In March of 2020, I made the decision to open my own private massage practice in North Carolina. My motivation was simple yet profound—I wanted greater control over who entered my personal space, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for both myself and my clients.
However, just seven days after opening, my world was abruptly disrupted by the onset of the pandemic. Within this short timeframe, I faced a deeply unsettling experience when a client intentionally exposed their genitals to me—an incident of sexual harassment that left me reeling.
This traumatic event not only forced me to confront the emotional aftermath but also triggered a period of profound depression. Seeking guidance and support, I began working with Erin Brown from EBSpeaks, a resilience coach who encouraged me to transform my frustrations into something constructive and empowering.
Driven by my own experiences, I embarked on a journey of reflection. I analyzed past instances of harassment throughout my career, questioning whether I could have anticipated warning signs or implemented stronger boundaries to prevent such occurrences. Out of this introspection emerged a determination to channel my insights into actionable resources for fellow massage therapists.
Today, my focus has shifted from hands-on practice to education and advocacy. My mission is clear: to empower therapists to take proactive steps in safeguarding their safety and well-being. By sharing my knowledge and lessons learned, I aspire to equip others with the tools and strategies needed to create secure and respectful environments within their own practices.
My decision to transition from studio practice to an educational role was further influenced by a desire to prioritize family. I recently moved back to New Jersey to spend more time with loved ones, cherishing the opportunity to be closer to home while continuing my advocacy work.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of empowerment and education. Together, let's foster a community where therapists feel empowered to protect themselves and their profession.
© 2020-2024 Copyright P. Fleming Massage
LMBT NJ #18KT01514200
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.