Some images from ATH healers who create, who work with healing and creativity. Also included is Jessica who did this lovely painting of Happiness when she was 6. A reminder for all of of the importance of Happiness and creativity in whatever form it takes.
ATH Core Group member Delcia McNeil introduced this topic with a pre-prepared brainstorm of ideas, and these were developed by those present (six ATH members):
Use of visualisation eg. chakras/Human Energy field/creative visualisation – inner journeying
Use of visual symbols, eg. Reiki symbols
Physiological affect of colour within a painting (directly on the viewer) – and colour therapy
Art therapy – processing emotions through drawing/painting,
Use of images for psychology projection
How particular paintings and the work of different artists affect our mood and physical body (visceral).
Individuals shared their experiences of working with visualisation, both professionally and as an internal narrative, and there was a discussion around how some members of the public do not necessarily visualise, or think they don’t. The different senses dominate differently.
Participants shared who was their favourite artist and/or a particular painting and we discussed why this was so and how certain paintings affect us viscerally. Artworks communicate something, and can have a healing effect. Some painters use art as a therapy for themselves (eg. Frida Kahlo, Tracy Emin). Creativity and therapy are parallel processes. To complete the session Delcia used one of her paintings ‘Holding the Light’ as a focus for a group meditation. See below.
As healers, we are living in interesting times. New legislation, much of which is coming out of Brussels, will be requiring us to be more and more regulated in the way we work. It is very difficult to keep up with the changes, as they are coming from several different bodies. Currently, there are a number of new recommendations in anticipation of legislation that may be introduced over the next few years.
The UK has since left the EU and so for the time being, continue to follow the guidelines laid out in the ATH Code of Conduct and Ethics, as these are still relevant. We will do our best to keep members up to date as new legislation comes in.
If you are just starting your training, it is now a requirement that training is a minimum of two years, and that it includes both anatomy and physiology, and counselling skills (sometimes referred to as listening skills). Continuing professional development (CPD) and regular supervision are also stipulated for all practitioners.
The recent repeal of The Fraudulent Mediums Act of 1951 has left spiritual healers more open to litigation. Many healers are now asking clients to sign a disclaimer form before treatment, stating that they understand that their treatment is “for entertainment purposes only”. As all ATH Full members are qualified in other therapies, and are covered by insurance, members should not need to take any action.
Below are some organisations that may be able to provide more information on legislation as it occurs. Please note that clicking on a link will take you to another website.
Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC)
Article – Supervision for Professional Healers by Delcia McNeil read on the Healing & Creativity page
This document outlines why ATH thinks Supervision is important, Role and Responsibility of Supervisor, difference between CPPD and Supervision, what you might bring to Supervision and also outlines various forms that Supervision can take and more. Supervision is currently not a compulsory requirement for membership of ATH but is encouraged for all Full members
Become a professional ATH registered Supervisor.
Several ATH members are already supervising, some with and some without any formal training. Most have a great deal of experience of practising healing and all will have their own regular supervision.
Any ATH registered Supervisor must be a full healer member of the organisation.
As ATH members usually are multi-skilled their supervisor may not be able to meet all their needs in terms of techniques/hands on skills. The supervisor needs to be honest with their supervisee about their own knowledge and skills base so that, where necessary, the supervisee can arrange to get advice or guidance from a colleague or tutor in a specific therapy.
A basic skills requirement is that the ATH registered Supervisor will have knowledge and experience of working with the Human Energy Field and the Chakra system.
Any ATH registered Supervisor must have had some training in counselling skills.
An ATH registered Supervisor facilitating group supervision needs to have group work skills.
“personal development is professional development“
ATH requires of its members not only continuing professional development but also personal development: through what may be termed ‘holistic CPPD’, we are expected to keep ourselves fit to work with clients. By renewing our personal energy and keeping ourselves clear to channel energy though daily practice or attending workshops, we attempt to maintain our grounding and protection. Relaxation, meditation, movement work, receiving healing, massage or cranio-sacral work contribute to helping us to know ourselves better, so that we may be clearer about the personal issues we bring to our work and able to connect with our clients on deeper and more subtle levels.
