Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses an umbrella term encompassing healing philosophies, approaches, therapies and practices not mainstream healthcare-accepted or available. [1]
For help finding a qualified therapist, ask your physician, nurse or pharmacist for recommendations, as well as community groups focused on health. Inquire as to their level of qualifications as well as whether or not they belong to professional associations.
Code of Ethics
A code of ethics from an alternative therapy professional association can serve as an essential safeguard to ensure the integrity of your practice. It establishes ethical standards to be upheld by professionals, as well as guidance for handling situations which breach those standards. If this code is broken, its consequences – suspension or termination from membership in the organisation – must also be made known. To safeguard yourself against future incidents it is imperative that familiarise yourself with it prior to beginning practice.
The American Counseling Association’s 2024 code of ethics represents its latest revision and seeks to address issues common in modern counseling practice, such as human development enhancement, respecting diversity and maintaining high standards of professionalism in counseling relationships. Furthermore, greater emphasis is placed upon social justice advocacy and addressing intersectionality in identities experienced by clients.
In addition to mandating compliance with ACA’s ethical principles and standards, members are expected to understand and abide by any relevant state or country laws and regulations. Furthermore, the ACA offers members a number of resources such as webinars, casebooks and ethical guides in order to assist with understanding and applying these ethical principles in their work.
No matter if you are an alternative therapist, mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist; all members of CAMFT must abide by its Code of Ethics. It enumerates topics that span across therapy settings including appropriate technology use for therapy sessions, confidentiality of patient records and relationships with clients as well as sexualized transference prevention strategies.
The Code of Ethics not only sets forth the scope of professional responsibility, but it also details its principles that guide professional practice. One such principle is Autonomy which states that people receiving occupational therapy services have a right to self-determination in their care – this principle can be seen manifest in how occupational therapists treat their patients and protect confidential information.
When choosing an alternative therapist, make sure they meet your qualifications and credentials. Ask them for written information on their practice as well as inquiry about your medical history. It is also important to evaluate their level of professionalism: do they give you enough space to speak freely without taking notes while speaking?
Continuing Education
Continuing education (CE) is an integral component of health care professionals’ careers. CE activities aim to build up knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for maintaining their license to practice; CE also allows professionals to stay abreast of new developments within their field and remain up-to-date. Such activities may be provided by various organizations through workshops, seminars, conferences or webinars.
Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants must complete continuing education units (CEUs) each year to maintain their license, so taking classes through an alternative medicine association can help fulfill this obligation. Plus, many of these organizations offer online PT CE courses making obtaining your credits much simpler!
Alternative therapies refer to an assortment of healing philosophies, approaches and therapeutic modalities designed to supplement allopathic medical care. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), also referred to as complementary and alternative health practices includes over 100 healing practices such as:
A therapist may incorporate alternative therapies into his or her practice in various forms. For instance, music or art therapy could help combat depression; relaxation techniques or stress reduction methods might be taught instead. No matter which modality is employed, it is crucial that practitioners understand the physiology behind soft tissue injuries in order to provide appropriate client-centric support during healing processes.
Therapists should understand the limitations of alternative medicine and be familiar with when and how to refer clients for medical attention. Furthermore, working alongside other health care professionals to increase patient outcomes is also an invaluable skill set for success in therapy practice.
Registered Drama Therapists must submit 30 Continuing Education hours every two-year cycle, 15 of which must come from activities related to Cultural Humility, Equity and Diversity (CHED CEs). According to NADTA, mandating at least 15 CHED CEs encourages drama therapists to make conscious choices regarding their educational pursuits to ensure that topics selected meet cultural humility equity diversity objectives.
Accreditation
Accreditation provides alternative therapy professionals with a stamp of trust and credibility that builds patient trust. Accreditation also plays a key role in securing insurance and guaranteeing quality care, making therapists more attractive employers while safeguarding quality patient care. Reputable associations typically require members to undergo extensive training programs and adhere to a code of ethics while some organizations provide holistic healing techniques like aromatherapy, acupressure, acupuncture, energy healing, hypnotherapy and massage therapy among others.
CAM stands for “complementary and alternative medicine,” which refers to an umbrella term covering an assortment of healing philosophies, approaches and therapeutic practices not currently considered mainstream medical practice. This umbrella encompasses herbal medicines and nutritional supplements in addition to conventional treatments as examples of complementary and alternative approaches.
Complementary therapies are non-invasive and can often be performed by laypeople. Traditional medicines, however, are often costly and toxic – interfering with natural healing processes – leading many people to seek complementary therapies as a way of managing their health and wellness needs – both physically and emotionally. They reduce stress while supporting emotional well-being.
Alternative and complementary therapies are intended to help patients manage a wide range of conditions, from asthma to zinc deficiency. Some techniques come from traditional Chinese herbs or Ayurved treatments while others rely on natural remedies like homeopathy or acupressure; still others rely on the concept that mind and body are interdependent, such as art therapy, dream therapy and hypnotherapy.
Some therapists specialize in specific areas of the body, such as massage, acupuncture and osteopathy; others focus on increasing mental abilities to affect bodily processes via biofeedback and psychotherapy; some even use dietary supplements, flower essences or herbs as remedies to treat disease and illness.
When selecting a therapist, consider those accredited by an alternative therapy professional association. They should have a list of members in your area. Alternatively, seek recommendations from doctors or nurses; additionally check which local hospitals and health insurers cover certain forms of therapy.
