Why Ethics Matter in My Energy Practice
I want to talk to you about something close to my heart as an energy practitioner—how I work with people in nonordinary states of being and why my ethical standards are so important. I’ve been diving into The Ethics of Caring by Kylea Taylor, and it’s really shaped how I think about supporting clients, especially when they’re in vulnerable or altered states. Let’s unpack this together, including what these states are, how your life before a session matters, and some key things like set and setting, countertransference, and what a crisis might look like after a session.
What Are Nonordinary States of Being?
Picture this: you’re in a session, and you slip into a state that’s different from your everyday mindset. Maybe you’re deeply relaxed, in a meditative trance, feeling intense emotions, or even having spiritual visions. That’s what I mean by nonordinary states of being—altered states of consciousness where you’re more open, maybe tapping into your subconscious or connecting with something bigger. These states are powerful, but they also make you vulnerable, which is why I take my role so seriously.
Why My Ethics Are Non-Negotiable
When you come to me, you’re trusting me to hold space for you, especially in those open, sensitive states. The Ethics of Caring emphasizes how crucial it is to have clear boundaries, get your informed consent, respect your choices, and keep everything confidential. I’m always mindful of the power dynamic—when you’re in an altered state, you might feel more suggestible, and I need to honor that trust. That means constantly checking in with myself, learning, and growing so I can show up with integrity.
Before we even start, I want to understand where you’re at in life. Are you dealing with stress, trauma, or maybe searching for spiritual meaning? Your story shapes how I work with you. If you’re grieving, I might go gentler to keep you safe. If you’re ready to dive deep, we can explore more, but always with care. Knowing your context helps me meet you where you are.
Set and Setting: Creating a Safe Space
Let’s talk about set and setting—it’s huge in this work. Your “set” is your mindset: what’s on your mind, what you’re hoping for, and how you’re feeling going into the session. “Setting” is the space we’re in—the vibe, the safety, my presence. I make sure the room feels calm and sacred, with soft lighting. Before you even arrive, I practice a cleansing ritual to clear the energy. It’s all about helping you feel grounded and safe so you can let go. If we are working virtually, I will always check in to make sure you feel safe and comfortable for your session before we begin.
We’ll also chat about your mindset before we start. What’s your intention? Any worries? I want you to feel ready and in control of how deep we go. If you’re feeling fragile, we’ll take it slow. Skipping this step could leave you feeling lost or overwhelmed, and I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.
What’s Countertransference?
Okay, let’s get real about countertransference. Sometimes, your energy or story might stir up my own feelings or past experiences. For example, if you’re grieving, it might touch on a loss I’ve had, and I could feel emotional or drained. That’s countertransference—when my stuff gets triggered by you. The Ethics of Caring talks about how important it is to notice this and not let it mess with our work. I stay grounded, clear my own energy, and sometimes talk to a trusted colleague to keep things clean. That way, I’m fully present for you, not caught up in my own head.
What a Healing Crisis Might Look Like
Sometimes, after a session, things can feel intense—that’s what I mean by a healing crisis. You might feel a wave of emotions like sadness or fear as stuff comes up. Or you could feel ungrounded, like you’re floating out of reality. Some folks even have what’s called a spiritual emergency—think big visions or deep existential questions that feel overwhelming. Physically, you might be exhausted or get a headache.
My job is to prepare you for this possibility. I’ll give you grounding tools, like deep breathing, somatic movement exercises, or spending time in nature, and suggest journaling to process things. I’ll check in with you afterward and make sure you know who to call if it feels like too much. If something big comes up, like a spiritual emergency, I will be a phone call away to help you figure it out. If needed I have a list of therapists who understand nonordinary states who I can refer you to. Therapy goes hand in hand with this type of work. The Ethics of Caring reminds me to always have your back with clear aftercare so you’re supported.
Wrapping Up
Working with you in these sacred, nonordinary states is such a privilege, and I don’t take it lightly. By honoring where you’re at in life, creating a safe set and setting, keeping my own emotions in check, and preparing you for any big reactions, I’m committed to making our sessions healing and empowering. The Ethics of Caring has been a guide for me, and I hope this gives you a sense of how deeply I care about holding space for you. Let’s walk this path together, with trust and respect.
