NCBTMB Professional Ethics and Standards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A massage therapist is approached by a former client who wants to begin a romantic relationship. According to most ethical guidelines, the therapist should:
- Accept, since the therapeutic relationship has ended
- Wait at least six months before considering any personal relationship
- Avoid pursuing any personal relationship, recognizing the power dynamic may persist (Correct answer)
- Consult the state board before deciding
Correct answer: Avoid pursuing any personal relationship, recognizing the power dynamic may persist
Most professional ethics codes caution against personal relationships with former clients because the inherent power imbalance of the therapeutic relationship may persist after it ends.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a dual relationship?
- A therapist who is trained in both Swedish and deep tissue massage
- A therapist who also serves as the employer of their massage client (Correct answer)
- A therapist who works in two different clinic locations
- A therapist who holds both a state license and NCBTMB certification
Correct answer: A therapist who also serves as the employer of their massage client
A dual relationship exists when a therapist holds two different roles simultaneously with a client, such as being both their employer and their massage therapist.
Question 3: When a client withdraws consent in the middle of a session, the therapist must:
- Complete the current technique before stopping
- Stop immediately and respect the client's decision (Correct answer)
- Ask the client to explain their reason before stopping
- Finish the session but document the client's request
Correct answer: Stop immediately and respect the client's decision
Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and the therapist must immediately cease treatment when a client withdraws consent.
Question 4: A therapist is unsure whether a technique is within their scope of practice. The best course of action is to:
- Try the technique on a willing client and assess the results
- Research the technique and consult with a supervisor or the state licensing board (Correct answer)
- Use the technique only if it seems unlikely to cause harm
- Apply the technique if it was mentioned in a continuing education course
Correct answer: Research the technique and consult with a supervisor or the state licensing board
When uncertain about scope of practice, the therapist should seek clarification from their supervisor, professional organization, or state licensing board before proceeding.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'countertransference'?
- A client shifting emotional feelings onto the therapist
- A therapist unconsciously projecting their own unresolved feelings onto the client (Correct answer)
- The financial transaction between client and therapist
- Providing feedback to a client about their emotional responses
Correct answer: A therapist unconsciously projecting their own unresolved feelings onto the client
Countertransference occurs when the therapist projects their own unresolved emotions or past experiences onto the client.
Question 6: How should a therapist handle a situation where a client's cultural background calls for more or less draping than what is standard practice?
- Always follow standard practice regardless of cultural preferences
- Eliminate draping entirely if the client requests it
- Discuss and accommodate the client's needs within legal and professional boundaries (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to a therapist of the same cultural background
Correct answer: Discuss and accommodate the client's needs within legal and professional boundaries
Therapists should respect cultural differences while maintaining legally and professionally required standards, finding solutions that honor both.
Question 7: Which action best reflects the ethical standard of 'justice' in massage therapy?
- Reporting an impaired colleague to the licensing board
- Treating all clients fairly and without discrimination (Correct answer)
- Providing the most technically advanced treatment available
- Charging clients consistent rates based on session length
Correct answer: Treating all clients fairly and without discrimination
Justice in ethics refers to treating all individuals fairly and equitably, without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other factors.
NCBTMB Professional Ethics and Standards 4
A massage therapist is approached by a former client who wants to begin a romantic relationship.
According to most ethical guidelines, the therapist should: