Practitioner Articles
Ethics & the Practitioners: the Holistic Industry by Emma S
Ethics & Practitioners – The holistic Industry
Most of the clients and customers I have encountered since beginning my journey as a practitioner in the holistic industry, knowledgeable or not, aspire to ask the same base question. Whether talking about a particular service or healing modality, especially referrals, or advice on another Practitioner they are planning to see. And that question is: “But are they good?”.
Especially for those who are not quite well acquainted with the holistic industry and the broad range of services that it has to offer, you can imagine it would be quite daunting treading in unfamiliar waters. Clients put their personal issues on the line with an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. This is why taking a little time to choose and evaluate which Practitioner to start your healing journey with is a really important decision.
As the holistic industry does not have a governing body or legislation to follow, for both clients and practitioners, this can leave us all at times, a little in the dark and quite lost. Especially when it comes to dealing with a bad experience. Like every industry, unfortunately, certification and/or strong referrals does not necessarily guarantee that the result and experience you receive will be a success. Experiences and results for each client will differ as we are all catering to our individual needs.
Ethics are the moral principals that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity, and it would amaze you just how many practitioners do not instil this in the nature of their practice. To me personally, integrity is above all the most important attitude you can have towards your holistic business and clients, especially in the event of providing guidance and recommendation. I have heard some absolutely absurd stories from both clients and practitioners about how others have or are conducting their business and it has not only left a sour taste in my mouth but also does not sit right with me one bit!
Don’t know where to start? Here are some important questions to reflect on before choosing a particular practitioner or holistic service:
1/. What is it exactly that I feel I need assistance with?
– Don’t just rely on what everyone else tells you that you need, sit with it yourself and do a little research.
Read up on the differences in services Eg: what are the list of holistic services and their benefits? What dose the practitioner specialise in? And how dose this suit my current situation.
2/. How do I know that this is the right practitioner for me?
– Check out the simple stuff: Their business website and social media pages. Do they have written reviews? Do you know anyone who has had a session with this practitioner before?
Most importantly call them, speak to them and enquire. Ask if they offer a free consultation. See if the information they have provided you is sitting well with you.
3/. How much should I invest in my healing process and how long for?
– This can be a tricky one, and of course is a massive factor on deciding whether or not a particular practitioner is for you.
Always ask for a price per session or a quote – this is most definitely something that should be clarified before, especially commencing any ongoing session arrangements. If a practitioner won’t provide you with a quote or price, this is a red flag, simply say thank you and have a nice day. Ask up front how many treatments/sessions that the practitioner advises to be required – This is something that any practitioner should not have a problem providing or at least roughly estimate and communicate about as your sessions progress.
Most importantly, investing in your holistic wellbeing and sessions should never result in massive amounts or bulk payments of money. Seeking help and assistance should never, ever result in you cutting out all other expenses in your life, going without necessities like food or shelter and payment options and agreements should be completely transparent and understood from the beginning.
If you are considering a course, workshop or one-on-one tuition, ask for and outline, framework and the duration that is expected.
4/. What should I do if a practitioner is too persistent at scheduling me in? Has used manipulative information: like telling me I am cursed, have entities attached to you or that if you don’t take them up on the recommendation that something bad is going to happen to you?
– Ethics do not hold any space for manipulation, deception or scare tactics.
A good practitioner will advise you and sure, at times, will strongly advise your consideration however should never push or convince you to do otherwise especially when you are in a state of stress and vulnerability. Good practitioners will advise you and leave it with you, ultimately leaving the decision to be yours and yours only. If you feel as if you are experiencing one of these situations, reach out for alternative advise on how to deal with this situation. Get in contact with the establishment or centre that the practitioner practise from and ask if they feel that this is right and/or acceptable conduct.
5/. Should holistic practitioners diagnose illnesses, ailments or prescribe medication?
– No!
Diagnosis and proscribing medication should be left up to MD’s and medical professionals. A holistic practitioner can advise or pass on their opinion of you seeking further medical advice, any information or messages they receive during treatments but under no means necessary diagnose you as or proscribe you anything! The holistic industry falls under the category of “alternative” or “complementary” medicine. Practitioners may offer you a product or service that will assist you in your healing process but should never include the use of pharmaceutical drugs and should be made only from natural and clearly listed ingredients.
To sum it up, as we mentioned earlier, there is unfortunately no governing body or legislation for the holistic industry to follow and we can only hope that this changes in the future, the government steps up, acknowledges and supports its importance to humanity and the immense need and accessibility for healing.
However, this does not mean that a practitioner can’t construct and abide by their businesses own Code of Ethics which if professional at what they do, outlines this and has it accessible for clients at any time. Whether advertised on their website or emailed to you directly.
Being a practitioner that works with the healing process, I believe it is imperative to hold the following beliefs and ethical points:
- Always put your clients’ needs first
- Work only from a place of integrity, understanding, honesty and compassion
- Always provide the option of ongoing support and guidance
- Be open, approachable and prepared to answer any questions or queries a client may have
- Practise good presentation personally and that of your workspace
- Be punctual and true to your word
- Do not discriminate or defame other fellow practitioners, especially to clients, no matter how you truly feel about them
And finally, remember that your ethics, attitude and how you conduct yourself on a whole is ultimately a reflection of both yourself and your business.
I hope this article has assisted some that are feeling a little lost and confused and has put some frequently thought about questions at ease. Wishing you all well on your endeavour of healing!
With love & light,
Emma.S
Psychic Medium and Intuitive Healer
Emma works out of Qi on Wednesday and Thursdays. You can read more about her here.
