The National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork has established Standards of Practice.
Standard V, on Roles and Boundaries, is reproduced here.
NCBTMB Standards of Practice
Standard V: Roles and Boundaries
The certificant or applicant for certification shall adhere
to ethical boundaries and perform the professional roles
designed to protect both the client and the practitioner,
and safeguard the therapeutic value of the relationship. In
his/her professional role the certificant or applicant for
certification shall:
1. Recognize his/her personal limitations and practice only
within these limitations,
2. Recognize his/her influential position with the client
and not exploit the relationship for personal or other
gain,
3. Recognize and limit the impact of transference and
counter-transference between the client and the
certificant,
4. Avoid dual or multidimensional relationships that could
impair professional judgment or result in exploitation of
the client or employees and/or coworkers,
5. Not engage in any sexual activity with a client,
6. Acknowledge and respect the client's freedom of choice
in the therapeutic session,
7. Respect the client’s right to refuse the therapeutic
session or any part of the therapeutic session,
8. Refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or any illegal substances (with the exception of a
prescribed dosage of prescription medication which does not
impair the certificant),
9. Have the right to refuse and/or terminate the service to
a client who is abusive or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or any illegal substance.
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