Haptotherapy from an ethical perspective

Haptotherapy is distinctive of more object-based-treatments, because it works within the therapist- client relationship2 (Klabbers, 2024). Frans Veldman, the founder of haptonomy, emphasized the importance of ethical awareness in this context. Working within the relationship may entail/involve ethical dilemmas; what is proper conduct in the current haptotherapy practice? This article provides a theoretical and practical overview of the assumed values and standards used in the professional practice of haptotherapy. The foundation of haptotherapy, the personal responsibility and the maximum availability of the therapist can be identified as the principal values. A set of common themes can be distinguished in how these values are implemented in practice. In this article, the author strives to provide a contemporary contribution to further professionalisation of this area of expertise. She recommends that haptonomic ethics become a dynamic, recurring topic on the agenda of both the haptotherapist and other healthcare colleagues.