What credentials have to do with a sensual massage? All I want is feel hands exploring my fully naked and undraped body for massage and mutual sensual pleasure. Since I am always completely naked and undraped and I ask my massage partners to get fully naked before starting the massage, we can see what we need to see for a good sensual massage. At the end of the day, it’s all about the touch and view that arouses everyone. If I need someone with credentials I will go to a LMT.

Credentials aren't that important in the profile. We can figure that out while conversing.

I don't have official credentials but have given massages for 30 years. Many of my clients were therapists.

I totally agree with Natureboy........... Having training and 'credentials' are two different things and those that only want to work with credentialed members should be able filter that in a search.

Credentials are of no significance at all. It is the person who is everything be they inexperienced but curious to the most experienced and skilled. Just as critical to the joy of massage and interactions is always the other person or people present. It is my opinion that nothing supersedes the natural human being.

This stinks of industry greed.
Amateur massage enthusiasts should have every right to use a site like massage exchange that the professionals have.
Really, this seems sinister, and a wonderful way to destroy a website.

Not really interested in credentials, some of my best massages have been with guys that have no credentials

Caress and pleasurea sensual touch induces is of more iimportance than a credential

For those that need security of choice.

Having training and 'credentials' are two different things. The experience level should be discussed between the two parties prior to an exchange. This site is about 'exchanges' after all, not providing services to 'customers'. With that said, those that only want to work with credentialed members should be able filter that in a search.

Both members need to make their experience known, then decide to proceed from that info.

Easy enough to look at a respondent's profile and see their experience and credentials. Anyway, what about people just starting out, or people with years of good hands on experience but no formal qualifications? An exam pass isn't everything with a practical skill like massage.

If you just add a section that some one can click if they have them so that people know if they have credentials or not it's all in the opinion of what the person is searching for weather it matters or not.

Excellent idea. Credentials are needed to make sure they are really massage therapists.

Any invasive therapy treating the public should be "safety first" to protect you and also the customer. This is basic practice.

You can always ask for credentials and the service given. With reviews you can hope that community if honest about the massage that was received.

People need to be friendly and honest...thats what matters most.

For a female it stops the hands of a man wondering all over my body when all i want is a massage.... not a date site...

I would rather know if a person is a total beginner looking to learn from others guidance, if they are new to giving massages to people they do not know, or if they have lots of experience, thinking about becoming a professional

Great

might as well

Let people use their freedom of will. We all have the right to say NO

Excellent idea. I frequently ask therapists who contact me for their credentials to make sure they are really therapists.

sincerity and friendliness is paramount

Credentials are respected and greatly appreciated. Non credentialed simply nice body rub exchanges are nice as well and just as appreciated.

I think that it would make sense for filtering options to have the 'credential required' so you could search specifically for somebody who is credentialed if that is what you are looking for.

As long as the person that I am exchanging with are truthful and respectful, there is no need for required credentials. Some of the massages I have received were from "amateurs"

Data from credentials could be compromised, used against members. Unsecure.

First visit here and as a first impression, credentials would limit the websites exposure. I see the power of this site as one of inclusion, not exclusion.

I think everyone just need a nassage

Though ITEC qualified I think a good touch is a natural thing.
Would love to find a few females to swap massage with.

It's still no guarantee that what you receive from someone could be who they really are. This is about trust and paying attention to what people say as much as how they look. Take your time before moving forward. If they are real they will understand and always be safe.

As an option for search.. sure. But more important to me is to meet someone who is clean and enthusiastic.

Important o know they masseuse has some skills.

I think it should be a searchable option. Good for those that desire it, not cumbersome to those who don't care.

I am looking forward to a wonderful experience. Giving and receiving massages are what I am looking for.

only if some one is looking for a expenceried provider than only they look

As a massage lover but without qualifications, I hope the site can retain that aspect of exchange.

You would lose most members

Why is this a question? This is a site for anyone interested in trading massage. Experienced or not.

