Ethical Considerations: Tarot in Clinical vs Spiritual Settings

BY NICOLE LAU

A therapist uses Tarot cards in session to help a client explore their anxiety. Is this ethical?

A Tarot reader tells a client they see depression in the cards and suggests they need therapy. Is this ethical?

A practitioner offers both therapy and Tarot readings to the same client. Is this ethical?

These aren't hypothetical questions—they're real dilemmas facing practitioners who work at the intersection of clinical psychology and spiritual practice. And the answers aren't simple.

This article addresses the complex ethical landscape of using Tarot in therapeutic contexts:

• Core ethical principles in mental health practice
• The distinction between clinical and spiritual settings
• Scope of practice and professional boundaries
• Informed consent and client autonomy
• Dual relationships and role confusion
• Cultural competence and spiritual sensitivity
• Legal and licensing considerations
• Ethical decision-making frameworks

Whether you're a licensed therapist considering Tarot integration, a Tarot reader working with vulnerable clients, or someone navigating both roles, understanding these ethical boundaries is essential—not just for legal protection, but for client welfare.

Core Ethical Principles in Mental Health

The Five Foundational Principles

All mental health professions (psychology, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy) share core ethical principles:

1. Beneficence

• Do good, promote client welfare
• Act in the client's best interest
• Maximize benefit, minimize harm

2. Non-Maleficence

• "First, do no harm"
• Avoid actions that could hurt the client
• Recognize limits of competence

3. Autonomy

• Respect client's right to self-determination
• Informed consent for all interventions
• Client makes their own decisions

4. Justice

• Fair and equitable treatment
• Access to services regardless of ability to pay
• No discrimination

5. Fidelity

• Trustworthiness and honesty
• Keep promises and commitments
• Maintain professional boundaries

Application to Tarot Use

Beneficence: Does using Tarot benefit this client? Is there evidence it helps?

Non-Maleficence: Could Tarot harm this client? (e.g., reinforce magical thinking in psychosis, conflict with religious beliefs)

Autonomy: Has the client given informed consent? Do they understand how Tarot is being used?

Justice: Am I offering Tarot to all appropriate clients, or only certain ones? Is there bias in my selection?

Fidelity: Am I being honest about what Tarot can and cannot do? Am I maintaining clear boundaries?

Clinical vs. Spiritual Settings: The Critical Distinction

Defining the Contexts

Why the Distinction Matters

Legal Implications:

• Practicing therapy without a license is illegal in most jurisdictions
• Licensed therapists are held to higher standards of care
• Malpractice liability differs significantly

Ethical Implications:

• Different standards of informed consent
• Different boundaries around dual relationships
• Different expectations of competence

Client Protection:

• Clinical settings have regulatory oversight
• Clients have recourse if harmed
• Professional standards protect vulnerable clients

Scope of Practice: Staying in Your Lane

For Licensed Therapists Using Tarot

Within Scope:

• Using Tarot as projective technique in therapy
• Facilitating client's exploration of card meanings
• Integrating Tarot with evidence-based treatments
• Using Tarot for assessment (with proper training)
• Teaching clients to use Tarot for self-reflection

Outside Scope (Ethical Violations):

• Claiming to predict the future
• Telling clients what will happen based on cards
• Using Tarot as sole treatment modality
• Practicing divination instead of therapy
• Making medical or legal predictions

Example of Staying in Scope:

Appropriate: "This card (The Tower) appeared. What does sudden change mean for you in your life right now?"

Inappropriate: "The Tower means your relationship will end in the next 3 months."

For Tarot Readers Working with Clients

Within Scope:

• Providing spiritual guidance and insight
• Facilitating self-reflection through cards
• Offering perspective on life situations
• Supporting clients' spiritual growth

Outside Scope (Practicing Therapy Without License):

• Diagnosing mental illness ("I see depression in your cards")
• Treating mental health conditions
• Providing psychotherapy or counseling
• Claiming to cure mental illness with Tarot
• Holding yourself out as a therapist

Example of Staying in Scope:

Appropriate: "The cards suggest you're feeling stuck. Have you considered talking to a therapist about this?"

Inappropriate: "The cards show you have PTSD. Let's work through your trauma with Tarot."

The Gray Zone: Spiritual Counseling

What is Spiritual Counseling?

