NCBTMB Professionalism, Ethics, and Law 5

Question 1

A therapist who is also a personal friend of a client begins treating that client professionally. The greatest risk of this arrangement is:

Accepted Answer

Difficulty maintaining objective professional boundaries

Answer

Pre-existing personal relationships make it significantly harder to maintain the clear professional boundaries required in therapeutic settings.

Question 2

The principle of 'non-maleficence' in massage ethics means:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding actions that could harm the client

Answer

Non-maleficence means 'do no harm' — the therapist must avoid techniques, pressures, or interactions that could injure or harm the client.

Question 3

A therapist suspects a client may have an undiagnosed medical condition. The appropriate professional response is to:

Accepted Answer

Refer the client to a physician for evaluation

Answer

Referring to a physician respects scope of practice while ensuring the client receives appropriate medical evaluation.

Question 4

A state licensing board investigation is opened against a therapist for unprofessional conduct. The NCBTMB may:

Accepted Answer

Conduct its own investigation and take independent credential action

Answer

The NCBTMB may independently investigate and act on a therapist's national certification separate from any state board action.

Question 5

A therapist realizes mid-session they are too emotionally affected by a client's story to work effectively. The best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Stop the session, explain honestly, and reschedule

Answer

Therapist self-awareness includes recognizing when personal emotional state impairs their ability to provide competent care.

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test