The field of massage therapy can be divided into two major skill areas: (1) hard skills and (2) soft skills. Hard skills in­ clude knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, tactile precision (what bony marking is felt), and massage acumen (e.g., how to work on a client’s injured hamstring).

Equally, if not more, important are the soft skills of mas­ sage therapy. These skills include how to manage the relation­ ship between the client and the therapist , or the therapeutic relationship. This chapter immerses the therapist candidate into the world of the therapeutic relationship. We begin with an overview of the relationship ‘s elements, pausing to exam­ ine and acquire good communication skills. Next, we discuss how to resolve problems, because conflicts will arise.