Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
clear choice as to whether or not they wear any clothing during the session. Often, trust must be developed over several sessions before your clients feel safe enough to completely disrobe. Don't judge their decision. Survivors Of Abuse Survivors of sexual, physical, and/ or emotional abuse may be more sensitive to physical contact and will have an even greater need for trust, respect, safety, and comfort than other clients. Conversation or sexual histories or suggesting they discuss their background is unethical. Sometimes clients will volunteer information about past abuse. Such revelations are not uncommon as clients relax during a session and let go of various psychological barriers. This can be disconcerting for the practitioner who is suddenly confronted with a client's vivid recollections and accompanying emotional response. In such instances, massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy Survivors Of Abuse Survivors of abuse are undoubtedly working through issues, whether you know it or not. When you find yourself faced with clients in emotional distress or in obvious need of help, refer them to the appropriate agencies. • ational Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, www.ndvh.org. N • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 800-656-4673, www.rainn.org. must always be sensitive and nonintimidating. Clients must feel free to let you know right away if they are uncomfortable with any part of the session. Any touch perceived by the client as uncomfortable or threatening must cease immediately. It's very likely some of your clients will be survivors of abuse. It's also very likely many clients will not share this information with you. For obvious reasons, this is a topic many people don't wish to discuss. Also, many people don't consciously recall instances of sexual or physical abuse. Regardless of what you may suspect, prying into clients' emotional practitioners must remember they are not licensed psychotherapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists and are not equipped with the necessary knowledge, training, or skills to treat such clients. There is no place for ego in these matters. Just as you would refer a client with a medical condition to a doctor, you must be prepared in a psychologically charged situation to recognize your limitations and refer the client to a qualified professional for treatment. As a practitioner, being supportive and nonjudgmental when faced with a client's strong emotional response may help ensure the client's safety and stability until qualified help is obtained. Practitioners must also protect clients' rights to privacy and confidentiality. The only exceptions would be if the life of the client or someone else was in danger or if a client disclosed that he or she was sexually or physically abusing a child. By law, child abuse must be reported to the appropriate authorities. Relationship boundaries The relationship and boundaries between practitioner and client must be clearly communicated and understood. Touch therapy practitioners have a responsibility to maintain the highest level of ethical conduct. Firm boundaries of appropriate behavior must be maintained, even if a client is being provocative. Flirting and/or sexual contact of any kind is highly unethical and prohibited by the ethics and bylaws of all professional touch therapy associations. Inappropriate terminology when speaking about body parts is never to be used by the practitioner or tolerated from a client, nor is any type of sexual innuendo. If a sexual relationship between a practitioner and a client is desired, the professional relationship must be terminated. Establishing a practice with high standards of conduct and ensuring a safe and comforting environment for your clients will give them a sense of security and keep your professionalism and your profession above reproach. SPH