The Ethics of Touch: The Hands-on Practitioner's Guide to Creating a Professional, Safe and Enduring Practice

by Ben E. Benjamin, Cherie Sohnen-Moe

This groundbreaking work on ethics addresses the difficult, confusing, and seldom-discussed but often-troubling dilemmas confronting touch therapy practitioners. By honestly describing the issues, identifying clear principles, naming specific resources, and using stories straight from the treatment room, the authors have written a book to guide, support, and inspire both students and seasoned practitioners. This book belongs in the office of every bodywork practitioner and in the classrooms of every professional training school. Features include useful and thought-provoking activities and exercises and real-life scenarios to intrigue students.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not as pithy and real as The Educated Heart, The Ethics of Touch is an excellent resource of ethical practices for massage therapy. I'm certain I'll return to this should I encounter issues and for inspiration for the wording of policies and consent forms.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good textbook on the subject of ethics. There are some good group activities in the book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another classroom book for me, but it’s one I think everyone should read, no matter their field. The Ethics of Touch lays out professional boundaries in a way that is clear, practical, and absolutely necessary. The lines are drawn plainly — and those lines have always needed to be defined.

As a hands‑on practitioner, this book gave me structure, clarity, and confidence. It explains not just what the boundaries are, but why they matter, how to maintain them, and how to create a safe, ethical, long‑lasting practice. It covers communication, consent, professionalism, emotional dynamics, and all the subtle situations that can arise when you work directly with people’s bodies and energy.

Even though it was part of my schooling, I genuinely appreciate it. It’s one of those books that stays with you and becomes part of how you work. I’m glad I learned it, and I think every practitioner — massage, acupuncture, bodywork, energy work, or anything hands‑on — should have this on their shelf.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was some helpful information in this book, but most of it I felt like SHOULD be common sense to people. The fact that it isn't common knowledge is kind of frightening and therefore this book probably serves a great purpose. But I found it kind of boring.

[Laura K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the readings in this book were common sense, but a good overview of the soft skills. Great to have premeditated situations in mind so that if they were to arise, it would be handled more effectively.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat less cheesy than Sohnen-Moe's other book that I've read, Business Mastery. Some chapters are more valuable than others.

[Swan Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook for one of my courses and I thought it was a great resource and I know I will refer to it in my new career.