We have created a ‘What is ATH CPPD’ guidelines to help members participate and fulfil ATH requirements and a Planning sheet to download.
If you want your workshop or course to have CPPD recognition by ATH please download and complete the Application Form below.
THE ATH CODE OF CONDUCT MAY BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY IN THE LIGHT OF PRACTICE AND ADVICE FROM THE CONFEDERATION OF HEALING ORGANISATIONS (CHO) Updated Jan 2023
Introduction
This is a written code of ethics, which provides a common standard for all associate and full members of ATH to follow. This has the advantage of giving confidence to the public by enabling them to know the ethical standards of ATH, and also highlights potential dangers for the practitioner. A person, by becoming either an associate or a full member of ATH, agrees to observe and be bound by this Code of Conduct and Ethics, and to submit to the jurisdiction of the Officers and Core Group in relation to it. Responsibility for safe and ethical practice resides with the individual, and the ATH cannot be held accountable for the actions of its members. Members should be aware that failure to comply with legislation relating to their practice could invalidate the cover provided by their Insurance providers.
1. Professional Responsibility
a. Members at all times shall conduct themselves in a respectful and honourable manner in their relations with their clients, with the public, and with other members of ATH.
b. Treatment of a client is legally permitted only with his or her express consent, the law regarding as an assault even the touching of one person by another without the former’s consent. If a client is incapable of giving consent, by reason of age or mental impairment, it is recommended that members gain written consent from the person responsible for the care of the client.
c. When a member of the public asks for treatment, the healer shall ensure that the client understands the nature of the treatment that will be given.
d. Healers shall recognise the client’s right to refuse treatment or ignore advice.
e. The client puts complete trust in the healer’s integrity, and it is the duty of members not to abuse this trust in any way. The focus of the healer’s behaviour must at all times be on the client’s healing process. If a healer wants to become personally involved with a client, other than in a professional capacity, he or she shall refer that client for professional treatment elsewhere. Social interaction should be avoided in order to hold and maintain clear therapeutic boundaries for the client.
f. It is illegal to claim an ability to ‘cure’. Healers must disclaim any ability to ‘cure, but offer an attempt to heal in some measure. Do not promise recovery. Sometimes healers are easing the transition to death, rather than restoring physical health.
g. For healing alone, healers should not ask clients to remove their clothes (except coat and footwear).
h. Healers must not use manipulation or vigorous massage, unless they have an appropriate professional qualification. This does not preclude gentle massage and healing passes.
i. Membership of an organisation forming part of the Confederation of Healing Organisation (CHO) must be regarded as a guarantee to clients and medical professionals of the healer’s integrity, sincerity and ability.
j. Healers must act with consideration concerning fees and justification for treatment. It is unacceptable to solicit a client by any means to accept treatment when he or she has not specifically requested it.
k. Because of the recent increase of litigation, members are advised to keep detailed records of clients and treatments. These records must be kept safely, either in a locked cabinet, or in a password-protected file on your computer. Records must be kept for a period of 7 years and in the case of children, 7 years after they reach their 18th birthday, before being safely destroyed. Those keeping information on a computer are obliged to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office. Phone 01625 545 740 for a Notification Form, or apply online at http://www.ico.gov.uk. There is a small fee for notification. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
l. The healer shall respect the confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship at all times.
When transferring a client the healer shall not divulge any information about the client without the clients consent or with consent of healer’s supervisor or mentor.
Exceptions to this are:
The use of case histories in teaching or in supervision/mentoring. It is useful to inform the client that you may take their case history to supervision.
The use of case histories for publication. In both of these cases the client’s anonymity shall be respected.
if the client is deemed to be a danger to themselves the healer is obliged to inform the clients GP.
m. If another form of therapy appears to be more appropriate than that offered by the member, the client shall be given advice in this regard.
n. Members of the Association shall be responsible in their communication both to each other and to the general public, and should not state or imply that their own opinion represents the view of the Association, unless that is, in fact, the case.
o. On rare occasions, a condition may contraindicate healing (i.e. healing should not be used in certain circumstances). For example, most trainings suggest that healing should not be offered to women in the first trimester of pregnancy, unless specifically to prevent miscarriage. Members should be aware of potential problems. In the case of a potential problem, the member should refer the case to his or her supervisor for advice, and, if necessary, seek the guidance of the client’s doctor. See Section 3. Healers and the Law item e. below for further info.
p. Healers are encouraged to have some form of supervision or mentoring.
