However - and this is most important - for all forms of haptonomic application, in no matter which discipline, the fundamental and essential haptonomic ethic is, by its very nature, valid and of prime importance.

This ethic is founded on the norms of the haptonomic approach, which take into account more than fifty years of experience, to wit :

• abstention from all forms of dirigisme on the part of the professional authority, especially all abuse of power.
• a conduct during the encounter which is without bias, unprejudiced, prudent, respectful, attentive, considerate, (a frank and unguarded self-presentation).
• an open-minded presence, transparent and clear, (an honest self-presentation).
• a consideration of the categorical imperative "Totus sed non totaliter" (the whole person, but not in his totality), which comprises an optimum affective approach, whilst preserving a distance which respects the human and his particularity, representing the "philia" as "contained love".
• The greatest caution regarding emotional, psychotactile and psychohaptic contact, taking into account (with an indubitable clarity, without contempt or ambiguity) the desired aim, in the approach, the accompaniment, the care, the help or the therapy, in such a way that the "approached" person can confirm this intentional clarity as real, strongly felt and experienced.
• an unconditional respect for the right of the "approached" person to self determination, calling on his own ability to make decisions, freely and independently, over the choice or stance taken regarding any matter of vital or existential concern to him.
• In consequence of the aforementioned, an abstention from all forms of application of haptonomic phenomenality, or its continuation, each time that the above mentionned criteria are not openly demonstrated in such a way that the "approached" person is able to fully confirm them in all respects, and agree of his own free will to this form of application and its continuation.
• a consideration consistent with the values and fundamental aims of the haptonomic approach - no matter what therapeutic aim is being pursued - which is characterised by the disclosure of the Goodness of the "approached" person ; the rational confirmation of his existence (existentia) and the affective confirmation of his essential being (essentia).
• ensure the implementation of a clear and indisputable detachment at the end of each session, whilst assuring the affective relationship.
• refusal of all forms of advertisement - of any kind - regarding haptonomy and its applications.

It is therefore clear that at the base of all forms of application of haptonomic phenomenality is a fundamental and normalised haptonomic ethic and deontology.

Haptonomy considers the individual as a unique, autonomous being, responsible for himself, endowed with reason. The singularities of the human are revealed and represented in his animated corporality. Affective maturation leads the individual to a free and responsible expression of his sentiments. In this context, haptonomy can neither be compared nor compatible with psychocorporal, corporal or respiratory methods and techniques, and is absolutely not to be interpreted as a “science of touching.”
It is not a matter of correcting the effects or manifestations of the world of sentiments and emotions – the world of Affectivity – but to truly help the development of a state of basic security, which opens the way to the free and liberating expression of the emotions. Psychocorporal, corporal and respiratory methods and techniques, of whatever nature, impede this personal progression.

*see p.e. : Code of medical deontology, October 1996, - Ed. Du Seuil.
**This implies that what is called a “contractual clause” in certain forms of (psycho-)therapy (which means the patient more or less submits himself to the therapist’s discretion or power, in that the former must submit to what the latter thinks is good for his therapy, for him) cannot and must not be exacted, in any form, in connection with an application to haptonomy.