behavior. Practitioners will respect the client’s autonomy;
whether consensual or otherwise, from the beginning of the client/therapist relationship and for a minimum of six (6) months after the termination of the client therapist relationship, unless an ongoing current sexual relationship existed prior to the date the therapeutic relationship began; XV. Avoid any interest, activity or influence which might be in conflict with the practitioner’s obligation to act in the best interests of the client or the profession; XVI. Respect the client’s boundaries with regard to privacy, disclosure, exposure, emotional expression, beliefs and the client’s reasonable expectations of professional 1. I will represent my qualifications honestly including education, certifications and professional affiliations and accurately inform clients, health care professionals and the public of the scope and limitations of my discipline. I will provide only those services I am qualified to perform. 2. I will provide treatment only where there is a reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client and will acknowledge the limitations of and contradictions for massage therapy and refer clients to appropriate health care professionals when indicated. 3. I will not discriminate against clients and/or healthcare professionals. 4. I will abide by the Federal guidelines of the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA). I will safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, or absolutely necessary for the protection of the public. 5. I will respect the client’s right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment at will regardless of prior consent given. 6. I will exercise my right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause.
XVII.Refuse any gifts or benefits that are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment, or that are purely for personal gain and not for the good of the client; and XVIII. Follow the NCBTMB Standards of Practice, this Code
of Ethics, and all policies, procedures, guidelines, regulations, codes, and requirements promulgated by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Inc. Revised: September 15, 2017 NAMT—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSAGE THERAPY CODE OF ETHICS (NAMT, 2023)
7. I will respect the client’s autonomy by providing draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client. 8. I will not, in any circumstance, initiate or engage in sexual conduct, activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a client, even if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship. 9. I will refuse any gifts or benefits that are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment or those that are purely for personal gain and I will avoid any interest, activity or influence which may conflict with my obligation as a massage therapist to act in the best interest of my client or the profession. 10. I will refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any illegal substances, with the exception of a prescribed dosage of prescription medication which does not impair my ability to practice safely. 11. I will refrain from using NAMT membership, including the NAMT name, logo or other intellectual property, or the member’s position, in any way that is unauthorized, improper or misleading. 12. I will refrain from engaging in any activity which would violate confidentiality commitments and/or proprietary rights of NAMT or any other person or organization.
PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES BETWEEN THERAPIST AND CLIENT
onset on one’s career before events are in motion to propel the professional toward that yellow light of caution. In order to clearly communicate boundaries, the massage therapist must evaluate the client’s emotional and physical state, then create simple, clear policies for standards of conduct during the massage session. This is the best way to dispel any misconceptions the client may have as to what will occur in the sessions (Burman, n.d.). Another advantage of setting clear boundaries is to create a level of trust with a client, particularly if, in the initial client evaluation, he or she appears be apprehensive with the idea of bodywork. The massage therapist does not want to move too quickly beyond the client’s comfort level, which could cause the client to shield himself or herself and consequently disengage and block the good work a therapist could do. It is more effective to set the clear boundaries at the beginning of the therapist- client relationship rather than having to back-pedal from questionable behavior to then attempt boundary-setting (Burman, n.d.). There is potential for growth and progress in the therapist-client relationship if it begins in a healthy place of respect, trust, and honesty. With the high volume of unhealthy, untrustworthy relationship, the client may have a transformative experience when exposed to a nurturing experience of healthy boundaries.
Boundaries are about having a respectful professional relationship and the wisdom to recognize when the therapist and client relationship is on the edge of that boundary. Clients may come to a massage session with preconceived notions of what is appropriate for the therapist-client relationship. The consultation session and the first session will most likely set the tone for appropriate and healthy boundaries. It is the responsibility of the therapist to conduct himself or herself in a way that is without doubt professional, respectful, and having the best interest of the client (Burman, n.d.). Professional boundaries set limits in order to clearly define a safe, profitable therapeutic environment between the professional and a client. The professional has industry codes of ethics and conduct to follow; however, he or she must use clinical judgment when determining therapeutic boundaries. Boundaries will differ depending on persons and situations and will change over time. Every professional must understand that a boundary is a dynamic line which has consequences when crossed, to the point of unprofessional behavior and/or misuse of power (CSHBC, 2011). Boundaries are preventive tools to guard against inappropriate dual relationships. Boundaries do not happen automatically without thought or intent. Boundaries, just like ethics, must be chosen and set early in one’s life and at the
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