Task 4 – The ethics of professional practice

Ethics are key to a good massage therapist, it is a contract between the practitioner and the client to provide a trusted service. There a many aspects of ethics in which the massage therapist should take into account throughout their profession.

Client-centered care.
client centered care is the overall consideration towards the client. This is when attitudes, decisions, and activities of the practice are in the best interests of the clients health and well-being. (Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson)

Boundaries.
Any discussion of ethical professional practices must include an understanding of boundaries, both personal and professional. Boundaries delineate personal comfort zones, the realm in which we operate with a sense of safety and control. (Mark f. Beck)
A boundary is a space within a perimeter that may be a physical, emotional or mental space. The emotional space is determined by past experiences, values and morals. The physical space is the actual physical limits of space that is needed by each person to feel safe and secure. Boundaries should be well communicated by verbal conversations or body language before the massage begins. (thebodyworker.com)

Informed Consent.
Informed consent is a clients written authorization of professional services based on adequate information from the massage therapist about the massage, including expectations, potential benefits, possible undesirable effects, and professional and ethical responsibility. (Mark f. Beck)
The contents of the document are discussed with the client during the interview so he or she has a chance to ask questions and receive answers before signing.

Scope of practice.
Scope of practice is the professions working parameters. it is often divided from the legal definition of massage and represents professional boundaries and limitations. Scope of practice defines what services that massage therapists can and cannot provide. (salvo 3rd ed)
An individuals scope of practice is directly related to the skills he or she has gained and the training he or she has received. (Mark f. Beck) The practitioner should not perform anything he or she has not been properly trained for.

Confidentiality.
Confidentiality is the safekeeping or nondisclosure of privileged information. the therapist must closely protect this information. a breach of confidentiality is both illegal and unethical. Confidentiality concerns each clients right to and guarantee of privacy and safety within the therapeutic relationship. Trust is a key element in establishing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship. (salvo 3rd ed)

Power differentials.
Practitioner/client relationships by their very nature exhibit a power differential. The client seeks the services of the practitioner due to his or hers knowledge, skill and authority. The practitioner is in a place of power to provide a service to further the well-being of the more vulnerable client. (Mark f. Beck) it is very important that the therapist dose not abuse the power difference, this would not be ethical and could cause an untrustworthy relationship.

Relationships.
The therapeutic relationship is a practitioner/client relationship that is client centered. Therapeutic relationships directly influence a clients mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to provide an environment that safe and secure. (Mark f. Beck) It is important the the practitioner keeps the relationship completely professional to maintain trust and respect of the client.

Transference and Counter-transference.
Transverse happens when a client personalizes, either negatively or positively, a therapeutic relationship by unconsciously projecting characteristics of someone from a former relationship onto a therapist. A client may attempt to become more personally involved with the practitioner by asking non related questions, bringing gifts, asking for extra time at the end of a session etc.
Counter-transverse happens when a therapist personalizes a therapeutic relationship by unconsciously projecting characteristics of someone from a former relationship onto a client. this is almost detrimental to a therapeutic relationship. Signs of counter-transverse include strong emotional feelings toward the client, thinking excessively about the client, spending extra time with the client.

By completely obeying a professional code of ethics we as massage therapists should have no problems in keeping a healthy professional relationship with future clients.


Reference:

Introduction to Massage Therapy
By Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson

Beck, M. F. (2006). Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage (4th ed.). New York, United States of America: Thomson The balanced body Delmar Learning.

Salvo, S. (2003) Massage therapy: principles and practice (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.