Grief: Coping with the Death of a Client

Coping with the death of a client can bring up unexpected and intense emotions. As massage therapists, we form meaningful therapeutic relationships with our clients and often their families. Over time, these connections can become deeply personal. When a client dies—whether expectedly or unexpectedly—it can have a lasting emotional, ethical, and professional impact on the therapist and their practice.

In this 2-hour ethics course, participants will explore grief through the lens of the therapeutic relationship and professional responsibility. Attendees will learn:

• Four clear definitions of grief, drawing from the commonly referenced seven stages of grief and loss

• How grief may manifest physically, emotionally, socially, and behaviorally in both therapists and clients

• Practical strategies for processing personal grief in a safe, healthy, and productive way

• How to remain present and supportive for grieving clients, friends, or family members of the deceased while maintaining appropriate boundaries and staying within scope of practice