I adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics of the Association of Certificed Sexological Bodyworkers, for which I served as President for four years and then the Head of The Grievance Council for one year. While I have since distanced myself and taken on the title of Somatic Sex Educator, these guiding ethics are still the groundfloor basis of my work. The most current version can be found HERE.
Some key highlights from the code are:
All touch is one-way, meaning clients do not touch me unless it is for learning all four quadrants of the Wheel of Consent, and in this case, a fairly neutral part of the body like the arm is used.
Gloves are used for any genital or anal touch.
I do not enter into any romantic or sexual relationship with any clients or workshop participants after we work together in this professional capacity. The code says a year but I just don’t mess with those power dynamics.
If a former lover wants to become a client in the future, I will ensure the new boundaries for the container are one of practitioner and client and are kept clear as we move through the work. If our previous relationship presents as a barrier to receiving the benefits of the work, I will refer to a trusted colleague.
I do receive peer supervision about my client base. I do not use names or any identifying information when speaking about something I may need a second opinion on. I do not seek guidance from colleagues who live in the same community as my client.
Because we live in a world outside of session space as well, additional professional boundaries need clarification.
If seeing each other in public, I will not approach you first and will wait for you to initiate. I will never use language that indicates you are a client of mine unless you bring that up as something you want to share.
If I find myself in the same sexually charged space (play party, sex-positive workshop etc.) as a client, I will take the initiative to have the appropriate conversations and boundaries with said client, so as not to interrupt their progress in the session realm. If we agree I should step out/leave, I will. If we agree to share space, I will not interact with clients directly while in that realm.
Any questions on this can be directed to hello@healwithpleasure.com and I will address your concerns in a timely manner.