Image: Cottonbro studio via Pexels.com, used with permission / A female receives massage treatment in this stock photo. According to a disciplinary notice dated July 13, the College of Massage Therapists of BC has ordered William Hendricks, a registered massage therapist in Chilliwack, not to treat any more female patients following a submitted complaint in June 2023 that he engaged in non-therapeutic touching of a female patient's sensitive areas.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack registered massage therapist

BC regulatory body prohibits Chilliwack massage therapist from treating female clients

Jul 24, 2023 | 6:49 AM

CHILLIWACK — A registered massage therapist in Chilliwack has been ordered not to treat female patients following a disciplinary ruling from a regulatory body in British Columbia.

According to a disciplinary notice dated July 13, the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) has ordered William Hendricks, a registered massage therapist in Chilliwack, not to treat any more female patients following a complaint in June 2023 that he engaged in non-therapeutic touching of a female patient’s sensitive areas.

In relation to this complaint, an inquiry committee panel from CMTBC determined that there was a prima facie case of allegations that, during a massage therapy session, Hendricks engaged in “sexual misconduct” by touching a patient’s sensitive areas.

The panel considered the allegations serious and found that there was a risk of recurrence if an interim order was not issued. As a result, the panel determined that the public needed to be protected by an interim order during the investigation and pending any discipline hearing.

In its disciplinary ruling, the CMTBC says the panel contemplated what interim measures would be sufficient and proportionate in this case, and weighed the different options and circumstances of this case and considered the impact on the registrant himself.

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Hendricks appears to have a massage therapy practice located Freshwater Drive, just south of Keith Wilson Road. Hendricks’ website is still valid and accepting appointments. A notice dated July 13 indicates he is no longer accepting female clients.

His website says, “At Vedder River Massage Therapy, William Hendricks, RMT, will work with you to build a customized treatment plan to suit your needs. A holistic approach is used for injury rehabilitation, stress management, and overall maintenance. Various modalities including fascial techniques, deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, and personalized home care instructions are used to help with recovery.”

Hendricks isn’t the only Chilliwack massage therapist who faced allegations of misconduct. Earlier this year, a former registered massage therapist was charged with two counts of sexual assault from offences that allegedly occurred at his business in Chilliwack.

In a news release from RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk in March 2023, Mounties said 58-year-old Darcy Ferrier was charged with two counts of sexual assault in relation to offences that are alleged to have occurred while he was employed as an RMT at his Chilliwack business, Dawning Relief.

Ferrier is no longer operating as an RMT, Sgt. Vrolyk indicated.

His business, Dawning Relief, apparently operated at 11-46058 Bridle Ridge Crescent in Promontory previously.

“The Chilliwack RCMP Serious Crime Unit is concerned that there may be other victims or witnesses who have not yet reported to police,” said Constable Tobi Araki of the Chilliwack RCMP. “We encourage anyone who may have information or any potential victims or witnesses to contact police.”

Mike.VandenBosch@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @MikeFVToday