Within’s Ethics & Code of Conduct

1. Professional Conduct & Scope of Practice

• We offer hypnotherapy only in areas where we are properly trained and certified. A full list of Lucia’s qualifications is available on our Certifications & Credentials page.
• All services are provided ethically, without bias or discrimination of any kind.
• Clients are always informed about the nature of hypnotherapy, including:
  • Expected outcomes
  • Pricing and cancellation policies
  • Confidentiality boundaries
• We do not promise “cures” or guaranteed results, but we do commit fully to supporting your process of personal change and transformation.

2. Client Rights & Welfare

• Clients are treated with dignity, autonomy, and respect at all times.
• Hypnotherapy services may be declined or discontinued if they are no longer effective or appropriate, always with honest and respectful communication.
• Clients seeking help with physical symptoms are advised to consult with a licensed medical professional. We never offer medical diagnoses or override the advice of healthcare providers.
• No advice will ever be given that contradicts a client’s medical treatment plan.
• We do not implant or encourage false memories, and clients are always reminded that experiences during hypnosis are subjective.

3. Confidentiality & Data Protection

• All client records and case notes are stored securely, either in locked physical storage or password-protected digital systems.
• Personal information is never shared without the client’s explicit written consent, except where legally required (e.g., risk of harm or court order).
• If a client case is discussed during supervision or professional consultation, it is done in a way that protects full anonymity unless the client has consented otherwise.

4. Safe & Respectful Boundaries

• We uphold clear and healthy professional boundaries at all times.
• There is zero tolerance for any emotional, financial, or sexual exploitation of clients.
• Tactile methods (such as hand drops or arm raising) are only used with prior explanation and permission.
• Hypnotherapy services will be terminated if a dual or inappropriate relationship develops (including with immediate family members).
• Gifts, favors, or gratuities from clients are politely declined.

5. Ethical Advertising & Credentials

• All credentials, titles, and certifications promoted by Within Hypnosis are valid, current, and earned through accredited training institutions. See our Certifications & Credentials page for more details.
• We never claim qualifications we don’t possess or use titles in a misleading way.
• All promotional content accurately reflects our scope of practice and avoids unrealistic claims.

6. Working with Minors & Special Populations

• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required before working with minors or individuals with special needs.
• Whenever appropriate, a trusted adult is encouraged to be present during sessions with minors to ensure transparency and support.

7. Supervision & Continuing Education

• Lucia Rios, CCHt., engages in regular supervision and peer consultation to maintain professional integrity and growth.
• We commit to completing ongoing hypnotherapy education annually, ensuring that our approach remains current, evidence-informed, and client-centered. You can learn more about our therapeutic values in Our Philosophy.

8. Research & Case Sharing

• When relevant, client stories may be anonymized and used for educational purposes (e.g., mentoring or supervision) only with verbal or written consent.
• We do not publish or share any client material — even in disguised form — without permission.
• We do not engage in clinical research or data collection without explicit, informed consent.

9. Online, Phone & Remote Sessions

• We ensure clients are aware of how remote sessions may differ from in-person work.
• Clients are expected to join sessions from a quiet, private space where they feel safe and undisturbed.
• We may decline to continue a remote session if it becomes clear the setting is not conducive to therapeutic work.
• All online sessions are conducted with the same ethical standards as in-person work, including confidentiality and client safety protocols.

10. Duty to Report & Protect

• If a client expresses an intent to harm themselves or others, we may be legally required to notify appropriate authorities or medical professionals.
• We comply with all local laws regarding the mandatory reporting of child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of imminent danger.