Webinar: Navigating Ambiguity – Sexual Boundary Management for RMTs

In response to ongoing concerns around sexual harassment and assault within the massage therapy profession in Canada, this 90-minute webinar provides a practical, evidence-informed framework to support Registered Massage Therapists in recognizing and navigating moments when therapeutic intent becomes ambiguous or sexualized by patients.

Delivered through an inclusive, intersectional lens, this session explores the historical context of sexual boundary challenges in massage therapy education and introduces modern approaches to establishing and maintaining clear, professional boundaries in clinical practice.

Drawing on qualitative research, this webinar incorporates insights from interviews conducted with 23 RMTs across Ontario and British Columbia, highlighting real-world strategies practitioners are using to safeguard their treatment environments and respond effectively to challenging situations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand historical barriers to implementing standardized sexual boundary management in massage therapy
• Identify and apply strategies to screen for and filter out clients with inappropriate expectations
• Establish and maintain clear, professional sexual boundaries within clinical practice
• Respond confidently to ambiguous or unwelcome client behaviours, including ending a treatment when necessary

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for all Registered Massage Therapists.

CMTO Competencies Addressed

This course supports participants in:

• Communicating effectively with clients in complex or sensitive situations
• Practicing in a manner consistent with current developments in the profession
• Practicing in a self-reflective manner, with increased awareness and confidence in boundary-setting

Webinar Format

• Length: 90 minutes
• Delivery: Lecture-style presentation with case studies
• Engagement: Interactive Q&A session at the end

Presenter

Josie DeLorme (They/Them)

Josie DeLorme is a Métis Registered Massage Therapist based in Victoria, practicing since 2013. Their work focuses on the musculoskeletal management of sexual and pelvic health, with a particular emphasis on clarity and safety within therapeutic relationships.

Since 2019, Josie has taught internationally on evidence-based practices and sexual boundary management. Their work is grounded in years of research and critical analysis of the implicit and often unspoken dynamics around sexual boundaries in massage therapy settings.

Josie is known for offering practical, immediately applicable strategies, driven by a strong commitment to the safety and confidence of RMTs in clinical practice.

Why This Matters

Managing boundary ambiguity is a critical skill in modern practice. This session equips RMTs with practical tools, language, and confidence to navigate complex client interactions while protecting both practitioner safety and professional integrity.