2. Relationship with the Medical Profession
Healing shall not be offered as an alternative to orthodox medicine, but as complementary.
a. The healer must ask a new client what medical advice if any that they have sought and they have received. If he or she has not seen a doctor, they must be advised to do so. It is legal to refuse medical treatment, so nobody can be forced to consult a doctor.
THIS ADVICE MUST BE RECORDED FOR THE HEALER’S PROTECTION.
b. The healer shall not countermand instruction or prescriptions given by a doctor.
c. The healer shall not advise a particular course of medical treatment, such as to undergo an operation or to take specific drugs, unless qualified to do so (eg-qualified Medical Herbalists). It must be left to the client to make his or her own decision in the light of medical advice.
d. If the healer believes that he or she has identified some aspect of a disorder, which is not covered by a doctor’s diagnosis, the client shall be advised to draw this to the attention of the doctor and a record should be made of this advice.
e. The healer should strive for a good relationship and full co-operation with the medical authorities.
f. VISITING HOSPITALS – SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES
Be as accommodating, sensitive and unobtrusive as possible
Ask permission of the Nursing Officer beforehand
Support your client’s choice of treatment
3. Healers and the Law
a. Safeguarding Children
A parent or legal guardian should be present when treating a child under the age of 16.
Self Employed Healer members who treat children must undertake a Basic DBS check themselves.
If a Healer is employed by an organization they should get a Standard or Enhanced check through their employer.
Before treating any person under the age of 16, the healer must obtain the consent of their parent or legal guardian. However, even with this consent, members shall be aware that a parent or guardian who fails to provide adequate medical aid for a child under the age of 16 commits a criminal offence. Since Healing is not medical aid as defined in law, a healer who treats a child whose parents refuse medical aid runs the risk of being considered as aiding and abetting that offence.
Where it is known that the parents are NOT facilitating the provision of medical attention for the child, members are most strongly advised to secure the signature of the parent or guardian to the following statement:
“I have been warned by (name of member) that according to law I should consult a doctor
concerning the health of my child”, Include the name of child). Signed (Parent or guardian)
and Dated and Witnessed by (signature of person witnessing)
This statement shall be kept with the client’s records.
b. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
eg those with a psychiatric condition or drug addiction should ideally have a chaperone. A responsible adult should be present when the Vulnerable Adult is receiving healing. Healers should consider doing Distant Healing if no chaperone is available.
Members practicing privately must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work Certificate, also known as Basic First Aid for Appointed Person, which is a one-day training. Those running their own centre’s or training schools should ensure that they or a member of staff hold a current First Aid Certificate, or First Aid at Work Certificate, a four-day training. These can be obtained through St John’s Ambulance http://www.sja.org.uk, or the British Red Cross. http://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk
c. Animals:
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 prohibits anyone other than a qualified veterinary surgeon from treating animals, including diagnosis of ailments and the giving of advice based on such diagnosis. However, the healing of animals by contact healing by the laying on of hands or by distant healing is legal and acceptable to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
The rendering of emergency first aid to animals is, however, permissible for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain. What constitutes an emergency must be a question for the judgment of the individual healer.
Under The Protection of Animals Act 1911, the owner of an animal needing treatment by a veterinary surgeon is obliged to seek such treatment, and the owner should be so advised.
d. Herbs:
The law relating to the sale and prescription of herbs is obscure, but if a member does sell or prescribe herbs, he or she must check that they are legally entitled to do so. Healers shall not advise the use of particular herbal prescription unless qualified to do so.
e. Pregnancy & Childbirth:
“a person other than a registered midwife or a medical practitioner shall not attend a woman in childbirth.” (Nursing & Midwifery order 2001 clause45) It is advisable therefore for all healers to cover themselves by ensuring a pregnant client signs a consent form. In the case of a hospital birth, healers are advised to obtain permission from both the midwife and consultant in charge. It is advisable to get the client to sign that she has informed both her midwife and doctor in charge (whether consultant or GP and whether in hospital or not) that she is having healing.
