• Sexual activity : Any verbal and/or nonverbal behavior for the purpose of soliciting, receiving, or giving sexual gratification. • Sexual harassment : Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s employment; (2) submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individuals; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. • Scope of practice : The minimum standards necessary for safe and effective practice, and the parameters of practice determined by a certificant’s professional training and education, and, when applicable, regulatory bodies. • Therapeutic breast massage : Manipulation of the non- muscular soft tissue structure of the breast, up to and including the areola and nipple. • Transference : The displacement or transfer of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors originally related to a significant person, such as a parent, onto someone else, such as a massage therapist, doctor, psychotherapist, teacher, or spiritual advisor.
• Competency : Study and development of a particular professional knowledge base, and skills associated with and applied in practice within that knowledge base. • Counter-transference : A practitioner’s unresolved feelings and issues that are unconsciously transferred to the client. • Dignity : The quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed. • Dual relationships : An alliance in addition to the client/ therapist relationship, such as social, familial, business or any other relationship that is outside the therapeutic relationship. • Genitalia, female : Labia major, labia minor, clitoris, and vaginal orifice. • Genitalia, male : Testes, penis, and scrotum. • Impugn : To assail by words or arguments, oppose, or attack as false. • Integrity : Honesty. Firm adherence to a code of values. • Multidimensional relationships : Overlapping relationships, in which the therapist and client share an alliance in addition to the therapeutic relationship. • Progress notes : Notes written by a practitioner certified by NCBTMB, and kept in a separate client file that indicates the date of the session, areas of complaint as stated by client, and observations made and actions taken by the practitioner.
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
to ensure quality and integrity in the profession (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2014). This course is based on the standards of ethical behavior embodied in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Codes of Ethics. • Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues. • Demonstrate professional excellence through regular self-assessment of strengths, limitations, and effectiveness by continued education and training. • Acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client’s right to privacy within the constraints of the law. • Project a professional image and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. • Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of self, clients, and associates. The AMTA provides the following ethical rules to ensure that massage therapists/ practitioners shall (AMTA, 2021b): • Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. • Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients in the course of a massage therapy session.
Ethics refers to the principles of morally right or good conduct, specifically when two or more people are involved. Professional ethics in massage therapy is the application of guiding principles of right conduct to the study, practice, and business of massage therapy. Unlike personal morals, which are flexible and open to debate, professional ethical codes are formally defined, mandatory standards of conduct established by and for members of professional associations The AMTA Code of Ethics This code of ethics is a summary statement of the standards of conduct that define ethical behavior for the massage therapist. Adherence to the Code is a prerequisite for admission to and continued membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA, 2021b). Principles of ethics form the first part of the code of ethics. They are the model standards of exemplary professional conduct for all members of the association. These principles should not be regarded as limitations or restrictions, but as goals of which members should constantly strive to achieve. The second part of the code is Rules of Ethics. Rules of Ethics are mandatory, and direct specific, minimally acceptable professional conduct for all members of the association. These rules are enforceable for all association members, and any members who violate this Code shall be subject to disciplinary action (AMTA, 2021b). The AMTA provides the following ethical principles to ensure that massage therapists/practitioners shall (AMTA, 2021b): • Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality massage therapy to those who seek their professional service. The ABMP Code of Ethics The AMTA and ABMP organizations share similar fundamental principles, but it is important to review both to expand the professional knowledge of ethics. Members
of the ABMP pledge commitment to the highest principles of the massage and bodywork profession as outlined below (ABMP, 2016):
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