Association of Holistic Bodywork Practitioners (Barbados)
About Us
​Goals of AHBP
The AHBP pursues the following goals to serve its members, the public, and the health and wellness profession:
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To establish the value and effectiveness of holistic bodywork therapy for improved health and well-being
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To increase public awareness of holistic bodywork therapies and the association
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To advocate that the therapy provided to the public meets high standards
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To promote access to holistic bodywork practitioners
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To be an influential stakeholder in the health and wellness sector
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To be a leader and resource in and for the holistic community
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To enhance the continuous professional development and personal growth of its members
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To foster the growth, development, organizational effectiveness, and visibility of the AHBP
Membership Benefits
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Creation of a professional network via a shared directory of practitioners
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Identification with a professional body (membership card/certificate)
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Validation of professional services
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Disciplining body to police unethical practices
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Professional Indemnity Insurance (through Lloyds of London)
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Fostering of a like-minded community
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Provision of continuing educational resources
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Improved visibility of the profession to the public
Membership Fees
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Annual membership fees will cover costs of administration, marketing and advertising, health fairs/exhibitions, and public education. Fees are quoted in Barbados dollars (BDS).
Professional members BDS $100.00
Student members BDS $50.00
Supporting members BDS $25.00
All practitioners are welcomed to join the association. It will be mandatory for Massage Practitioners and Reflexologists to meet the requirements of the standard Codes of Practice that are currently being put in place.
Certification Standards
This will cover the minimum level of educational training and requirements for any practitioner. All professional practitioners will be required to meet these standards. Professionally trained practitioners will be required to present valid certification of qualification(s).
Certification requirements will include, but are not limited to:
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Therapeutic techniques and application according to the specific modality
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Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
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Pathologies and contra-indications
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Health and hygiene
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Business practice
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Intern/Externship (practical case studies)
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CPR / First Aid
Standards of Practice
The AHBP standards of practice are developed to assist the professional practitioners to:
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Provide safe, consistent care
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Determine the quality of care provided
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Provide a common base to develop quality practice
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Support and preserve the basic rights of the client and professional practitioner
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Assist the public in understanding what to expect from a professional practitioner
The standards will include, but are not limited to:
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Conduct of the professional practitioner
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Sanitation, hygiene and safety
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Professional relationships with clients
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Professional relationships with other health care providers
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Records (client and financial)
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Marketing
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Legal practice
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Continuous professional development (CPD)
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Educational institutions/providers
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Research
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The AHBP is currently working with the Barbados National Standards Institute (BNSI) to finalise the development of a national occupational code of practice.
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Final draft Codes of Practice for Massage as well as Reflexology are now available for review and comment. Click on links to download. Please send any feedback to Ms. Renata Sealy at the Barbados National Standards Institute (rsealy@bnsi.com.bb)
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