Therapists in Ireland Combat Harassment Over ‘Happy Endings’

Therapists across Ireland are facing a troubling trend of harassment from men seeking inappropriate services, often referred to as “happy endings.” Marie Byrne, the owner of Glosna House in Wolfhill, Co Laois, highlighted this issue as a significant problem affecting professionals in the industry. She reported that her business has received numerous inquiries from men who mistakenly believe that sexual services are offered alongside legitimate therapeutic treatments.

Byrne stated that she received seven messages in a single day from individuals asking about the availability of such services. One particular message inquired, “Can I ask is this purely massage only, or is there happy endings too? Apologies, I don’t mean to be rude.” In response, she has taken a firm stance against this harassment, describing it as “misogyny” and “utterly unacceptable.”

Calls for Action Against Misogyny

Speaking on the radio station Midlands 103, Byrne demanded an end to these inappropriate calls. She emphasized that Glosna House provides a comprehensive range of support services, including psychotherapy, maternity services, couple’s therapy, and trauma counselling, as well as holistic treatments such as massages. According to her, the influx of inappropriate requests often stems from the nature of the services offered.

“Women therapists are regularly receiving messages and calls that are inappropriate, scary, and vile. This is not just a local issue; it is systemic across the country,” she said. Byrne explained that many therapists have resorted to removing the word “massage” from their service lists or only accepting female clients to avoid unwanted attention. Some even have their husbands answer phone calls to protect themselves from harassment.

Byrne’s frustration peaked after receiving a particularly offensive message, prompting her to address the situation publicly. “I have a zero tolerance policy towards this behavior. As a woman who has been in business my entire life, I have experienced misogyny in many forms, and we will not tolerate it,” she asserted.

Addressing the Problem Head-On

In her Facebook post, Byrne made it clear that the unsolicited messages are a form of harassment. “Several times every week, men message us asking if we include sexual services in these offerings. Let me be absolutely clear: this is harassment, this is misogyny, this is utterly unacceptable,” she stated.

She stressed that the work done by therapists is rooted in care, healing, and respect, not in fulfilling anyone’s fantasies. Byrne warned potential offenders, stating, “For those who think they can hide behind burner phones, fake accounts, or anonymous numbers, don’t be so foolish. In 2025, tracing digital harassment is easier than you think. You are not invisible. I see you.”

Byrne’s efforts aim not only to protect her own business but also to shed light on a wider issue affecting women in therapeutic professions across Ireland. As the conversation continues, there is hope that by publicly addressing this harassment, others in similar positions will feel empowered to stand up against such behavior.