Our Mission
#RespectMassage for massage therapists and clients
Meet Joyce Gauthier, LMT
After being contacted by numerous massage therapists who were struggling with how to handle sexual solicitations in their practices, Joyce Gauthier started RespectMassage.com and the Respect Massage movement to educate and empower legitimate massage therapists to make it clear that they do not mix sex and massage. Joyce’s firm and transparent stance on zero tolerance for sexual solicitations is based on a desire to empower massage therapists with education and the power of a strong, supportive, positive community. While Joyce has moved to a new phase in her career, her inspirational voice continues to empower massage therapists and energize the Respect Massage movement.
#RespectMassage for Massage Therapists
Educate You on How to Spot and Deter Sexual Solicitors
Empower You to “Trust Your Gut” During Client Interactions
Prepare You with Safety Tips + Precautions
Validate You as an Individual and Uplift the Profession as a Collective
#RespectMassage for clients
Educate the Public on What Massage Is, and What Massage Isn’t
End the Stigma Surrounding Massage Therapy & Bodywork
Advocate for the Value and Respect of an Extraordinary Profession
Define What Constitutes a Massage Therapist as a Licensed Professional
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) is a membership association specifically tailored to the needs of massage therapists and bodyworkers. More than 80,000 massage therapists have an ABMP membership that provides essentials like liability insurance, continuing education courses, Massage & Bodywork magazine, and quick-reference muscle and pathology apps.
The strength of that community allows ABMP to advocate for the profession, as ABMP’s government relations team listens to the input of members and works directly with state legislatures on issues that matter. ABMP continues to advocate for reasonable regulation of massage therapists and against illicit businesses and human trafficking at the legislative level. Learn more about how ABMP advocates for the massage and bodywork industry.
ABMP’s role in Respect Massage
After learning about RespectMassage.com, ABMP was on board with Joyce’s mission to empower massage therapists to spot and deter inappropriate client behavior, and impressed by Joyce’s black-and-white approach to boundaries. ABMP and Joyce recorded a podcast episode in March 2020, and Joyce followed up with a great article, “10 Steps to Secure Your Practice,” that was featured in ABMP’s Massage & Bodywork magazine.
As the time came for Joyce to pursue a new step in her life and career, it was a logical transition for ABMP to take the reins and help continue the message and the work of RespectMassage.com.
