Massage Ethics are really what building a massage business or being a massage therapist is really all about. To have a successful and rewarding (both financially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) studying ethics and learning more about yourself and your values can help you in doing just that.
Many professional associations have a so called “Code of Ethics” which members are supposed to abide by. The thing is that they are so general in nature that they can be widely interpreted. Here are some sample code of ethics statements of professional associations:
The AMTA Code of Ethics:
This Code of Ethics is a summary statement of the standards by which massage therapists agree to conduct their practices and is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical, professional behavior.
Massage therapists shall:
Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality massage therapy/bodywork to those who seek their professional service.
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.
Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice, the law of the land, and project a professional image.
Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients.
Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of self, clients, and associates.
The ABMP Code of Ethics is a little longer.
Client Relationships
- I shall endeavor to serve the best interests of my clients at all times and to provide the highest quality service possible.
- I shall maintain clear and honest communications with my clients and shall keep client communications confidential.
- I shall acknowledge the limitations of my skills and, when necessary, refer clients to the appropriate qualified health care professional.
- I shall in no way instigate or tolerate any kind of sexual advance while acting in the capacity of a massage, bodywork, somatic therapy or esthetic practitioner.
Professionalism
- I shall maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, providing services in an ethical and professional manner in relation to my clientele, business associates, health care professionals, and the general public.
- I shall respect the rights of all ethical practitioners and will cooperate with all health care professionals in a friendly and professional manner.
- I shall refrain from the use of any mind-altering drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants prior to or during professional sessions.
- I shall always dress in a professional manner, proper dress being defined as attire suitable and consistent with accepted business and professional practice.
- I shall not be affiliated with or employed by any business that utilizes any form of sexual suggestiveness or explicit sexuality in its advertising or promotion of services, or in the actual practice of its services.
Scope of Practice / Appropriate Techniques
- I shall provide services within the scope of the ABMP definition of massage, bodywork, somatic therapies and skin care, and the limits of my training. I will not employ those massage, bodywork or skin care techniques for which I have not had adequate training and shall represent my education, training, qualifications and abilities honestly.
- I shall be conscious of the intent of the services that I am providing and shall be aware of and practice good judgment regarding the application of massage, bodywork or somatic techniques utilized.
- I shall not perform manipulations or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, diagnose, prescribe or provide any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, psychotherapy, acupuncture, dermatology, cosmetology, or any other profession or branch of medicine unless specifically licensed to do so.
- I shall be thoroughly educated and understand the physiological effects of the specific massage, bodywork, somatic or skin care techniques utilized in order to determine whether such application is contraindicated and/or to determine the most beneficial techniques to apply to a given individual. I shall not apply massage, bodywork, somatic or skin care techniques in those cases where they may be contraindicated without a written referral from the client’s primary care provider.
Image / Advertising Claims
- I shall strive to project a professional image for myself, my business or place of employment, and the profession in general.
- I shall actively participate in educating the public regarding the actual benefits of massage, bodywork, somatic therapies and skin care.
- I shall practice honesty in advertising, promote my services ethically and in good taste, and practice and/or advertise only those techniques for which I have received adequate training and/or certification. I shall not make false claims regarding the potential benefits of the techniques rendered.
The basics of ethics is uncovering your own beliefs and values and understanding what motivates your actions and thoughts. In doing so you can create a massage business or find your ideal massage job that is a clear reflection of you and your values. It is an ongoing process because most of our values are ‘inherited’ from our early upbringing and not really chosen by us. They are taught to us by our parents and in school.
Massage clients also come to a massage therapist seeking help. The dynamics of the helping relationship recreate the dynamics of the parent/child relationship. It is important to be clear about what is what to become an effective massage therapist. Situations will arise on a daily basis as a massage therapist that will constantly challenge your values and your core beliefs about yourself. To help you unravel the underlying needs and perceptions participating in peer supervision groups or individual supervision classes can help you to do that.
Since we need to take ethics to meet continuing education requirements and to build successful careers finding the best massage ethics classes isn’t always so easy. There are a handful of online classes that you can read some material and take a test. While this fulfills the requirements for continuing ed having a live interactive class or participating in supervision will help you in creating your own code of ethics and help you in learning to live by your values and create meaningful therapeutic relationships with you clients. It is the therapeutic relationship that will help you build your career.
I have started an small directory of the online massage ethics classes where you can post your class and also write a review on the class and rate it. There is also some more information on massage ethics that I have started and will be adding too on my www.massage-career-guides.com website. I also have some earlier writings on ethics in the massage profession on this site and in my blog posts on ethics for massage therapists.
Online Ethics Classes
The 2-Hour Ethics Course: Professional Roles and Boundaries
The 6-Hour Ethics Course: Ethics from the Dalai Lama
The 4-Hour Ethics Course: Legal and Ethical Issues
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