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 ​The Balancingtouch Code of Conduct

Professionalism & Ethics for Balancingtouch Practitioners

Before commencing any course of study in the wonderful

world of Holistic, Natural and Touch Therapies, it is important

to consider the codes of professionalism and ethics.
Professionalism is something that is acquired during a period of

professional training, and is a quality which becomes more developed 

when graduates have the responsibility of their own clients.

There is no short cut to learning professionalism but

here are some guidelines to help:

Professionalism

1. When with a client, always give them your undivided attention.
   
2. Cultivate the art of putting out of your mind your own personal interests, or problems, during the treatment session and focus fully on your clients needs.
   
3.  Forget about the previous client, and concentrate on the present one, and stay in the present moment and connect with the client.  When we change an "I" to "We", even Illness become Wellness.
   
4. Always wear appropriate clothing and professional looking uniform or clothing that looks the part . The uniform does more than protect your own clothes, it projects a professional image. One should also don a name badge with your name and title.
   
5. Whether doing mobile therapy, or working from your own practice, always make a point of washing your hands before commencing treatment. Ensure that your client is aware that you have done so.
   
6. Never let a client direct the treatment, or the form it should take, because you are the person who has the training by a professional institute, and have the knowledge to decide what is best for your client. However, wherever possible try to take into account the client’s preferences and all of their concerns and educate your client into why you you will be performing the techniques they need.
   
7. Talk calmly and respectfully to the client but do not gossip.
   
8. You must guard against any emotional involvement. Never slack on procedures or become too familiar, this may complicate the client / therapist relationship. Give good, sound advice, help with the problem in any way you can, but do not become emotionally involved in it.
   
9. Keep a complete record card for each client. Complete the record card before you begin the first therapy session, and update the record card each time you treat the client.
   

Ethical Behavior

Balancingtouch Practitioners shall, at all times, conduct their professional lives with the propriety and dignity becoming to a servant of the public, and pledge that they will, at all times, place service before self gain.

Our Practitioners will, under no circumstances, infringe the code of morality, becoming to their profession and to commit no breach of conduct which will bring grief or embarrassment upon themselves, upon society or upon their fellow practitioners.
Practitioners shall confine their services to within recognised spheres of their profession, and shall not offer nor promise cures, for specific conditions. but will facilitate optimal healing within their clients.
No practitioner, who having been employed by a company, shall on leaving his/her employ attempt to persuade his former employers clients to become his client unless requested by the client by free will.
All practitioners incur an obligation to uphold the dignity of the profession and they shall, at all times, act honourably towards their clients, and fellow practitioners.
They shall at all times maintain professional confidentiality, and shall refrain from criticising the work of fellow practitioners. However, they should inform the client with respect and plausible explanation if the  fellow practitioner is working against ethical and professional standards and is not legally qualified or certified.
When a client is referred by a medical doctor, or other professional person the instructions given at the time of referral must be scrupulously carried out. Adjustments to the treatment must first be discussed with the referrer for the clients best interests.
A client should not be accepted for treatment if they are currently being treated by anyone else, giving the same treatment for the same or an associated condition without mutual agreement and respect.
When you accept a client you are obliged to give the best treatment of which you are capable, irrespective of race, religion or any other consideration.

Client Care

You should support your clients through:

• Communication
• A listening ear and empathy
  
• Patience and compassion
  
• Basic language and correct body language
  
• Thanking the client for allowing you into their personal space
  
• Recommending further treatments that are needed - no more and no less than the client may need
  

Firstly, listen to your client. Hear what they have to say and value it. Ask how they have been since their last treatment, and confirm the reason they came to you in the first place.
Be patient with your client, and never hurry a treatment. Ensure that you have allocated the correct time slot for the client and have informed them of the time you have booked for them.
Do not use a lot of medical or technical terms at first. Explain everything in simple language according to your client’s level of understanding and refer to their terminology and phrasing. You may introduce technical terms when you wish to educate and inform them after the treatment.
Finally, once a treatment has finished give advice on home care, stretches, nutrition or refer the client to a professional you trust and works ethically. Do not underestimate your clients means, if you professionally feel the need to book them for another treatment to help them achieve their goals, do so professionally with confidence and conviction and give them the opportunity to say yes. You will earn a great more respect, and the client will thank you for it.

Responsibilities of The Practitioner

The most important asset of a proficient practitioner is a genuine compassion for the suffering of humanity, and a desire to assist in relieving this suffering. A thorough knowledge of your chosen therapy / therapies, as well as the relevant anatomy and physiology, and an understanding of emotional attachments to illness, will increase your competence.

The practitioner must ensure that the skills they have been acquired are from a trustworthy institute.
A clean, hygienic work space, that feels inviting and tranquil is necessary to create the correct impression. 
Everything about a therapist should give the impression of professionalism.

Explaining Techniques

Your clients should fully understand the treatments they are to receive, so they are more comfortable with the procedures.
A little knowledge of the therapy will give the client confidence in your ability to help them. The receiver must be made to feel comfortable, and 'safe'.
Healing is also an art that requires intuitive skills.
The art of recognising the roots of a client's problem, and working with him or her to overcome this can be learned only through experience, practice, self knowledge, and constant attentiveness.

The Balancingtouch Commitment to our Students

As leaders and specialists in the field of massage training. We pledge to give our students the correct guidance and insightful support continually whenever they require it. We make a commitment to honour and respect each individual person who comes to us to engage in true, ethical and legitimate learning for self improvement, empowerment and to touch the lives of others in a positive way. We will guide, mentor and coach each person to reach his/her fullest potential and offer our assistance whenever needed to reach success and achieve their goals. This commitment has applied, does apply and will apply to all who have qualified with us, those who are currently with us and all future students. We commit to this for the upliftment of standards in our industry, for the growth of the natural and holistic health industry, and for the success of all individuals that are a part of this beautiful and rewarding industry.