Credentials should remain optional; they provide added validity to those who choose to show them about themselves and reassurance to searchers who need to see them. Making them mandatory would unnecessarily complicate the site.

If you require credentials you would probably lose most your members.

Most any massage feels good to me.

A few emails with questions back-n-forth is adequate for me.

Just not important. Gotta give everyone a chance

Many of us have informal training in massage and other such modalities. I don't believe credentials are important but honesty absolutely is.

Paper is patient and means nothing to me.

Massage swops shouldn't need credentials which could so easily be false if they were mandatory.

I prefer to meet

I would probably wish to meet with a prospective new massage partner first say casually over a coffee at a local café in order to gain some confidence in that person first. I wouldn't want to exclude someone, for lack of professional massage experience, as ideally its an opportunity for each party to learn and enjoy the experience.

Being a licensed and certified therapist in 3 states I don't see a need for credentials from professional therapists, I can tell just by asking a few questions. Plus receive only members you can't expect to have credentials. almost any kind of massage still feels good if your just looking for relaxation, any licensed therapist knows that human touch is medicine for mind, body and soul.

I love a massage...I expect some knowledge at least so as to have benefit from the massage! I am qualified and give a professional service x

If I'm looking for a therapeutic / remedial massage I prefer a qualified masseur. If I'm looking for a sensual massage qualifications are not essential.

It's good to have credentials I might look into it. But right now it's ok not to have one. I am just tired of paying all the time and the same rouitine over and over boreing. I had some good ones from my friends that was better then a pro.

There are some people who only want to exchange simple massages without having formal education. I want to exchange with these too. Formal training is nice and fine but I would not want to exclude some.

Be safe clean discreet and who you say you are

I prefer to take people on face value.

A lot of people here don't have formal training. If you blocked them out then there would be too few people.

If two people are giving each other a free massage, then credentials shouldn't matter. If someone was charging me a lot of money, then I'd probably want credentials...

Credentials are not important to me just the pleasure and love of massage.

No Credentials needed As long as we talk about what you like and don't like what you expect from the massage. The massage experience should be enjoyable leaving you relaxed and satisfied .

No as long as someone listens to what the person likes then massage given and received will be of benefit

Credentials are not so important when I am at home but when I travel it would be a great tool for finding the right person for massage. A table is an essential part of the massage.

Interest in providing a beneficial service is paramount

Although like many who are therapist we need to practice however this is unfair as massage and spiritual healing and the giving and receiving a sense of well being is a gift and above all an art which in many cultures including myself been passed down from generation as part of a way life thousands of years old ... credentials from a class dosent even come close and is not important to me this art form is for everybody .. is my belief

This is primarily a non-professional site...

good

Only requirement is a passion to give and recieve massage

None of the above. Credentials are not important to me

It's hard enough if at all possible to meet someone currently. Furthermore who has credentials in the sensual massage?

MassageExchange Comment

There are numerous schools with such an offering. BodyElectric is the most well known.

Often times the best massages come from those with no Credentials. Intuition is a great credential and teacher.

none of the above credentials aren't.important to me.

As long as I can give some stress and tension relief to others, I don't feel that any special credentials should ever be required !  That'S like asking to be taxed more.  It makes absolutely no sense to me. We all need to help one another in these times, pay it forward, one good deed at a time..

Credentials are not essential,more massages the better you get at giving and receiving .

None of the above. Credentials are not important to me

Credentials don't mean anything to me. Not that I think they don't have value. Just I don't know what.

none of the above

Be nice to use it as a search field. Obviously can't be required since most of us don't have any. And some people probably prefer to keep their anonymity, and wouldn't want to display them anyway. I'd rather know that they're credentialed and don't want to show it than not know that they are credentialed because they don't want to show it.

Intuition carries much more weight than credentials in my opinion.

Skill

I think they will make people lie more.

Innate skills are more necessary than a diploma.

