Therapists in Ireland Face Harassment from Men Seeking ‘Happy Endings’

UPDATE: Therapists across Ireland are facing an alarming surge in harassment from men seeking so-called “happy endings.” Marie Byrne, owner of Glosna House in Wolfhill, Co Laois, has publicly condemned this behavior as “harassment,” “misogyny,” and “utterly unacceptable.”

In a shocking revelation, Byrne reported receiving seven inappropriate messages in just one day from men requesting sexual services. One message explicitly asked, “Can I ask is this purely massage only, or is there happy endings too? Apologies, I don’t mean to be rude.” This disturbing trend has prompted Byrne to take action, including passing the contact details of offenders to the Gardaí.

Byrne appeared on Midlands 103 radio to demand an end to these unsolicited requests. “We provide the largest range of support services under one roof in Ireland. There is nothing remotely sexual offered here,” she stated firmly. The holistic center offers various services, including psychotherapy, trauma counseling, and holistic treatments like massages.

The issue extends beyond Glosna House, as Byrne emphasized that female therapists across the nation are receiving a barrage of “inappropriate, scary, vile messages” asking for sexual services. “Therapists work alone in a room with a client, making them vulnerable,” Byrne added. “Women are propositioned in treatment rooms, and this has to stop; it is 2025. Why are women being treated like this?”

Byrne’s frustration reached a tipping point after receiving a particularly vile message, prompting her to take to social media. In a Facebook post, she declared, “This is harassment, this is misogyny, this is utterly unacceptable. Women working as professional therapists should not have to put up with this degrading, sexist nonsense.”

Furthermore, many therapists have reported altering their services to avoid harassment. Some have removed “massage” from their offerings or only accept female clients. Others are resorting to having their husbands answer phone calls to shield themselves from unwanted advances.

Byrne’s call for action resonates with many, as she urges men to stop sending these messages. “To the men who send these messages: don’t. You are not welcome at Glosna. There is zero tolerance for harassment,” she asserted. She also warned those trying to hide behind anonymous numbers, stating, “In 2025, tracing digital harassment is easier than you think. You are not invisible. I see you.”

This situation highlights a critical issue affecting the mental health and well-being of therapists in Ireland as they strive to provide essential services in a safe and respectful environment. As the conversation continues, it remains crucial to support professionals in the healing industry and advocate for an end to this unacceptable behavior.