Ethics for Massage Therapists

ETHICS: DEFINITION AND EXPECTATIONS
Definitions
What Is A Code of Ethics
Ethical Codes in the Massage Profession
Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Morals, Values, and Standards
Defining the Difference between Laws and Codes
What Massage Professionals Expect
Who Administrates Ethical Conduct?

PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF ETHICS
What the Public Expects
Why Some of the Public Has a Dim View of the Massage Profession
Therapist Responsibility in Educating the Public

MORAL DEVELOPMENT
How Your Morals Developed
How to Identify What Your Morals Are
Changes or Shifts That Need to Be Made for Client Safety or Perception
Public Perception and a Successful Practice

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Definition
Why They Are Needed
How Will They Protect the Therapist
How They Will Protect the Clients
Exercises to Write Quality Policies and Procedures

THE EMOTION OF ETHICS
Why Are Emotions So Attached to Ethics
Understanding Why There Are So Many Schools of Thought about Ethics
Finding Your Safe and Successful Place in the Profession
Revealing Your Own Personal Emotions and Attitudes About Massage

CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Frequent Conflicts That Can Arise
Why Conflict Presents Itself
Ways to Prevent Conflict
Steps to Resolving Conflict
Good Solutions

BOUNDARIES: DRAWING THE LINE
Defining Your Personal and Professional Boundaries
Why Your Boundaries May Be Questioned
Therapist Reaction When Boundaries Are Crossed
Successful and Safe Care of Clients and Therapists
Keeping Your Foundations Strong

CLIENT AND THERAPIST BEHAVIOR
Power Dynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
Appropriate and Inappropriate Behavior
Transference and Countertransference
Dual Relationships in the Profession
Dual Relationships with Family and Friends
Sexuality and Touch
Sexuality and Attractions
How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior and Touch

DISCLOSURE: CLIENT AND THERAPIST
Defining Disclosure
Third Party Disclosure
Client Disclosure
Non-Disclosure
Disclosure of Modalities and Treatment
Disclosure of Credentials
Disclosure of Health
Disclosing Personal Information

ETHICS OF WORKING WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS
The Importance of Knowing What Other Professionals Do
Professional Relationships with Other Health Care Providers
How to Respond If Conflict Occurs
Preventing Conflicts with Good Plans and Understanding

BUSINESS ETHICS
Definitions
Business Policies and Procedures
Office Policies
Working with Other Health Care Providers
Working with Your Staff or Others in Your Office
Money Issues
Legal Issues
How to Prevent Conflict
Avenues to Handle Conflict If It Happens

ROLE MODELS
Interviews with Experienced Therapists
Key Questions and Answers
How They Handle Conflict
What Areas Still Need Definition in the Massage Community
Best Kept Secret for Success

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE MATERIAL
Codes, Rules, and Regulations
Code of Ethics from Associations/Groups

APPENDIX B: SAMPLE FORMS
Consent Forms
Intake Forms
Office Policy Forms

Glossary: Terms and Definitions