Setting Up as a Professional Sound Therapist in Australia

Insurance, Ethics, Visibility, and Professional Support by ASHA

As you near completion of your Sound Therapy Practitioner training, it's time to prepare for professional practice. This guide outlines what you'll need to launch ethically, legally, and confidently as a practitioner in Australia—including your Gold Membership, insurance, documentation, and scope of practice.

Understanding Your Scope of Practice

Sound therapy is a complementary, wellness-based modality. As a sound therapist:

• You do not diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.

• You offer sessions that support rest, emotional regulation, and nervous system balance.

• You are trained to screen clients, refer out when appropriate, and honour your training limits.

Being clear about your scope protects you, your clients, and the profession as a whole.

Professional Documentation and Privacy

As part of your practitioner setup, you’ll need to establish:

• Consent and intake forms with opt-out options and referral disclaimers

• Secure client recordkeeping for session notes and screening outcomes

• Clear safety guidelines in your session descriptions and follow-up material

ASHA provides editable templates as part of your training to support this setup.

Insurance Requirements in Australia

Before offering sessions to the public, even in a casual or community setting, you must hold:

• Public Liability Insurance: Covers physical injury or property damage connected to your sessions.

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers claims related to your facilitation, such as inadequate advice or recordkeeping.

Coverage amounts usually start at $10 million (public) and $1–5 million (indemnity), depending on your venue and session type. These policies are required by most hosts, wellness spaces, and referral networks.

Trauma-Aware Safety Practices

As covered in your ASHA training, trauma-informed care is critical to safe practice. Key steps include:

• Screening for contraindications (e.g., pacemakers, trauma, seizure disorders)

• Allowing client control through opt-outs or distance adjustments

• Keeping sessions grounded and paced with rest breaks and silence

• Referring clients outside your scope when necessary.

Practitioner Setup Checklist

As you graduate and prepare for paid work, your checklist should include:

• Scope and hygiene policies

• Client forms and safety protocols

• A cancellation and pricing policy

• Equipment transport and venue setup planning

• Booking method (link, form, or calendar)

• Insurance documentation

• Your ASHA Gold Membership and directory listing.

Ethical Visibility and Referrals

After graduation, your ability to attract and retain clients will rest on trust and professionalism. Ethical practice includes:

• Describing sound therapy in accurate, trauma-aware language

• Sharing grounded, scope-appropriate content

• Using testimonials and referrals with permission only

• Making bookings and aftercare resources clear and client-friendly.

Gold Membership: Your Gateway to Practice

To be listed in the ASHA directory and access insurance pathways, you must register for Gold Membership. As a training graduate, you are eligible for 12 months free to help you launch professionally with the right support.

Gold Membership includes:

• Insurance eligibility through ASHA-recognised brokers

• Use of your ASHA Gold digital badge

• Directory listing to attract clients

• Editable client forms and practitioner templates

• Recognition as a trained, insured sound therapist

Register now at:
www.australiansoundhealersassociation.com.au/membership

Your Path Forward

Professional practice begins the moment you take ownership of your setup. By aligning with ethical standards, completing your documentation, and securing the right support through ASHA, you are stepping into your role as a sound therapist with integrity and clarity.

The world needs well-trained, safe, and grounded practitioners. We're here to support your next steps.