The Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia (STAA) is the peak body representing professionally trained shiatsu therapists across Australia.
STAA is dedicated to:
- ensuring members meet the highest standards of training and practice
- increasing public awareness of shiatsu
- supporting and representing members through a national network
Our vision is for shiatsu to be a recognised element of an integrated healthcare system.
Types of Membership
There are three types of membership: Full, Associate and Student.
Full
For practising qualified shiatsu practitioners. Education requirement is a Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies from an Australian registered training organisation (HLT50207, HLT50212, HLT52215). Full members must have current professional indemnity insurance and Provide First Aid qualifications, and are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education annually.
Associate
For individuals who are not currently practising shiatsu for monetary reward and/or interested in shiatsu therapy and STAA's activities. Available to practitioners who have full registration with another association who wish to keep in contact with the shiatsu community. Associate members are not listed as practising on our website, and are not registered with the health funds.
Student
For students studying the Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies at a registered training organisation. Available for 2 years to cover the duration of the Diploma. If the diploma is not completed within that time, a request for an extension can be sent to STAA for up to 6 months. If the time required to complete is more than 6 months, a Student Renewal Application is required for another 2 years.
Benefits of Membership
- Access to professional indemnity insurance
- Registration with 14 health funds (for full members) to enable rebates for clients
- Practitioner listing by location on Find a Therapist on STAA website
- Member discounts for STAA events
- Biannual magazine Pointers
- Regular e-newsletters and email updates
- Promotion of minimum standards for shiatsu therapists
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- State and Territory representatives
- Access to marketing brochures to support promotion of shiatsu and their practice
Code of Standards & Ethics
The STAA Code of Standards and Ethics covers:
- Duty of care
- Professional conduct
- Hygiene
- Confidentiality
- Patient records
- Advertising
- Stationery
- Breach of Code of Standards and Ethics
Full members are required to sign a declaration that they will comply with the Code.
Continuing Professional Education and Development
Full members of STAA must complete a minimum of 20 hours of Continued Professional Education and Development (CPE&D) activities annually. All CPE&D activities must be directly related to the development of clinical competence and professionalism in shiatsu, or related areas such as TCM, oriental therapies, counselling skills, business management and development in the running of a shiatsu practice.
