• Login

From The

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

Self-Defense for Massage Therapists:

A Practical Guide to Prevent Unacceptable Behavior & Habits to Promote Personal Safety

 

Would you know what to do if a client crossed the line?

 

Every massage therapist deserves to feel safe at work—but for too many, the reality is unsettling. In Self-Defense for Massage Therapists, Teresa and Johnny, seasoned experts in both bodywork and personal protection, deliver an empowering guide packed with real-world strategies to help you stay secure and confident in and out of the treatment room.

 

This essential book covers:

 

· Situational awareness to identify and avoid threats

· Verbal strategies and body language to de-escalate tension

· Practical self-defense techniques to handle the inappropriate client that anyone can learn—regardless of age, gender, or fitness level

· How to have zero tolerance when a client pushes the boundaries

 

Drawing from stories of real incidents shared by male and female therapists alike, this guide is more than instruction—it’s a call to reclaim your safety and peace of mind.

 

How do you protect yourself when boundaries are violated?

 

Order Now

Self-Defense for Massage Therapists: A Practical Guide to Prevent Unacceptable Behavior & Habits to Promote Personal Safety

Massage Therapists live and work in one of the few professions with close physical/touching contact in a closed and private room every day, several times a day. This book teaches us how to keep ourselves safe and avoid assaults before they happen. Its message is brilliantly simple, powerful, and easy to understand. If you read it, like I did, its teachings will help explain what it means to be self-aware and how to build that self-awareness. Don’t just talk about your personal safety, read this book, and do something about it.
Russell
“Preparation can be the difference between feeling safe or victimized. May you be blessed to never have to use the wisdom that has been so delicately submitted into this book. However, in situations of ethical transference, power differential, and misconstrued intentions, stating your purposes clearly is crucial, and if that does not work, make them known palpably.   I have been a massage therapy instructor for many years as a teacher of ethics.  I have mentored massage therapists through situations that have not been comfortable. If they had prepared by understanding the power they have and how to manage the room, many of the offensive behaviors would never have happened. Thank you for reading this book and building your confidence in your body, mind, and strength.”
Nathan Nordstrom LMT BCTMBDirector of Training and Massage Therapy Industry Relations   Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Corp.
“This is a great read for all ‘“hands hands-on”’ professions.  (mMassage, nursing, CNA, PT, OT., Etcetc.). The information in this book is so important and should be taught, not just in at the beginning of the program, but also throughout the program, using all of the scenarios, engaging to engage students to discuss what they would do if found in the situations. As instructors, we have an obligation to get this information out to our students! We don’t want to wait for an incident to happen… Have them PREPARED, AWARE, AND READY for ANY situation. This book covers it all!”
Jody StorkSpace Coast Education Center
“Written by my teacher of over 25 years, this book is a powerful extension of what she first taught me during massage school two decades ago. Even then, she emphasized the importance of professional boundaries and how to navigate inappropriate advances with clarity and strength. This education allowed me to grow my successful massage and spa establishment into an ethical and respectful business. Now, Teresa and her son, Johnny, have shared that same wisdom in this essential guide for all massage therapists and healthcare professionals. With compassion and experience, they offer practical tools to protect both practitioners and clients. I consider this book a must-read for anyone in the healing professions committed to having a safe, ethical practice.”
Carla MorelloShine Massage and Spa Wellness
“Self-Defense for Massage Therapists is a valuable resource for both new and experienced massage therapists. In our profession, we focus on providing quality care while respecting client boundaries. Unfortunately, we don’t always anticipate situations where clients may challenge or violate our own boundaries, but it does happen. This book offers meaningful insight into preventing inappropriate behavior through effective communication, body language, and professionalism. It also equips therapists with the tools and mindset needed to respond when boundaries are crossed. Whether working in a clinic, visiting a client’s home, or entering a hotel room, therapists must stay aware of their surroundings and be prepared to recognize potential danger. Teresa clearly outlines self-defense techniques that massage therapists can use with confidence and precision to protect themselves. I believe this information is essential, not only to be read, but also practiced. I highly recommend participating in the hands-on course to ensure therapists feel both confident and competent in applying these techniques in real-life situations.”
Donna SarvelloMBA, LMT
“Teresa Matthews delivers an essential, empowering guide with  Self-Defense for Massage Therapists. Drawing on decades of experience in martial arts, bodywork, and personal safety, Teresa and Johnny equip therapists with the tools to stay safe, confident, and in control—both in and out of the treatment room. This book blends powerful, real-world stories, practical exercises, and clear instructions to tackle one of the profession’s most overlooked risks: personal vulnerability. From setting firm boundaries to executing effective self-defense techniques, every chapter is a masterclass in proactive protection. This is not just a manual—it’s a movement toward safety, self-awareness, and strengthening our profession.”
The Boston Bodyworker, Learn2Tape®Drew Freedman, Founder

About the Author

 

 

About Teresa:

 

Teresa is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 30 years of experience, a third-degree Black Belt, and a World Champion Arm Wrestler featured in Over the Top with Sylvester Stallone.

 

She owns a successful massage school in Florida and was inducted into the World Massage Therapy Hall of Fame. A passionate educator, she is also a National CE provider and Boston Marathon finisher who continues to empower therapists nationwide.

 

About Johnny:

 

Johnny is a veteran Police Officer with over 15 years of service, including roles in patrol, corrections, and task forces. A certified Defensive Tactics Instructor and martial artist trained in Jiu-jitsu and Karate, he brings real-world insight to personal safety. 

 

Johnny co-developed a self-defense training program with Teresa to help professionals across industries stay safe, confident, and prepared.

 

 

Read Full Bio

Order Now

Self-Defense for Massage Therapists: A Practical Guide to Prevent Unacceptable Behavior & Habits to Promote Personal Safety

FAQ

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired to write this book to give other therapists the knowledge that I have
pertaining to personal safety in the massage room. This came about after therapists
shared stories with me about how clients have been inappropriate with them.
Therapists did not know what to do in many situations.

2. What will your readers gain from your book?

How to set clear verbal boundaries.
How to avoid a possible threat.
Learn how to have situational awareness.
Learn verbal and physical confidence to de-escalate confrontations.
And self-defense techniques on and off the table.
Use proper draping and proper techniques to let the client know you are in control.

3. What was your unique quotient for this project?

My hope is to open the eyes of all massage therapists who think, “Nothing will
happen to me.”

4. How did becoming an author help in your brand/business?

I am known in my profession to empower students and therapists to have control of
their personal boundaries. Both verbally and physically. Organizations in the
profession want me to speak or put on a class in their state.

5. What are your future plans as an author?

My plans are to continue sharing this education. I also wish to reach out to all
massage schools and have this book be part of the required text for students.
I would also like to become a public speaker on the subject of personal safety.

6. What will you learn from this book?

*Always have situational awareness
*Nothing is as it seems
*Maintain Personal Boundaries
*Have zero tolerance when it comes to inappropriate behavior.
*Male or Female: it can happen to you.
*Feel safe, confident, and prepared!
*Avoid conflict and maintain your professionalism.

*Self-care is important if things get physical.
*Be Proactive!