The International Holistic Therapists Federation is a private non-profit membership organization.

Our mission is to bring together practitioners committed to a holistic approach to well-being, we bring together therapists from various complementary disciplines, sharing common values of respect, benevolence and integrity.

Our members, from around the world, are qualified and experienced professionals in fields such as psychology, holistic medicine, mind-body therapies, personal development, energy practices and spirituality.

We firmly believe that the body, mind and essence of being are interconnected, and that true, holistic well being can only be attained through a holistic approach.

This is why we also support individuals mentally, physically and spiritually, in order to help them achieve a state of lasting harmony and fulfillment.

Together, we form a supportive network dedicated to sharing knowledge and continuous improvement.

We also promote access to quality training for therapists, so that they can constantly enhance their skills and provide optimal support.

We regularly organize workshops, conferences and certification programs in various countries.

To participate in events and other missions of the federation, it is necessary to be a member, which is done upon request or recommendation. The membership fees and donations from members allow us to accomplish our missions and also to support partner charitable associations with which we share common values and missions.

As a private membership association, we exercise our constitutionally protected right of free association, recognized internationally, to establish our organization in the private domain,
independent of state control or interference.

Furthermore, our mission is also to raise public awareness about the benefits of holistic approaches and to facilitate connections between therapists and those seeking greater well-being.

By joining our federation, you become part of an international movement committed to a more conscious, fulfilled society in harmony with itself and its environment.

If you want to know more, become a member, receive our support or any other questions,
feel free to contact us and we will guide you as best as possible...

Freedom of Association:
A Fundamental Right

Freedom of association is a fundamental human right enshrined in major international treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and regional instruments such as the European Convention on Human Rights. It allows individuals to form and join associations, including trade unions, political parties, religious groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil society bodies.This right is critical for enabling citizens to collectively express their views, protect their interests, and participate meaningfully in public life. As the European Court of Human Rights has stated, freedom of association "constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society."

Robust Legal Protections

International law robustly protects freedom of association by prohibiting unjustified interference from states. Restrictions are permitted only if prescribed by law and necessary for legitimate aims like national security or public safety. However, the European Court has emphasized that a mere invocation of public order cannot justify overbroad restrictions that fail to meet the test of proportionality. The Court has consistently ruled against mandatory registration requirements for associations, viewing them as impermissible burdens on this fundamental freedom.
Notable cases include Hasan and Chaush v. Bulgaria (2000) and Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia v. Moldova (2001).

Protecting Civil Society Space

To uphold freedom of association, international bodies have issued guidelines underscoring states' duty to protect civil society space and avoid undue interference. The UN, OSCE and Council of Europe have all emphasized the vital role of NGOs and other associations in promoting democracy, human rights and government accountability. As the world becomes more polarized, safeguarding freedom of association is essential for preserving open societies based on pluralism, debate and peaceful dissent. Democracies must remain vigilant against any measures that can undermine this fundamental liberty which has proven indispensable for human progress over the centuries.

ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES AND AGREEMENT OF THE "INTERNATIONAL HOLISTIC THERAPISTS FEDERATION",
PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I - ESTABLISHMENT AND NATURE

Section 1.1 - Formation and Authority

This Association is formed by virtue of the internationally recognized human right to freedom of association, allowing everyone to freely create independent private organizations, free from any government control or interference.
In accordance with Swiss private law, the association is a private entity that administers itself independently and organizes itself freely, without interference from the State.
Swiss law confers on the association the status of a private organization, which can self-regulate and define its own rules of operation.

Section 1.2 - Private Membership Association

The Association shall exist and operate entirely as a private membership association, distinct from public entities, outside the authority of state regulators, agencies or officials.

Section 1.3 - Activities

The association may work in collaboration with other associations to achieve its missions, being able to either offer a contribution or receive a contribution from other associations in order to accomplish their mutual goals, with some associations being directly related as sister or auxiliary associations.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS AND AGREEMENT

Section 2.1 - Rights

Members shall retain their constitutionally guaranteed rights of free association, speech, assembly and all other liberties when participating in the private affairs of this Association.

Section 2.2 - Agreement

Membership is open to individuals who share and want to support the purpose and values of the association and agree with the « Association guidelines ».

Section 2.3 - Application

Membership is acquired by submitting a written application through mail, email or other means, making an oral request directly to the board of directors or to any individual board member, by being accepted to participate in any Association activities by a board member or by being nominated for membership by one or more founding members.

Section 2.4 - Voting

Membership in the Association does not grant any voting rights or give members any rights with respect to the business, operations, or conduct of the Association.

Nevertheless, members can share their ideas and opinions with the board of directors.