Provided there is aptitude and honesty about one's true skills

If I need a professional massage I book an appointment to a RMT. Here I would like to share with another amateur that likes to share.

They don't mean much

It's massage exchange between two consenting adults,so the credentials should not be necessary

Credentialed people are available in the yellow pages.

I look for a therapeutic relaxing massage. A licensed therapist would not object to credentials being requested. It's a matter of ethics to me. Since I want a professional massage, I won't trade with someone who is not a licensed massage therapist. Evidently some people say they are an LMT/CMT when in actuality they are not.

CMT/LMT already are identified in a profile. No additional credential is necessary for those people who wish to only exchange with CMT/LMT. Adding an ID verification such as a government-issued ID requirement is not going to be popular with members and may result in many who are being discreet and DL abandoning ME.

As long as you are good

Credentials are fine and dandy as far as knowing someone is who they say they are, and I don't mind providing mine if necessary; after all, my face is on my page for comparison. As far as someone's credentials as a therapist, I'm not concerned. If you say you're a licensed therapist then you should be able to provide proof of such, although that can be faked. What can't be faked is actual skill, which is what matters to me. So, if you claim to be an LMT, then prove it, and if you're not, don't sweat it - I'll just be happy if you provide a good massage.

In some cases, techniques and styles are learned from Practitioners one is fortunate to meet, if one travels widely, ancient therapeutic arts are gleaned from wise people who learned from tradition not from textbooks or school. Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia and India provided centuries of skills, for which there are no "diplomas", only knowledge.....

It's  massage exchange between  two consenting adults,so the credentials should not be necessary

People should be honest in their profile. Too many profiles show a person able to provide every modality, then indicates the person has never been to massage school. Really? Big red flag, and no exchange from me.

Credentials add information about formal training. They are not an indication of a member being any good or even nice. Reviews are far more useful, nuanced and personal.

There is no replacement for proper training.  Adequate hands-on, as well as extensive classroom education is equally important when practicing massage.

I am licensed, and only care to exchange with other licensed therapists. Adding either option suggested would help. So far I've had one email exchange (no actual exchange), and the email content offended me; I would not expect that from a LMT, so an option to avoid this would be appreciated.

I have credentials that are no longer recognised by governing body. I refuse to pay to keep offering free services. If someone wants to play it very safe then maybe you should ask, are you covered by insurances and to what level. In Australia it is $20 Million AUD cover.. Cost is very high to get this level of cover.

I like the wide range of talent in this group. Credentials get in the way of people who are just starting out.

This option should be left to the individual.

Personality and attitude are more important than credentials

The primary objective of this website is to facilitate mutual and voluntary exchange between two adult individuals who have interests or passion in massage. Whilst some members have formal training credentials, these are in addition to their interest to exchange or give massage. These credentials may possibly contribute to the quality or technique of the massage but is not a prerequisite given that the massages offered via this website are not remedial in nature or meant to assist with any medical conditions.

Credentials do not always relate to the best experience. Having a credential permits the member to make a personal choice.

No credentials needed, this is a free exchange and there are plenty of talented people with great massage skills that are not pursuing massage as a career.

I think it's pretty easy to find people with credentials in the phone book etc
Most people are happy to receive a massage from some who has no accredited training. I would also be happy to pay someone as long as it was a good experience and have payed so called experts for massages that weren't so good :(

Many people learn as much from experience as from training. The bulk of trading is experience.

Sometimes I want someone that knows what they are doing and other times, I don't. If I am looking for "Receive Only", I could see wanting to find a real therapist. But when I am looking for something fun, or sensual, who cares about credentials?! Plus, most people with credentials won't provide a sensual massage anyways.

