I have been doing some investigating into various code of ethics statements from various associations and find them very interesting to read:
- ABMP Code of Ethics
- AMTA Code of Ethics
- NCBTMB Code of Ethics
- The Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners
- The American Medical Massage Association
- Therapeutic Massage Association of New Zealand
When you join an association you are agreeing to abide by their code of ethics.
A code of ethics created by an association can hardly be enforced and much is left to interpretation.
Ethics is the framework for building a successful massage practice. It is about creating policies and rules that you abide by so the client knows what you are doing and where you are at. It provides boundaries- a safe container for you to build and grow your massage practice to any level you want. The more committed you are to your code of ethics, the stronger your business will be.
For the most part all of the resources for learning about ethics and even enforcing code of ethics by various associations are focused on the textbook meaning of ethics. But ethics is so much more than that. Ethics is really the core to every relationship.
Living ethics is a different thing from understanding or agreeing to a code of ethics. Living ethics requires a forum for discussing and sharing your views so that you can create a solid boundary for yourself and your practice.
The way to do this is by starting or joining a peer supervision group. I believe that peer supervision should be required of every massage therapist and be a required part of every massage related association and even licensing.
Recently here in WA State a law was created that actually makes it illegal to date a client but there is no forum for helping massage therapist to understand why this is necessary or how to deal with the feelings that do come up in a therapeutic relationship that may include a romantic interest in someone.
I offer consultations by phone or in person on how to start, set up and run your own peer supervision group. I also am available to facilitate your groups via phone or in person (locally here in the Seattle area.)
To find out more about my services and start your own peer supervision group please contact me or you can also start participating in the free Yahoo! Group of mine where I do challenge people in a discussion format to start thinking differently about what they are saying and doing.
Peer Supervision Defined and Explained
Peer Supervision Consultations and Group Facilitation
Ethics from www.thebodyworker.com -learn about ethics and how to create your own code to practice massage and live by.
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