Section 2.5 – Fees and donation

Membership fee amount is free or voluntary and Members may choose to add a voluntary contribution and/or donation, but payment of a membership fee is not mandatory.

This membership fee options could change in the future and members will be informed if this is the case.

Section 2.6 - Access

Members can access all the "services/missions" offered by the association, unless certain « services » have associated cost necessary to be paid by the member (rent…).

Section 2.7 – Special Assessments

The board of directors may request voluntary special assessments from members to cover extraordinary expenses or projects not funded by the regular budget.

Section 2.8 – Application Approval

Membership in the Association can only be granted or authorized by the Board of Directors, and no other individual or entity has the power to approve or deny membership applications.

Section 2.9 – Private agreement

Membership is a private contractual agreement between the Association and each individual member. By choosing to join, a member accepts the responsibilities, rules, disciplinary processes and jurisdiction outlined in the association guidelines as a condition of membership.

Section 2.10 - Complaints

By joining, members, have freely chosen to change their legal status from general public to private member of the Association. Consequently, they accept all personal responsibilities for their own acts of consumption and/or participation within the Association, releasing the Association from any liability in this regard. Members expressly waive any rights to file formal complaints against the Association, its members or leadership for unintentional actions, decisions or harm, except in cases where without their consent, there is clear evidence of intentional misconduct that directly and imminently threatens the safety or well-being of members.

ARTICLE III - SELF-GOVERNANCE

Section 3.1 - Governing Authority

The Association shall be self-governing, deriving its authority solely from the articles of association, Constitution, Association Guidelines or internal regulations, policies and procedures as established by the founding members.

Only the Founding Members/board members of the Association shall have the authority to make decisions regarding the management and direction of the Association, including but not limited to:

• Amending these Association Guidelines

• Electing or removing members of the Board of Directors

• Accepting or rejecting membership application

• Approving or rejecting changes to the Association's mission, vision, or objectives

• Making decisions on the Association's financial and operational matters

All other members shall have no authority to make decisions or take actions on behalf of the Association, and shall be bound by the decisions made by the Founding Members.

Section 3.2 - Limited Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction of the Association is limited solely to its own internal affairs, operations and relations with its private membership.
No public or state authority may regulate the private activities of this Association.

Section 3.3 - Amendment

The Association Guidelines, may be amended from time to time by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV - RULES OF CONDUCT

Members shall act ethically and avoid harming the association or others by,
included but not limited to:

Adhere with the association's guidelines and policies,

Promoting the interests of the community and refraining from detrimental conduct,

Comply with applicable laws and abstaining from illegal activities,

Treating other members, staff and guests with respect, without verbal or physical abuse,

Caring for the association's property and avoiding damage or misuse,

Members agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all internal activities, interactions, and information shared within the Association, ensuring nothing is disclosed outside the membership, unless authorization has clearly been given.

Etc.

The overarching ethical obligation is to avoid harming the association, its members or property through one's actions or inactions. This requires a commitment to integrity, responsibility and consideration for others.

By upholding these principles, members contribute to a positive, safe and productive environment that enables the association to thrive. Disciplinary measures may be taken if ethical standards are seriously breached.

ARTICLE V - Disciplinary Process

Alleged violations of the rules of conduct shall be reported to the ethics committee in writing.

The ethics committee shall investigate the matter and provide the accused member an opportunity to respond.

If a violation is found, the ethics committee may impose disciplinary measures such as:

Private reprimand, Public censure, Temporary suspension of membership privileges, Termination of membership…

The consequences of non-compliance, can include fines, penalties, or other fair and proportionate measures.

The accused member may appeal the ethics committee's decision to the board of directors.

The board's decision on appeal shall be final.

ARTICLE VI - ASSOCIATION JURISDICTION

These guidelines apply to all members of the association.

The association shall have jurisdiction over member conduct that occurs:

On association premises, at events organized by the association, in the course of association business or missions, through electronic communications or social media...

The association's disciplinary process is separate from and in addition to any civil or criminal proceedings related to the conduct.

ARTICLE VII – AGREEMENT AND CONSENT

By applying for and accepting membership in the Association, each member expressly acknowledges, agrees and consents to comply with all rules, policies and procedures set forth in these Association Guidelines, as may be amended from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article III Section 3.3.

Each member agrees that their membership and participation shall be governed by the terms and conditions of these Association Guidelines. These Guidelines represent the entire agreement between the Association and its members regarding membership and supersede any and all prior agreements, representations or warranties, whether written or oral. No modification or waiver of these Association Guidelines shall be valid unless approved in writing by the Board of Directors.

Submitting a membership application, receiving a membership, paying applicable dues, or participating in any Association activities constitutes the member's unequivocal acceptance of the rights, obligations and responsibilities
outlined in these Association Guidelines.