Ben E. Benjamin, PHD
Dr. Ben E. Benjamin has been an expert witness in cases of sexual assault in a massage/spa setting since 2004, advising lawyers, testifying in depositions and trials, and writing reports.
His expertise extends beyond massage therapy and ethical behavior. He also advises spas, both large and small, on the creation of comprehensive sexual assault prevention strategies that ensure safe and ethical practices in the industry.
Dr. Benjamin has been a pioneer field of ethics in the massage profession. He has been instrumental in creating awareness of the importance of teaching ethical behavior in the field and has written extensively on professional, sexual, and business ethics.
His co-authorship of The Ethics of Touch, the standard textbook used in most massage schools across North America, indicates his influence.
In 1974, he founded the Muscular Therapy Institute, a school he owned and directed for over 30 years. In the 1980s, he developed a 150-hour curriculum in ethics, sexuality, and communication skills for therapists in training.
His dedication to teaching courses in ethics, boundaries, sexuality, and communication to somatic therapists for over 40 years is a testament to his commitment to the field.
Awards & Recognition
National AMTA President’s Award for service to the profession
On September 21, 2000, at the AMTA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Benjamin was presented with the President’s Award for someone who has contributed to the massage profession in an outstanding manner. “This year’s recipient has been a pioneer in the field of massage therapy, providing innovative thinking and leadership in an emerging profession. He has provided significant education to the general public, made numerous contributions within the profession as an educator, writer, and leader, and has been active in a leadership role within the AMTA.”
Massage Magazine, January 2000
Ben Benjamin was named one of the “Stars of the Century.” A leader who has made a groundbreaking contribution to the massage-and-bodywork field by furthering the cause and message of healing touch.
“Ben E. Benjamin, Ph.D. wrote the first significant material about professional ethics for the field of massage and bodywork. His work was highly influential in initiating a national movement toward examining the further developing the field of ethics. Benjamin’s own bodywork system, The Benjamin System of Muscular Therapy, was influenced by Alexander, Wilhelm Reich and James Cyriax.”
AMTA Distinguished Service Award
Ben Benjamin received the AMTA Distinguished Service Award from the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association, on April 9, 2000 in Recognition of Leadership and Commitment to the Massage Profession and the AMTA.
ABMP “Eight Who Matter” Award
On The Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals 10th Anniversary, readers of Massage & Bodywork nominated Ben Benjamin as one of eight individuals who have made a difference in the somatic profession within the last decade.
Massage Therapy Hall of Fame
Dr. Benjamin was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame for his contributions to the massage profession at the official ceremony of the World Massage Festival in June 2010.
Podcast – Ben Benjamin: Built from Curiosity
Introduction and full transcript can be viewed at the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals website