• Guidance on spiritual matters
• Support during spiritual crisis
• Exploration of meaning and purpose
• Not mental health treatment

When It's Appropriate:

• Client is seeking spiritual guidance, not therapy
• No mental health diagnosis or treatment
• Clear disclosure that this is not therapy
• Referral to therapy if mental health issues emerge

When It Crosses the Line:

• Client has mental illness and needs treatment
• Spiritual counselor is treating symptoms
• Client believes they're receiving therapy
• No referral to appropriate mental health care

Informed Consent: The Foundation

What Clients Must Know

In Clinical Settings (Therapist Using Tarot):

Required Disclosures:

• "I use Tarot cards as a projective tool, similar to inkblots or art therapy"
• "This is not fortune-telling—you will interpret what the cards mean for you"
• "Tarot is one tool among many; we can use it or not, based on your preference"
• "There is limited research on Tarot in therapy; it's considered an emerging practice"
• "You can decline to use Tarot at any time without affecting your treatment"

Client Must Understand:

• How Tarot will be used in their treatment
• The theoretical basis (projective technique, not divination)
• Potential benefits and risks
• Alternative approaches available
• Their right to refuse

In Spiritual Settings (Tarot Reader):

Required Disclosures:

• "I am not a licensed therapist or mental health professional"
• "This is spiritual guidance, not mental health treatment"
• "If you have mental health concerns, I recommend seeing a licensed therapist"
• "Tarot readings are for entertainment and spiritual exploration"
• "I cannot diagnose or treat mental illness"

Client Must Understand:

• This is not therapy or medical advice
• Reader is not qualified to treat mental health issues
• Readings are subjective interpretation, not objective truth
• They should seek professional help for serious concerns

Documenting Consent

Clinical Setting:

• Written informed consent form
• Documented in treatment notes
• Reviewed periodically
• Part of overall treatment consent

Spiritual Setting:

• Verbal disclosure at minimum
• Written disclaimer recommended
• Posted policies visible to clients
• Signed waiver for liability protection

Dual Relationships and Role Confusion

The Problem

Scenario: A licensed therapist also offers Tarot readings. A client sees them for therapy, then wants a Tarot reading.

Ethical Issues:

• Role confusion - Is this therapy or a reading?
• Boundary violation - Mixing professional and spiritual roles
• Power imbalance - Therapist has authority in both contexts
• Exploitation risk - Client may feel pressured to purchase readings
• Transference complications - Client's feelings toward therapist become confused

Ethical Guidelines

APA Ethics Code (3.05): Multiple Relationships

"A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person... Psychologists must always be sensitive to the potential harmful effects of other contacts on their work and on those persons with whom they deal."

Application to Tarot:

Problematic:

• Providing therapy AND Tarot readings to the same client
• Advertising both services in the same practice
• Transitioning a therapy client to a reading client (or vice versa)

Acceptable (with Caution):

• Using Tarot within therapy sessions (as therapeutic tool, not separate reading)
• Offering Tarot readings to non-therapy clients (completely separate practice)
• Clear separation of roles with different clients

Best Practices

Option 1: Separate Practices

• Therapy practice (licensed, clinical)
• Tarot practice (spiritual, separate location/branding)
• Never mix clients between the two
• Clear disclosure of both roles

Option 2: Tarot Only in Therapy

• Use Tarot as therapeutic tool within sessions
• Never offer separate "readings"
• Always within clinical context
• Documented as part of treatment

Option 3: Choose One Role

• Either be a therapist (who may use Tarot therapeutically)
• Or be a Tarot reader (who refers out for therapy)
• Don't try to be both to the same population

Cultural Competence and Spiritual Sensitivity

Religious and Cultural Considerations

Potential Conflicts:

1. Christian Clients

• Some denominations prohibit divination
• Tarot may be seen as occult or demonic
• Using Tarot could violate client's religious values

Ethical Response:

• Ask about religious beliefs before introducing Tarot
• Respect client's values
• Offer alternative projective techniques if needed
• Never pressure client to use Tarot

2. Clients from Cultures with Different Divination Traditions

• May have their own cultural practices (I Ching, cowrie shells, etc.)
• Tarot may feel culturally inappropriate

Ethical Response:

• Ask about client's cultural background and spiritual practices
• Consider using client's own cultural tools if appropriate
• Respect cultural differences in meaning-making

3. Secular/Atheist Clients

• May see Tarot as superstitious or unscientific
• May be uncomfortable with spiritual framing

Ethical Response:

• Frame Tarot as psychological tool, not spiritual practice
• Emphasize projective technique aspect
• Use secular language ("archetypal images" not "spiritual guidance")

Competence Requirements

Therapists Using Tarot Must Have:

• Training in projective techniques
• Knowledge of Tarot symbolism and archetypes
• Understanding of when Tarot is appropriate vs. contraindicated
• Cultural competence around spiritual practices
• Supervision or consultation when learning

