AOSTI Code of Ethics and Best Practice

Introduction
The association has been set up to raise and maintain standards of professionalism in Sound Therapy / Sound Healing in Ireland. To this end, we have agreed on a Code
of Ethics which will serve to guide therapists in their practice. The Code will be subject to continual review. A therapist’s infringement of the Code will be dealt with
by the sitting committee, initially with a view to ameliorating the situation reported.
Failure to remedy the situation satisfactorily will result in the therapist being removed from the Association’s list of approved practitioners and membership of the Association will be suspended until the issue[s] are resolved.

Therapists and the Association
‘Respect and Loyalty’

Therapists should:
· ensure that they have thoroughly read this AOSTI Constitution and Code of Ethics
and Best Practice (in your Welcome Package on joining)
· maintain their practice accordingly to the best of their ability
· provide information and advice to the Association if it furthers the Aims and Objectives of the Association and their own Best Practice

Therapists and Therapists
‘Respect and Support’

Therapists should:
· ensure that a professional respect is observed for other therapists and their qualifications, skills and experience
· maintain client confidentiality
· provide support to each other in whatever way possible
· recommend/share information, ideas and protocols which have proven to be beneficial to either therapist or clients

Therapist and Client
‘Respect and Care’

Therapists should:
· ensure that a client is fully informed about the therapy/protocols that they will receive and that they are fully comfortable before a session begins.
· ensure that the therapy session is performed to the best professional standard and with due respect and professional decorum.
· ensure that a parent or guardian is present if the client is under 16 years of age
· maintain client confidentiality
· provide aftercare in an agreed manner i.e., telephone call/text/e-mail. Therapists
should, where necessary, give clear instruction if follow up practices are being recommended between visits.

Best Practice

Therapists should:
· ensure that their studio or therapy room has adequate services [heating/lighting/hygiene] to provide the best possible therapy experience.
Therapists should further ensure that local building compliance regulations are adhered to with regard to safety.
· maintain accurate up-to-date records of client visits and keep such records confidential and in a secure place
· provide evidence of qualification by way of displaying at least one certificate / diploma. Therapists should work within the boundaries of their qualifications.
· have a disclaimer clearly displayed on a website, on posters/leaflets etc. This disclaimer should make it clear that the service provided is a Complementary Therapy and that it is not a ‘cure’ or a replacement for medical advice.
· report any inappropriate client behaviour to the Association for the protection of the therapist and other therapists. The behaviour should be reported to the appropriate authority if deemed to be a crossing of boundaries or an infringement of rights; thereby the situation becomes a legal matter.