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Ethics: Professional Boundaries

6 Hour CE Course

Average rating based on the following evaluation questions:

  1. The presentation of the subject was clear and to the point.
  2. Content was interesting to me.
  3. I gained new knowledge.
  4. The materials held my attention.
  5. I can use this information in my practice.
  6. This program met my personal expectations.
  7. Overall quality of course content and materials were excellent.
(594)

Enrollment Options

Text Materials Shipped and Test Online

Contents: Text Materials Shipped and Test online

$70.00

Materials and Test Shipped to You

Contents: Materials Shipped and Test online

$70.00

No Text (I Already Own Text) and Test Online

Contents: online multiple-choice test only.
(I already own "The Educated Heart" text.)

$31.00

No Text (I Already Own Text) and Test Shipped

Contents: Multiple-choice test shipped only.
(I already own "The Educated Heart" text.)

$31.00

Do you have the The Educated Heart textbook? See your enrollment options above for "I already own the text".

Description

This course provides a practical and compassionate exploration of the ethical challenges massage therapists and bodyworkers face in today's professional environment. Drawing on insights from The Educated Heart: Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, you’ll learn how to recognize "red flags" that may indicate ethical decision points, and how to respond with clarity, confidence, and professionalism - rather than react in a way that could appear judgmental or uncertain.

Through real-life examples and easy-to-understand guidance, this course supports you in creating a safe and consistent therapeutic environment while navigating the subtle psychological dynamics of the treatment room.

Topics include:

  • Identifying ways to create a safe and consistent therapeutic environment
  • Understanding transference, countertransference, confidentiality, and dual relationships
  • Minimizing problems related to client transference
  • Approaching money and fees with confidence and professionalism
  • Addressing ethical issues and boundaries presented by the Internet and social media

Whether you're a student, new practitioner, or seasoned professional, this course will help you develop the solid professional boundaries essential to career longevity and personal well-being.

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Content Outline

Chapter 1: The Educated Heart: The Need for Professional Boundaries
Chapter 2: Protective Circles: Boundaries and the Professional Relationship
Chapter 3: Framework: Nuts and Bolts of Boundaries
Chapter 4: Client-Practitioner Dynamics: Boundaries and the Power Imbalance
Chapter 5: Ethical Boundaries: From Theory to Practice
Chapter 6: Boundaries and the Power of Words
Chapter 7: Sexual Boundaries: Protecting Our Clients
Chapter 8: Sexual Boundaries: Protecting Ourselves
Chapter 9: Financial Boundaries: Getting Comfortable with Money
Chapter 10: Dual Relationships and Boundaries: Wearing Many Hats
Chapter 11: Boundaries and the Internet
Chapter 12: Help with Boundaries: Support, Consultation, and Supervision
Open-Book Test and Course Evaluation Form
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Learning Objectives

  • Identify ways for health professionals to create a safe and consistent therapeutic environment.
  • Minimize problems related to client transference.
  • Recognize "red flags" that can often indicate an ethical decision point.
  • Identify ways you can help yourself feel good about receiving money.
  • Define transference, countertransference, confidentiality, and dual relationship.
  • Address ethical issues and challenges presented by the Internet and social media.
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Sample Text

"One sign that clients have promoted us to an elevated status is that they rarely express their unhappiness with something we're doing, and they often agree to something they don't really want to do. They may tell us, for instance, that they are fine lying in a position that is actually making their neck hurt. They often don't speak up when we make them uncomfortable, such as when we've set the room temperature too hot, we're talking too much, or even when they think we've crossed sexual boundaries. If we make them too uncomfortable, they simply don't come back, sometimes without being conscious of the reason. Or they might remain as clients but become what we call "difficult" clients.

The sense of powerlessness that usually goes with being a client is especially noticeable when the client is also a peer. I hear many stories from even seasoned practitioners who have had trouble speaking up when getting work on themselves. You would think that, as professionals, we would have no trouble asserting ourselves, but because of the power of the transference, because of what happens when we are on the table, we may be as speechless as anyone else. If we feel powerless to question our colleagues, how must our clients feel?" (The Educated Heart: Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers by Laura Allen, 2017, p. 76-77)

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Sample Test Question

Which of the following is an example of transference?

  1. A client easily expresses unhappiness with something the practitioner is doing
  2. A client is assertive about their readiness to release pain
  3. A client agrees to something they don't really want to do
  4. A client speaks up when the room temperature is too hot
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