Yer why not sort out the players quick smart

Add those fields to help those who want that distinction.. however I'm after relaxed sensual massage or relaxation massage, both with high self-responsibility and communication levels.

people are important not credentials

Credentials are unnecessary. Compatibility and compliance with preferences with the skill to satisfy are more important.
I have received lousy massages from credentialed and great massages from uncredentialed.
Give me a person who wants to satisfy, is patient, and has basic skills every time and I will be happy.

Since this isn't a paid gig, only a mutually beneficial exchange.. credentials are optional!

Some of the best massages I've ever had were from people without credentials.

I don't think credentials should be required,
I am a qualified therapist, but this is a free exchange site.
There are many excellent enthusiasts on here.
If you really want to improve the site, you need to weed out the time wasters and fake profiles, of which there are many.

Having the option of connecting with someone with a (verified) credential may be necessary if the person wants serious work done. I know there are those non-credentialed that have great hands and such that may give a great massage in general. Having options is a win-win situation, take it or leave it.

I have had a massage from a fellow who was very good and had no certificate. I wouldn't want to exclude him or others like him.

I agree with OpulentSin, I can produce any certificate or accreditation with my home computer. This is taking this site away from what it is originally set up for. To connect like minded people who wish to share their life learnt experience, no certificate required, and share with others. This 'exchange' allows us all to learn new or different styles, which we can use next massage. A true massage exchange, experience handed on, a satisfying exchange between two beings who wish to share.

Credentials from some fine international schools are not available or compatible with the United States regulations. And many schools have closed making getting those credentials nearly impossible. Making them mandatory has no value for anyone.

I think a desire to work with people and the compassion surpass any credentials in value. Let the individual ask for credentials if they want.

If a person wants to deal specifically with credentialed people only then I suppose such a requirement would be appropriate, but it seems to fly in the face of what this site is all about. Uncredentialed people meet and exchange to gain knowledge and experience, knowing from the start that they are getting a non professional. If credentials are that important maybe paying a professional is the thing for you.

I think credentials should be mandatory. I get lots of people asking for my photo, then not supplying one themselves. Furthermore, it a waste of my time sending a photo to the requester who then decides he doesn't like me. If the photo was mandatory, it would cut out the time wasting.

For these learning credentials should be optional

Good energy

If Creds were required then I would not be here and I would have never exchanged with any of the people on here.

People should just say in their profile comments, as many do, what experience they have.

So long as you know what you're getting, then there is no need for mandatory formal credentials

A business card or certificate as a credential, really. I could print either stating I'm a space flight operator who flies ppl to the moon--doesn't make it true. I don't think ppl should have to upload their DL or passport/other government docs for everyone to see. A behind the scenes verification would be nice, but there'd still be weirdos and creeps out there.

don't bother about cedentialls

I've visited too many that were CMT and didn't put effort like that certificate justifies their pay, not their work/skill... (never forget the time the lady was on her phone the whole appt.)

lets don't mess this up

What is important here is connecting with others who appreciate touch.

I've had better massages from enthusiastic 'amateurs' than some so-called 'professionals'. Credentials mean nothing. It's the intent and skill of the giver that's the key to a great exchange. If anything, it's reviews which are important as they're given from first-hand experience of the person.

Let's not over sophisticate it...It's nice to have it as a search option, but the whole idea is to draw amateurs in -so let's respect people and not make them feel second rate.

Credentials should be optional. I don't find them important in my search. If they aren't who they say they are when I meet them, then I wouldn't go through with the exchange. I've been exchanging on this website for years and never had a problem.

I've always had good luck with the exchanges I've experienced over several years by not looking at credentials. I also realize the times we live in today so maybe I should get my own credentials uploaded and also pay more attention to whether someone has uploaded credentials or not. Adding "Has Credentials" to search and/or block emails is important for others so adding that would be a great feature.

What's important is the service. Not a piece of paper

Personally, I'd choose "none of the above" (#4). But if others want to use credentials, that's fine and they should be made easier to use and more useful (#2 and #3). If you make them mandatory, though, I'll cancel my membership.

If you want to know credentials you can always ask for them