Comprehensive Massage Therapy Ethics & Practice Principles

Ethics

Guiding moral principles used to direct a massage therapist in proper course of action in ethical dilemmas.

Scope of practice

Performing treatments and techniques you are qualified to perform.

Boundaries

Limitations that can be set by the massage therapist and the client.

Permeable boundaries

Boundaries that allow conversation, information, and emotions to flow freely between the therapist and client.

Semi-permeable boundaries

Allow a therapist to be open or distant with the client depending on the situation.

Impermeable boundaries

Severely limit the exchange of information between the therapist and client.

Confidentiality

Keeping client information private and protected.

Open-ended question

A question used when asking for feedback from clients.

Closed-ended question

A question used when asking for a yes-or-no response only.

Active listening

Listening to what the client is saying, and actively interpreting the information being given.

Passive listening

Listening to a client without responding.

Body language

A form of unspoken communication in which a person communicates through conscious or subconscious gestures.

Empathy

When a person puts themselves in the shoes of another, viewing a situation from the other person's point of view.

Sympathy

When a person feels compassion or pity for the other person and the situation they are in.

Transference

When the client begins viewing the massage therapist similarly to a person in their own personal life.

Counter-transference

When a massage therapist develops an emotional attachment to a client.

Denial

A common defense mechanism, is a refusal to acknowledge a given situation, or acting as if something didn't happen.

Displacement

Satisfying an impulse by substitution.

Projection

Placing one's own internal feelings onto someone else.

Regression

Taking a step back psychologically when faced with stress.

Repression

Subconsciously blocking out unwanted emotions.

Therapeutic relationship

The relationship a massage therapist shares with a client, which includes a power differential.

Dual relationship

A relationship between two people that consists of a professional aspect and a personal aspect.

Ethical dilemma

Any situation a person finds themselves in which offers differing choices that conflict with a person's ethics.

Duties

Categorized on non-maleficence, or doing no harm, and beneficence, or acting in good faith.

Rights

Refer to the client having the ability to make informed consent and autonomy in making decisions that are in their best interest.

Sexual Misconduct

Any act that has a sexual undertone or overtone that is inappropriate in a professional setting.

Financial abuse

Changing the price of a service for one client based on the client's income being higher than average.

Gratuity

Something a therapist may choose to accept or not accept, usually left up to the client.

Barter

Trading one thing for another, with no money exchanging hands, considered taxable income.

Nepotism

Giving preferential treatment to a friend or family member in promotions or hiring over others who are equally qualified.

Kickback

When other businesses or professionals attempt to get a massage therapist to behave unethically to advance their own business.

Ethical marketing

Essential in gaining a good reputation, should refrain from misleading images or statements.

Tort

A wrongful act by one person responsible for an injury or harm to another, considered a civil wrong.

Intentional torts

Result from one party intentionally causing injury or harm to another.

Slander

Intentionally using false statements verbally to discredit or harm the reputation of a person.

Libel

Using false statements in written form to discredit or harm the reputation of a person.