Ep.298: Modern Sexual Boundary Management for Massage Therapists – with guest Josie DeLorme

In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by Josie DeLorme – a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Canada, educator, and founder of RMT Sexual Support Society.  Leading on from Ep.297 in which special guest Bodhi Haraldsson described his shocking & lengthy ordeal of being falsely accused of sexual assault in clinic by a patient, Josie discusses alarming survey findings and how historic taboos have left massage therapists under‑prepared. Josie explains practical strategies: the “court of play” analogy, early warning signs, practising small boundary interventions, using clear I‑statements, and how to respond if physical arousal occurs. The episode also points listeners to a full four‑hour webinar with Josie on this topic, a shorter 90‑minute version, and other support resources. Q&A on Tuesday September 8th, 8pm (UK): Josie returns to the podcast for a live hour Q&A session on this topic. Ask directly during the live broadcast, or submit your questions beforehand by scanning the QR code on the advert or visiting tinyurl.com/STA-QA. The Slido submission page allows you to remain completely anonymous if you wish, or leave your name. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:05:22 - YouTube: Sex as a Taboo 00:15:00 - The Court Boundary Analogy 00:18:51 - Legal Context and Tipping Risks 00:26:31 - Why Therapists Freeze 00:29:21 - Spotting Early Boundary Warnings 00:37:02 - Understanding Your Sexual Lens 00:41:00 - Why Training Skips Abuse 00:43:07 - Practicing Assertive Responses 00:47:55 - Responding to Client Physical Arousal 00:52:18 - When to Step Away 00:56:22 - Making a Clinic Plan Useful Links RMT Sexual Support Society on Facebook Josie DeLorme on Instagram: @jocelyndelormermt Video: Modern Sexual Boundary Management for Massage Therapists (4hrs) Video: Navigating Ambiguity (90mins) Survey on sexualization in the profession  Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.