Distant healing is not covered in law and so is recommended if it is not possible to see the client during pregnancy.
Example of the consent form from CHO 2018
I (client’s name) have been advised by (healer’s name) of The Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 and that I should inform my midwife of my decision to receive Healing.
I acknowledge and accept that Healing is a complementary therapy and does not replace medical diagnosis and prognosis. I would like to go ahead and receive Healing in full acceptance of the responsibility of the above.
As a patient, I exercise my right to request and receive Healing.
Patient signature…………………………………………….. Date
Healer signature …………………………………………….. Date
f. Dentistry:
The Dentists Act of 1984 prohibits the practice of dentistry, unless the member holds an appropriate qualification.
g. Insurance:
Full members of ATH must be insured against possible claims for damages.
They must hold an appropriate level of insurance against any claim for negligence and or mistreatment whatsoever in respect of any treatment undertaken by the member. A copy of their Policy of Insurance and Certificate of Policy Renewal must be delivered with a FULL members annual registration renewal.
Shall a claim be made against a member that member shall indemnify the ATH and its members from and against any or all claims made against them for whatever reason resulting from the claim and reimburse to the ATH and its members all and any costs, expenses and losses incurred because of any and all such claims against the member.
4. Advertising
Members shall not claim in any advertisement that healing can do more than that which is stated on the ATH website. It is legal to offer a general healing service for all diseases, but not to advertise healing for any particular disease.
Members shall not advertise themselves as professional healers or teach healing unless they are Full Members of ATH and are covered by appropriate insurance.
Advertisements shall not make detrimental comparisons between organisation’s or healers.
5. Consideration of Safety and Surroundings
All sessions should be given in as clean and comfortable environment as possible.
Healers should act with integrity and discretion, and take sensible precautions, particularly when working in isolation. Do not work alone with clients who are mentally unstable (unless qualified to do so), or addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who are hallucinating or apparently possessed.
Whether teaching or healing, members must be aware of current Health and Safety guidelines regarding public spaces, business premises, and working privately from home. This includes fire regulations and emergency procedures. If necessary for their work, members must hold a current Health and Safety certificate.
ATH full member practitioners come from a diversity of backgrounds, training and knowledge. We are all experienced, professional and progressive healers who have made a commitment to the healing arts.
We have undertaken training to a Professional standard in Healing.
We hold a relevant qualification and have to be insured for the other therapy or therapies that are offered.
We have had to undergo a rigorous acceptance procedure in order to become members of ATH.
We are fully insured for Healing.
We are expected to commit to Continuing Professional Development and ongoing Personal Development.
We are accountable to and bound by the ATH Code of Conduct and Ethics and also accept the CHO code of Conduct and Ethics.
Health, well-being and self knowledge are the building blocks of the ATH approach to healing, and we recognise that this can be achieved in a range of ways. To support this we have developed professional standards for our healers with our CPPD expectations and encouraging our members to be in Supervision. Further information can be found on our Members page.
Beyond our belief that healing is a process through which a person’s natural life force is activated and enhanced by the channelling of universal energy, we do not seek to define what is or is not healing, acknowledging that healing can happen in many ways.
We aspire to have love, including self love, and compassion at the centre of all we do. We seek to be open and flexible in our beliefs and our actions, recognising that there can be no growth and development in a closed and fixed mind.
We embrace and celebrate diversity and therefore encourage and support individuals to follow intuitively the path that is right for them.
We recognise that all people need to be treated with respect and dignity. Equality and Diversity are fundamental to our values as ATH healers.
We welcome people from all ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, socio economic class, religions, disabilities and age.*
* To begin or further the journey of informing yourself Go to our News page scroll to Resources for you for information on some of these issues.
We are committed to embracing and exploring the infinite possibilities of healing, individually and as part of the on-going development of the Association.
