It is appropriate to explore the concept of fair exchange whether or not we charge actual money for our services. Fair exchange can include barter or simple appreciation. The important points are that when we charge money, our rates should be clear and fair. When we don’t charge money, we should be clear about what we are giving, and what we are expecting in return. This is true even if all we are expecting is the opportunity to practice, to help and to share. Many people volunteer their services to charities as part of their concept of fair exchange; it is a way to give back to the community that supports them.
The law mandates confidentiality for doctors, counselors, priests, and lawyers. Many metaphysical practitioners believe we need to follow that same protocol. Unless there is a direct threat to someone’s life, many of us feel we should hold our clients’ privacy and trust sacred.
Compassion with integrity is an interesting concept. Ideally, we need to treat our clients with compassion, but still keep integrity by refusing to give unrealistic hope or false cures.
Treating clients with respect covers a lot of territory – everything from providing an appropriate healing space, presenting ourselves professionally, trying to stay on time and respecting differences in culture and lifestyle. We also need to consider treating our legitimate competitors with respect.