How to Protect Yourself From Being Sued as an Energy Practitioner

Have you ever noticed how often the number three shows up in life? Three wishes from a genie. Three little pigs. Three bears and one very picky Goldilocks. It turns out three isn’t just catchy…it’s memorable. Two isn’t quite enough, and four? Too even! Three is “just right.”

So, in the spirit of what sticks, let’s talk about three things that every energy practitioner must have in place to reduce legal risk and avoid being sued.

These three core documents are a part of your paperwork portfolio. They are the foundation of your professional protection. Every client you work with should have these on file:

• A signed Client Agreement (that includes informed consent)
• A Scope of Practice
• A Code of Ethics

If you’re missing any one of them, you’re putting your reputation and your practice at risk.

Fortunately, getting these documents isn’t difficult. You can download templates from a reputable association (like EMPA!) or consult an attorney to help you create ones tailored to your practice. The key is understanding why they matter.

Start With the Essentials: The Three Key Documents That Protect You

Risk prevention begins with clarity: on what you offer, how you work, and what clients can expect. These documents help you build that clarity into your daily practice.

1. Client Agree with Informed Consent

This document ensures that your client understands what to expect from your sessions—what the work involves, what it does not, and what outcomes are realistic. Without this kind of clarity, confusion can lead to disappointment or worse: a legal claim for misrepresentation or negligence. A signed informed consent as part of your client agreement protects both parties by confirming the client agrees to the scope and nature of your work.

2. Scope of Practice

This document outlines what you are—and are not—trained to do. It ensures that the client knows what kind of services you provide and that you, as the practitioner, stay within your professional boundaries. It also reinforces the importance of referring out when something your client needs is outside your scope. Ethical practice means never discouraging clients from seeking conventional care when needed.

3. Code of Ethics

A Code of Ethics is a set of principles that guides how you work; with integrity, professionalism, and accountability. It outlines your values and helps you navigate real-world situations with clarity.

Energy healing isn’t regulated like licensed healthcare fields, which means we don’t have a formal “standard of care.” That’s exactly why setting your own high standards matters. A clear Code of Ethics reflects your commitment to ethical practice. Think of it as your professional GPS. When challenges arise, your Code gives you a solid framework to respond with confidence.

Want to take a closer look at how to build and apply a Code of Ethics in your practice? Check out our article: Code of Ethics for Energy Healers: Best Practices for a Safer Practice

Review, Update, Repeat

Having these documents in place is a huge first step! To truly protect your practice, you need to review and update them regularly, ideally every year, or anytime your scope of services changes. Did you add a new modality? Bring in a colleague? Shift your client intake process? All of those changes should be reflected in updated documentation.

Want to Lower Your Risk Even Further? Here’s How

Beyond the three key documents, there are other protective steps you can take that are simple, professional, and incredibly effective at reducing your liability risk.

Carry Professional Liability Insurance

This is one of the most important forms of protection you can invest in. The right policy helps cover legal costs and claims if a client accuses you of harm. Not all insurance is the same, so be sure you understand what your policy includes. EMPA offers policies specifically designed for energy medicine professionals.

Document Your Sessions Thoroughly

Good documentation protects your decision-making process. Keep clear notes about what was considered, what was done, what wasn’t done, and why. If you skip a session, explain the reason. If you make a late entry, note the date and clarify that it’s a late addition. Accurate documentation can be your best defense in the event of a claim.

Track Communication Carefully

Client records should include both verbal and written communication. What did the client say? How did they respond to the session? Were there email follow-ups? Phone calls? All of this paints a clear picture of your professional conduct.

Hold Yourself to a High Standard

Set a tone of professionalism in every part of your practice—from timely communication and clear boundaries to how you handle scheduling, payments, and follow-ups. Clients feel safer and more confident when your behavior is consistent, respectful, and grounded in integrity.

Practice With Professional Boundaries

It only takes one misunderstanding for a client to feel uncomfortable, hurt, or even traumatized. And when clients feel violated, even unintentionally, legal action may follow. Honor boundaries. Clarify the structure of each session. Ask for consent every step of the way.

Protect Client Privacy

Client records must be stored securely (whether electronically or physically). Have a policy for how you manage, release, or dispose of records, and make sure you follow it consistently. Only collect what’s relevant to the work—and always maintain confidentiality.

Set Expectations Upfront

Discuss your fees before the first session. Posting them online is a good practice. Clients should never be surprised about what they’re paying or what they’re getting. Professional transparency builds confidence and reduces the risk of complaints.

Don’t Let Miscommunication Lead to a Lawsuit

The biggest legal risks for energy practitioners often don’t come from something going wrong in a session, but from misunderstandings, unclear boundaries, or gaps in communication. An unclear scope of practice, vague session expectations, or lack of documentation can make it harder to defend yourself, even if your intentions were honorable.

What’s Next? Where to Start If You’re Not Sure

If you’re an EMPA member or thinking about becoming one, here’s the core message: protecting yourself begins with how you operate your practice. That means clear communication, client-centered ethics, good documentation, and a professional foundation.

And yes, it means having the right insurance in place, too. One that matches your actual scope of work!

Start with a review. Take inventory of your process. Reflect. Update. And if you don’t yet have liability insurance—now is the time to fix that.

At EMPA, we support energy practitioners by helping them build practices that are safe, ethical, and protected. Our members have access to resources, professional guidance, and insurance policies built for the holistic world—including customizable templates for all three key documents: Client Agreement, Scope of Practice, and Code of Ethics. If you’re looking to practice with confidence and peace of mind, we’re here to help you do it!

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal or medical advice. The examples are general, and coverage may vary by policy. Always refer to your insurance provider or policy language for specific details, as the policy terms take precedence. For legal concerns related to your practice, consult an attorney.