
- fees for services
- policies and procedures
- scope of practice
along with boundaries such as those regarding physical space and the type of relationship you have with the client.
Your boundaries are basically the things that define you - your thoughts, beliefs and your needs. Boundaries are physical and mental/emotional. They are formed early in life in childhood through family and social interaction. By increasing your awareness of your boundaries (thoughts, beliefs and needs) you can improve the therapeutic relationship and your chances for having a successful AND rewarding practice.
Because of the personal nature of our work (clients coming to us and undressing to a certain level and us touching their bodies), boundaries can become confusing to clients (and to us).
Learning more about ourselves can help us maintain our boundaries and develop a professional healing relationship with clients.
The best way to learn about yourself is in group interactions such as peer supervision groups, which help you to see yourself more clearly.
There are many resources for learning more about boundaries:
Online Articles:
In the Service of Life by Rachel Remen
Caretaking - a hidden addiction by Jack Blackburn www.presencingsource.com
Books:
How can I help? by Ram Dass
The Educated Heart by Nina McIntosh
The Ethics of Touch by Cherie Sohnen- Moe
Setting your boundaries through creating your policies and procedures and a personal and professional code of ethics can help educate people as to what you do and don’t do and what rules there are around getting your service - like your hours and how much you charge etc.
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