Legal & Ethical Guidelines for Students and Graduates

 At the School of Applied Metaphysics, we are committed to providing high-quality training in facilitation, coaching, teaching, and emotional support counseling/consulting. Below, we outline important legal considerations for those studying with us or who have completed our programs. 

1. Recognition & Legal Standing of Our Courses

• Our holistic wellness courses are designed to equip students with skills in coaching, facilitation, teaching, and emotional support counseling.
• While we are not an accrediting body,  we collaborate with advisors from recognized professional boards to ensure our materials align with best practices in competency development and ethical service. 
• Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, which signifies that they have completed training in a specific methodology or approach.
• This certificate does not constitute a license or accreditation from a regulatory body.

2. Your Right to Practice Under South African Law

Freedom to Practice (Section 22 of the Constitution)

• The South African Constitution grants every citizen the right to choose their occupation or profession and to practice it freely, as long as they comply with applicable regulations.
• Our training prepares you to practice as a coach, facilitator, teacher, or emotional support counselor within the scope of holistic wellness and personal development.

Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Professions

• Our graduates are not licensed psychologists, therapists, social workers, or medical professionals. (Unless they have completed these qualficiations independently.
• Fields like psychology and counseling are regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and require formal qualifications and registration.
• However, holistic emotional support counseling, life coaching, facilitation, and personal development work do not require licensing under South African law, meaning you can operate as an independent practitioner in these fields, when you work within a legal scope.

3. Regulatory Bodies & Membership Options

While no governing body officially regulates coaching, facilitation, or emotional support counseling, professional membership organizations provide ethical guidance and community support.

Examples in South Africa include:

• COMENSA (Coaches and Mentors of South Africa)
• ASCHP (Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners)

We have designed our programs to align with best practices from these bodies. Graduates may choose to apply for membership with such organizations based on their qualifications, training hours, and business needs. Membership is a personal choice and not a requirement for practice in South Africa.

4. Scope of Practice & Ethical Considerations

As a graduate of our programs, depending on the course completed, you may:
✔ Offer personal development coaching, holistic emotional support, and teaching and faciliating personal development courses and workshops.
✔ Facilitate workshops, private sessions, and group programs on emotional intelligence, healing, and personal growth.
✔ Support individuals in navigating emotions, mindset shifts, and self-awareness.
✔ Work independently, within organizations, or in community settings.

⚠ However, you may NOT:
❌ Diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions.
❌ Prescribe medication or provide clinical therapy.
❌ Represent yourself as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker unless you hold separate credentials in those fields.

To maintain ethical integrity, all practitioners should provide a clear disclaimer stating that their services are educational and coaching-based, not medical or psychological interventions.

5. Legal Compliance & International Considerations

Consumer Protection & Ethical Clarity

• Under South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA), all practitioners must clearly define their services to clients.
• We recommend including a disclaimer in your practice that outlines your qualifications, training, and scope of services.

Practicing Internationally

• Laws regarding coaching, facilitation, and holistic support vary by country.
• If you plan to work outside of South Africa, you should research local laws to ensure compliance with licensing and practice regulations.