Are you making these four practitioner mistakes? Here’s the Fix!

Running a complementary therapy practice is deeply rewarding – you get to help people heal, grow and transform right before your very eyes. But between client sessions, admin tasks, insurance renewals and marketing, it’s easy to miss the small details that keep your business protected and professional.

At IICT, we’ve supported thousands of practitioners across more than 1,400 modalities. Over the years, we’ve seen a few common slip-ups that can cause unnecessary stress or even compromise your insurance coverage. Here are the top four mistakes’ people make and a quick checklist to help you avoid them.

1. Working outside your approved scope of practice

The mistake:
Practitioners often add new techniques, tools or modalities without formally applying for approval through their IICT Membership. Even if you’re qualified, if a therapy isn’t listed on your IICT Membership and insurance schedule, you may not be covered.

Avoid it with this checklist:

☐ Review your IICT-approved modalities list in your Member Portal.

☐ Submit any new qualifications for assessment before offering the service.

☐ Double-check your insurance certificate of currency, to ensure each modality is listed.

☐ Keep copies of qualifications and client records for all services provided.

2. Letting membership or insurance lapse

The mistake:
Life gets busy and, as the months pass by, renewal reminders can slip through the cracks. But a single day without current insurance leaves you personally liable for any client claims or incidents that occur during that gap.

Avoid it with this checklist:

☐ Add your membership and insurance renewal dates to your calendar.

☐ Ensure your payment details are up to date in your IICT Member Portal. Doing so guarantees your IICT Membership will automatically renew on time each year.

☐ Check your inbox for membership and insurance renewal reminders.

☐ Renew your insurance early.

3. Overlooking informed consent and record keeping

The mistake:
Even seasoned practitioners sometimes skip detailed intake forms, progress notes or client consent updates. In the event of a complaint, lack of documentation can make it difficult to demonstrate ethical and professional practice.

Avoid it with this checklist:

☐ Use clear intake and consent forms for every new client.

☐ Update client records regularly with treatment notes and outcomes.

☐ Store all documentation securely and confidentially (digital or paper).

☐ Review your record-keeping process annually for compliance.

4. Failing to set clear boundaries and policies

The mistake:
Many practitioners blur lines between professional and personal relationships, skip cancellation policies or hesitate to charge fairly for their time. This not only leads to burnout but also undermines your professional credibility.

Avoid it with this checklist:

☐ Create written policies for cancellations, payments and communication.

☐ Discuss these policies with clients during intake.

☐ Establish clear hours and boundaries around contact and availability.

☐ Review your pricing annually to reflect your experience and demand.

Helping you thrive

The most successful complementary therapy practitioners are proactive. They treat their heart-centred business with the same care they offer their clients.

At IICT, our goal is to support you with clarity, protection and peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most: helping others thrive.

Log in to your IICT Member Portal to review your modalities, update contact details or renew your membership and insurance coverage today. And, don’t forget, we’re just a phone call away!