A Right To Refuse

Most of the time, when a table or chair massage session is scheduled, it will go forward as planned, without any problems. But there are circumstances when it is appropriate and/or necessary for either the client or the therapist to refuse to go forward with the session.

Client's Right to Refuse

Under any circumstance and for any reason, the client maintains the right to refuse work from a therapist. Examples of refusal are when the client:

- prefers a massage therapist of the opposite gender.
- feels ill that day, or otherwise unfit to receive bodywork.
- is uncomfortable with the massage therapist's table-side manner.
- interprets that the massage therapist is making sexual advances on them.
- assesses that the massage therapist is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Whatever the reason, it is within their rights to refuse to receive work from a therapist. It is important to note, however, that this does not prevent the therapist from maintaining cancellation policies. And it is also well within the therapist's rights to enforce them as they deem necessary.

Therapist's Right to Refuse

Under any circumstance and for any reason, the therapist maintains the right to refuse to work on a client. Examples of refusal are when the therapist:

- assesses that the client's condition is a contraindication to the type of bodywork they are giving.
- feels ill that day, or otherwise unfit to give bodywork.
- has waited for a client to arrive for longer than the time allotted in the massage therapist's policies.
- interprets that the client is making sexual advances on them.
- assesses that the client is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Whatever the reason, it is within their rights to refuse to give work to a client. It is also important to note in these circumstances, that this does not prevent the therapist from maintaining cancellation policies should the situation apply. And it is also well within the therapist's rights to enforce them as they deem necessary.