Professional Boundaries Statement

I am a multi-modality practitioner working with private clients as well as both running and attending workshops. 

Being actively involved in the tantra, erotic, sensual and kink lifestyle is not only a credential to my work but also, more personally, important to me at this point. However, being visibly involved, raises questions about professional boundaries. Which I aim to clarify here. 

I am a member of The Association of Sexological Bodyworkers (ACSB) which has an ethical code. This code applies specifically to the Sexological Bodywork modality (Sex and intimacy coaching). 

Whilst I am a not a mainstream therapist what I offer is often regarded as therapeutic. Adopting suitable ethical boundaries and being transparent with clients about these boundaries is core to my practice. 

Shared Communities 

My clients include people within the communities I am professionally and personally involved with. My involvement and experience within those communities is often cited as the reason people want to work with me. This raises both professional and personal ethical dilemmas. 

I actively participate in these communities: 

• Movement and dancing practices – 5 Rhythms, Ecstatic dance, Movement Medicine.
  As well as being active in the Salsa & Bachata scene.
• Kink Temple Nights
• Conscious Sexuality and Tantra 

Client confidentiality 

Given the multiple overlapping communities, there is an increased likelihood that I will encounter clients with shared interests within these communities. This can be concerning for all involved and I consider this regularly when making choices of events I will attend and clients I work with. 

It is important to state: 

• Anything that is shared within a session or within a workshop setting, will not be shared with anyone else, and it will remain strictly confidential. Unless there is an explicit request/ agreement from a client. 
• If we meet outside of a session or a workshop, I will honour any agreement we have made in relation to shared communities. 
• If we have not made an agreement, I may use a gesture to acknowledge you and will take your lead on how we interact. 
• I will not disclose the nature of our professional relationship. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
• You may decide to disclose to others the practitioner/ client  relationship openly. Even in these cases, I will still retain confidentiality in relation to the nature of the work. 
• I will not out anyone’s sexuality, kink or relationship interests, identity, activities or status.

Types of relationships

Relationships which are sexual, kinky or intimate in nature raise ethical questions.
Power dynamics are everywhere and can have a particularly harmful impact in the client/practitioner roles. 

Please note, I don’t date nor engage in intimate or romantic relationship with clients. (Nor I coach my partner/s). My work is boundared by professional standards. If there is attraction and intimate/ romantic interest we cannot work together.

Understanding when a person is regarded as a client is key. Definitions are:

• • Potential clients – someone who may become a client; who may have contacted me to talk about working together; has not committed financially to any session work together 
  • Clients – someone who has committed financially to session work together; in a programme of sessions; has indicated that they may continue to have sessions in the future 
  • Ex-clients – someone who was a client and has confirmed that they have completed session work with me, and at least 12 months have passed since the last session.
    Using the definitions above, I have created guidelines I follow. These will be reviewed and adjusted based on experience, insight and advice.

  Potential Clients: 

  • This excludes anyone who is considered family of origin; family of choice; an existing romantic or sexual partner of mine; or an existing romantic or sexual partner of a current partner 
  • Anyone who I have previously been in a sexual or a romantic relationship would be considered only if at least 12 months had passed since the sexual or romantic nature of the relationship ended 
  • Consideration is given to existing good friends where we both know each other well. This will be based on the type of session and only with open mutual dialogue about the shift in power dynamic, impact on friendship and nature of other mutual close relationships 
  • Casual acquaintances and friends are invited to discuss the implications for embarking on a professional relationship. This includes the agreements we would make in terms of interactions outside of session work.

  Clients: 

  • I will not engage in any romantic activity with a client 
  • There will be no form of sexual activity with a client outside of the boundared session work 
  • We will discuss and agree rules if we attend the same event, play party, workshop or retreat

  Ex-Clients: 

  • Any interactions of a sexual or romantic nature would only be considered after at least 12 months had passed cessation of session work 
  • I would discuss this in supervision and gain advice and support from peers

  Working with me 

  If you would like to work with me and have any questions on any of the above, or indeed, anything I have not mentioned, I hope of having created a safe space for you to talk to me about them. 
  Regardless of whether we share communities or not, I want to be able to help people in a safe and considered way. 

  Transparency and honest, healthy communication are vital to navigating the world we live, love and play in. 
  With open dialogue, vulnerability and kindness we can develop trust. With trust we can explore areas previously out of reach. 

  Regardless of your gender, sexuality, relationship status or experience you are welcome to contact me and share any feedback, questions and concerns with me.