Soul Trusting Touch — Code of Ethics (Aligned with CAT Association Standards)

Preamble

At Soul Trusting Touch, we commit to practicing with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Our Code of Ethics ensures that every client is met with respect, safety, and dignity — aligned with the ethical standards of recognized Complementary and Alternative Therapy (CAT) associations.

1. Professional Responsibility & Accountability

  • Act with honesty, integrity, and transparency at all times.

  • Take responsibility for the effects of our work — emotional, physical, and relational.

  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest and handle them openly.

  • Comply with all applicable Dutch and EU laws, including GDPR/AVG data protection.

2. Competence & Scope of Practice

  • Work only within our areas of training and expertise.

  • Maintain and expand competence through supervision and ongoing education.

  • Refer clients to appropriate professionals when issues fall outside our scope.

  • Never misrepresent qualifications or capabilities.

3. Informed Consent & Client Autonomy

  • Provide clear information about the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of each service.

  • Ensure consent is informed, voluntary, and can be withdrawn at any time.

  • Clients have full control to pause or decline any form of touch, movement, or exercise.

  • Seek renewed consent when introducing new techniques or methods.

4. Confidentiality & Data Protection

  • All client information is treated as confidential and stored securely.

  • Information is shared only with the client’s explicit consent or when legally required (e.g., risk of serious harm).

  • Clients are informed about the legal limits of confidentiality.

  • Data is managed in full compliance with GDPR/AVG, and clients may request access or deletion.

5. Safety & Harm Prevention

  • Screen for physical or psychological contraindications before each session.

  • Maintain a clean, calm, and safe working environment.

  • Never work under the influence of alcohol or non‑prescribed substances.

  • Have clear safety and grounding protocols for clients in distress.

6. Boundaries & Touch Practices

  • Touch is always optional, non‑sexual, and consensual.

  • The purpose, area, and intention of touch are clearly explained beforehand.

  • Clients remain draped or clothed according to their comfort.

  • Practitioners remain sensitive to verbal and non‑verbal feedback and adjust accordingly.

  • Dual or personal relationships are avoided where possible and managed transparently when unavoidable.

7. Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusion

  • Respect all clients regardless of age, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, neurotype, or ability.

  • Adapt communication and practice to meet diverse needs and backgrounds.

  • Provide reasonable accommodations whenever possible.

8. Ethical Representation & Communication

  • Represent qualifications and services truthfully — no exaggerated or false claims.

  • Avoid guarantees of outcomes or misleading marketing.

  • Use testimonials only with explicit client consent, anonymized when appropriate.

  • Maintain confidentiality in all online and public communications.

9. Recordkeeping & Communication Boundaries

  • Keep session notes concise, factual, and stored securely.

  • Limit digital communication to scheduling and brief check‑ins.

  • Use secure channels for any sensitive information.

  • Maintain incident and complaint records confidentially.

10. Supervision & Professional Growth

  • Engage in regular supervision or peer consultation to ensure ethical practice.

  • Seek feedback and reflect openly on professional conduct.

  • Update knowledge through relevant courses and continued learning.

  • Review this Code annually to stay aligned with evolving standards.

11. Complaints & Resolution

  • Clients may raise concerns freely and without fear of retaliation.

  • Respond to all complaints respectfully and in writing within a reasonable timeframe.

  • Offer mediation or referral to an independent ethics body if resolution cannot be reached.

  • Keep records of all complaints and their outcomes.

12. Termination & Continuity of Care

  • End sessions or therapy respectfully and collaboratively.

  • Provide appropriate referrals when further care is needed.

  • Avoid sudden or harmful termination of the professional relationship.

  • Offer aftercare guidance where suitable.

13. Research & Case Use

  • Use case material for teaching or publication only with written client consent and full anonymization.

  • Conduct any research according to ethical standards and informed consent procedures.

  • Present findings with honesty and clarity.

14. Ethical Culture & Community

  • Foster a culture of mutual respect, compassion, and ethical reflection.

  • Collaborate with peers and professional associations to uphold standards.

  • Support collective accountability and continuous improvement within the field.

Acknowledgment

By engaging with Soul Trusting Touch, clients and practitioners alike commit to this Code of Ethics — a living document designed to safeguard trust, safety, and authenticity in all therapeutic relationships.

Contact: info@soultrustingtouch.nl | soultrustingtouch.nl

This Code of Ethics aligns with general CAT association principles and is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current Dutch and EU regulations.