Dance/movement therapists are required to adhere to codes and standards of ethical practice meant to define responsible professional behaviour and protect the public.

 

Specific Canadian guidelines are currently in development, where ethical codes will be based on discourse involving d/mt researchers, practitioners, students, and clients in a democratic, collaborative effort. As these are in progress, please refer to the following codes, which mirror DMTAC's standards for practitioners:

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Code of Ethics from the Canadian Counselling

and Psychotherapy Association

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ADTA Code of Ethics

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If you have concerns about the ethical conduct of a dance/movement therapist in Canada, do not hesitate to reach out to us with further questions, info@dmtac.org.

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Helpful resources on ethics:

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Garcia, J.G; Winston, S.M.; Borzuchowska, B. (2003). A transcultural integrative model for ethical decision making in counselling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 81(3). 268-278.

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Hervey, L. (2007). Embodied ethical decision making. American Journal of Dance Therapy, 29(2). 91-108.

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Pope, K.; Sonne, J.L. & Holroyd, J. (2000). Sexual feelings in psychotherapy:
Explorations for therapists and therapists-in-training. Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association.

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Reamer, F.G. (2001). Tangled relationships: Managing boundary issues in the human services. New York: Columbia University Press.

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Smith, E.; Clance, P.R., Imes, S. (1998). Touch in psychotherapy. New York: Guilford Press.

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Teo, Thomas. (2015). Are Psychological “Ethics Codes” Morally Oblique? Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology © 2015 American Psychological Association 2015, Vol. 35, No. 2, 78–89

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Willis, C. (1987). Legal and ethical issues of touch in dance/movement therapy. American Journal of Dance Therapy, 10, 41-53

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