HUMANITY HEALING CODE OF ETHICS FOR
HEALERS
Purpose:
Humanity Healing believes that the following fundamental
professional principles hold true for all healers regardless of
modality practiced and should be upheld at all times:
That all healing modalities have at
their core the principle that all life is sacred and that it must
be nurtured on every level for the betterment of
humankind.
That all healers will honor other healing
paths and modalities, other spiritual inclinations and other
viewpoints as regards the healing professions as
sacred.
That they will at all times work with
respect, honesty, integrity, impartiality and confidentiality with
each client that comes under their care. Above all that they should
conduct themselves in a non-judgmental fashion as regards all
aspects of patient care.
All professional relationships shall be
of the highest ethical and moral order and be non-exploitative. All
healers must maintain appropriate boundaries for self and client
and must not enter into inappropriate relationships with clients or
take physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or financial
advantage.
The highest standards of practice must be
observed at all times.
Code of Practice:
Humanity Healing expects all healers, regardless of modality
practiced, to abide by the following ethical code:
1. That all practitioners should be adequately insured
(including public indemnity where necessary) to practice according
to the legal requirements in force in their respective
countries.
2. You must make it clear to clients that you practice
a supplementary or complementary therapy and that it is not a
replacement for treatment by a doctor or other licensed health care
professional.
3. You should where possible make available adequate
printed information for clients that outlines the boundaries of
your practice and provides basic information on its method of
application. You should also give details of client record keeping,
likely number of consultations needed and the fees that will be
charged.
4. You must make sure that your client has seen a
licensed medical practitioner or other health care professional for
the condition for which they are seeking your services. If they
have not done so you should encourage them to do so.
5. You must never claim to offer a ‘cure’ for any
condition.
6. You must not diagnose a condition or illness unless
legally entitled to do so under the applicable laws in the country
of practice.
7. If you are mixing modalities, you should make this
clear to the client at the outset.
8. You must not discuss any information either
imparted to you by the client or gathered by you during the course
of the treatment or session to any third party unless required to
do so by the law (eg. where the client had indicated feelings of a
suicidal nature).
9. If a client asks for advice on an operation or
medical procedure or other medical intervention, a healer must not
give opinion or advice in any manner. The patient must make their
own decisions in consultation with registered or licensed
healthcare professionals.
10. If physical contact is involved, this must be explained
and approved by the client prior to the session.
11. Healers should not tell the client to disrobe unless
they are also a legally licensed massage therapist in the country
in which they practice, or depending on the applicable laws in
force in the country of practice are required to do so under the
professional remit of their particular healing modality. If
disrobing is necessary, a full explanation and signed consent form
is required for each client.
12. A healer should never touch the genital area or breasts.
These areas should be treated only with hands-off techniques.
13. Children (those considered under the age of consent
according to the legal definition in force in the country of
practice) should not be treated unless with the written and signed
permission of the Parent/Guardian. The Parent/Guardian should be
present when the child is treated.
14. A healer should not give massage or manipulation unless
qualified and licensed to do so.
15. Healers should not sell herbs or drugs unless
professionally qualified. Healers should not recommend nutritional
supplements without appropriate knowledge and/or professional
license to do so according to the laws in force in the country of
practice.
16. Healers associated with the development or promotion of
products should disclose any vested interest and ensure that such
products are presented in a factual and professional way.
17. Healers should co-operate with and respect those who
also have a professional and/or personal interest in the welfare of
the client, including other therapists, counselors, medical
professionals, caregivers, spiritual or religious counselors and
the client’s immediate family.
18. Healers should retain the right to refuse or postpone
treatment at any time if it is felt that such treatment is,
according to the professional judgment of the practitioner,
inappropriate for whatever reason (such as the client being under
the influence of drugs or alcohol, or because they are acting in a
threatening or otherwise inappropriate manner). Clear reasons for
such a decision should be given to the client as soon as
possible.
Some General Rules on Conduct:
1. Maintain a high degree of personal
cleanliness at all times. Be aware of the comfort requirements of
your client as well as their healing needs and practice what you
preach. Some clients may have an allergic reaction to such things
as cologne, heavy perfumes, incense or the smell of cigarette
smoke. Refrain from their use.
2. Keep your premises in good
professional order and ensure that all equipment and access/exit
points are safe and abide by the relevant health and safety laws of
the country in which you practice.
3. The place where your sessions or
treatments are to take place should be supportive and
empowering.
4. If you are to work with a client
of the opposite sex be mindful of the sensitivities of the client
and suggest that it would be appropriate for them to bring along a
friend or relative to the healing session or treatment.
5. Refrain from bringing your own
emotional states into the relationship with your client. Stay
positive, optimistic, empathic and supportive and thus encourage
uplift in the client’s mental outlook.
6. Maintain accurate records at all
times and store them in a safe and secure place. Records should
only be made available to the client for whom they are concerned or
other healthcare workers or members of the legal profession if
required to do so under the laws applicable in the country of
practice.
7. You should engage in continuous
professional development and work on your own healing, seeing this
as a necessary part of your commitment to your modality and thus to
your professional capabilities when working with clients.