STA297: Protecting Your Massage Therapy Career: Lessons from a False Allegation – with guest Bodhi Haraldsson

In Ep.297 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Bodhi Haraldsson, an experienced registered massage therapist from British Columbia, Canada, who faced a false sexual-assault allegation, endured arrest and trial, was acquitted, and then underwent a lengthy regulatory investigation. They discuss the legal, professional, and personal consequences of such allegations for clinicians. The episode highlights practical steps for protecting your practice: detailed and timely documentation, clear boundaries, building a reliable support network, defensive-practice strategies, and resources for clinicians affected by sexualized behaviour or complaints. Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of sexual assault and allegations of sexual assault. If you may find these subjects distressing, please consider listening at a time that feels right for you, perhaps with the support of a trusted colleague. If you do listen and are affected by the content, please seek appropriate support. For STA members, details of available support can be found on the STA website. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:03:50 - Introducing special guest Bodhi Haraldsson 00:10:23 - Bodhi’s Background in Massage 00:10:43 - The Night Everything Changed 00:19:44 - Police Interrogation Tactics 00:23:17 - Bail, Media, and Damage 00:30:46 - Court Victory, Then Review 00:32:31 - Note Taking as Defense 00:37:05 - Building Defensive Practice 00:45:00 - Preventing Future Incidents 00:52:00 - Support, Recovery, and Resilience 00:54:49 - Chaperones and Open Doors 01:00:16 - Clearing the Record Useful Links Defensive Practice on Facebook Bodhi Haraldsson on Linkedin Defensive Practice on Instagram Survey on sexualization in the profession Video: Modern Sexual Boundary Management for Massage Therapists, with Josie DeLorme, RMT  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.