My professional Code of ethics
I believe it is essential to position myself on what I consider to be my professional ethical charter, especially in our time of cultural change, where a lot of moral vagueness leads to many abuses.
This is all the easier for me because ethics is an important dimension of my personal life, and its transposition into my professional activity has always been natural.
It consists of some few points, as well as what follows from it:
All of these elements are clickable if you want details.
- Everything that is said or happens during a session left strictly confidential..
- There will be no sexual drift
- Acceptance and kindness are given unconditionally.
- I am not a physiotherapist or a doctor.
In the same way, there is a common ethics, a code of conduct between me and my patients, clients, and students.
These rules bind me as much as they do you in this professional relationship.
- Maintain excellent hygiene
- Be honest and courteous.
- Be punctual and reliable.
- Do not attempt to pressure the other into practices they refuse.
All of this may seem very ordinary to the vast majority of you, but it is good to reiterate it to prevent any apprehension or misunderstanding.
Everything that is said or happens during a session left strictly confidential
Indeed, I believe that trust must be complete between my patients, clients, or students and me. This is even more critical during a massage, where my patients are exposed, both physically (partially or entirely, depending on their choice) and emotionally and spiritually. It is a moment of total intimacy, and nothing should ever be disclosed, neither words nor emotional or physical reactions, which, even though they often occur, remain entirely confidential.
This moral commitment prohibits me from discussing my sessions with anyone, even with close friends. The only things I share with my friends, family, or some practitioner colleagues are general aspects of my practice, without ever disclosing anything about a particular patient.
Of course, this also extends to my teaching of meditation and internal arts to my students.
The limits of this are:
- I may occasionally share a particular experience that would be common to several people but in an anonymous manner, without ever revealing their identity and being careful not to deduce it.
- I can say that a session was challenging for me or that a particular practice is well or poorly tolerated by patients, or certain types of patients, always without disclosing people’s identities.
These limits allow me to communicate with fellow therapists to improve our understanding of the human condition and become better practitioners and instructors, including psychoanalysts, physicians, energy workers, and genuine healers. In all cases, this does not extend beyond a small circle of professionals and mentors who share my ethics.
There will be no sexual drift
I have already mentioned this on this website multiple times; I do not provide sexual massages and have no intention of doing so.
There is no need to ask for “extras.” I also do not accept any rough or inappropriate actions directed towards me in an attempt to provoke a sexual encounter.
I understand that the sensual and intimate nature of a massage may lead some individuals to become overly aroused and tempted to go beyond what is intended or allowed. I do not take offense to this and remain understanding, but when it reaches this point, it is time to calm down or even terminate the session.
It could to try again later with more self-control, as massage is also a means of self-discovery, understanding one’s reactions and sensations.
Acceptance and kindness are given unconditionally.
I love my profession, and I love my patients. The time I spend with you is open and non-judgmental. I offer with kindness and passion to everyone, without regard to age, gender, orientation, origin, or culture.
Making you happy makes me happy.
I am not a physiotherapist or a doctor
Patients come to see me for pleasure, to relieve tension, or to address problems and pain.
I have a good understanding of energies and a solid knowledge of the human body, which enables me to effectively address psycho-physical discomfort. However, I am not a medical doctor. If I detect a medical cause in your case, I will advise you to consult a specialist. Sometimes, I can also recommend an activity that will improve your life or health, and in those instances as well, depending on the circumstances, I will advise you to consult a specialist beforehand. I am not a physiotherapist or an osteopath either. It’s important to be clear on these points.
My inclination to push my own limits, particularly in martial arts, has led to injuries that only surgeons have been able to repair, and physiotherapists have assisted me in rehabilitation. I have the utmost respect for these professions.
Maintain excellent hygiene
Naturally, this goes without saying. On my part, I maintain strict cleanliness, carefully select my oils, systematically change the table cover or towels used, adhere to proper massage and wiping procedures, and wash my hands at each step.
For the sake of my patients or students, I maintain excellent hygiene to prevent the transmission of diseases or odors.
Unfortunately, the office does not have a shower.
Be honest and courteous.
Honesty should be mutual; it is the engine of trust.
And remember that nothing will be repeated anyway.
It is important to be able to express what you feel during the session, both positive and negative. Similarly, if you have a specific desire or expectation or a problem for which you have come to see me, please do not hesitate to talk to me about it.
As for courtesy, it also means being able to discuss unpleasant things without getting upset, while remaining polite. Whether it’s addressing a delay, discomfort, or inconvenience. It’s also about treating others with respect and kindness.
Tensions often arise from misunderstandings.
Be punctual and reliable
Punctuality is important to avoid disrupting the other person. I may not always be able to provide the full scheduled massage time in case of delay, but the rate will remain unchanged.
Reliability is crucial to avoid canceling appointments three times in a row, canceling with only 10 minutes’ notice, or not showing up at all. The latter behaviors will result in being blocked from future appointments.
And, of course, just as I am fully dedicated to you, please do not forget the means of payment.
Do not attempt to pressure the other into practices they refuse
This aligns with the section on sexual misconduct and goes further for the benefit of both parties. I will not insist on touching a part of the body you do not wish to be touched, even if it is for your well-being. I am thinking, in particular, of areas like the feet, neck, head, or abdomen, which some individuals may not tolerate contact with.
Regarding attire, both yours and mine, as I have often mentioned, I respect modesty.
I will also not yield to requests that clearly deviate from the offered service.