During a session, a client becomes overly sexual. What should the practitioner do?

When a client becomes overly sexual during a massage session, it is crucial for the practitioner to establish and maintain professional boundaries. Terminating the session and asking the client to dress signifies a firm response to inappropriate behavior, helping to reinforce the professional nature of the therapeutic relationship. This action protects both the practitioner and the client by ensuring that the session does not escalate further and that the practitioner is acting in accordance with ethical guidelines and standards of practice.

This approach prioritizes the safety and comfort of both parties. It also serves as a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable within the context of a professional service. By choosing to end the session, the practitioner can effectively remove themselves from a potentially exploitative situation and maintain the integrity of their practice. This response not only addresses the immediate issue but also upholds the ethical obligation to provide a safe and respectful environment.

Meanwhile, other options such as ignoring the behavior or attempting to redirect the client's energy could lead to ambiguity in boundaries and may escalate the situation. Informing the client about acceptable behavior might be appropriate in some contexts, but in cases of overt sexualization, the most immediate and professional response is to terminate the session to ensure clarity and safety.