Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, Vol. 21, No. 3, 1996 Ethical and Practice Considerations for Biofeedback Therapists in the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence Patrice Paul Illnois Institute of Technology Jeffrey E. Cassisi t Jackson State University Paul Larson Illinois Institute of Technology The treatment of incontinence presents many unique issues for biofeedback therapists that are routine for professionals in fields such as nursing or medicine. Although all professional practice is guided by ethical standards, the unique circumstances encountered during biofeedback treatments for this disorder warrant the development of specific guidelines. This is true whether insertable or surface EMG devices are used. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose a set of ethical guidelines for biofeedback therapists. The intended audience includes professionals such as psychologists, clinical psychophysiologists, and other mental health-care providers who use biofeedback techniques. These are not formally endorsed by any professional organizations (e.g., APA, AAPB) at this time. Ethical considerations include proper medical evaluation, informed consent, patient instruction, disrobing,, nonerotic physical contact, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. Descriptor Key Words: ethics; biofeedback; incontinence; exercise; pelvic floor. 1Address all correspondence to Jeffery E. Cassisi, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0350 229 0363-358619610900-0229509.50/0 91996Plenum Publishing Corporation