Tarot Readers Working with Vulnerable Clients Must Have:

• Basic mental health literacy (recognizing signs of crisis)
• Knowledge of when to refer to therapy
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice
• Ethical boundaries around scope of practice
• List of referral resources for mental health care

Legal and Licensing Considerations

For Licensed Therapists

Potential Legal Issues:

1. Malpractice Risk

• Using unproven techniques
• Harm resulting from Tarot use
• Failure to use evidence-based treatment

Protection:

• Use Tarot as adjunct, not sole treatment
• Document rationale for use
• Obtain informed consent
• Maintain malpractice insurance
• Consult with colleagues/supervisors

2. Licensing Board Complaints

• Client or colleague reports "unethical" practice
• Board investigates use of Tarot
• Potential disciplinary action

Protection:

• Know your state's regulations
• Document theoretical basis for Tarot use
• Show it's within scope of practice
• Demonstrate competence and training

3. Insurance Coverage

• Some insurance companies may not cover "alternative" treatments
• Billing for Tarot sessions may be questioned

Protection:

• Bill for therapy session, not "Tarot reading"
• Document Tarot as projective technique within therapy
• Use appropriate CPT codes for psychotherapy

For Tarot Readers

Potential Legal Issues:

1. Practicing Therapy Without License

• Illegal in most states
• Can result in criminal charges
• Civil liability for harm

Protection:

• Never claim to provide therapy or counseling
• Clear disclaimers about not being licensed
• Refer clients with mental health needs to professionals
• Call yourself "Tarot reader" or "spiritual advisor," not "counselor" or "therapist"

2. Liability for Harm

• Client makes harmful decision based on reading
• Client's mental health worsens
• Client sues for negligence

Protection:

• Liability insurance for spiritual practitioners
• Written disclaimers and waivers
• Clear scope of practice
• Referral to professionals when needed

3. Fortune-Telling Laws

• Some jurisdictions have laws against fortune-telling for money
• May require special permits or licenses

Protection:

• Know your local laws
• Frame services as "entertainment" or "spiritual guidance" if needed
• Obtain required permits

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

When Facing an Ethical Dilemma

Step 1: Identify the Ethical Issue

• What ethical principle is at stake?
• Who could be harmed?
• What are the competing values?

Step 2: Consult Guidelines

• Professional ethics codes (APA, ACA, NASW, AAMFT)
• State licensing regulations
• Legal requirements
• Best practice literature

Step 3: Consider Stakeholders

• Client's welfare (primary)
• Your professional integrity
• The profession's reputation
• Legal and regulatory bodies

Step 4: Generate Options

• What are all possible courses of action?
• What are the consequences of each?
• Which best serves the client?

Step 5: Consult

• Supervisor or senior colleague
• Ethics committee
• Legal counsel if needed

Step 6: Decide and Document

• Make the decision
• Document your reasoning
• Implement with care

Step 7: Evaluate

• What was the outcome?
• What did you learn?
• Would you decide differently next time?

Example: Ethical Dilemma

Scenario: A therapist's client asks for a "full Tarot reading" outside of therapy sessions, offering to pay extra.

Ethical Issues:

• Dual relationship (therapist + reader)
• Boundary violation
• Potential exploitation
• Role confusion

Options:

Option A: Provide the reading (separate from therapy)

• Pro: Client gets what they want
• Con: Violates dual relationship boundary, creates role confusion

Option B: Decline and explain boundary

• Pro: Maintains clear therapeutic boundary
• Con: Client may feel rejected

Option C: Refer to another Tarot reader

• Pro: Client gets reading, boundary maintained
• Con: Requires finding appropriate referral

Option D: Explore what client is seeking

• Pro: Addresses underlying need therapeutically
• Con: Client may still want the reading

Best Practice: Option D, then B or C

Response: "I'm curious about what you're hoping to get from a full reading. Can we explore that together in our session? I want to maintain our therapeutic relationship, so I wouldn't provide readings outside of therapy. But I can help you find another reader if that's something you want to pursue separately."

Conclusion: Ethics as Client Protection

Ethical guidelines aren't bureaucratic obstacles—they're protections for vulnerable clients and safeguards for practitioners.

The key principles are clear:

• Stay in your scope - Therapists do therapy, readers do readings, don't mix
• Informed consent always - Clients must understand what they're getting
• Client welfare first - When in doubt, what serves the client best?
• Maintain boundaries - Clear roles, no dual relationships
• Cultural sensitivity - Respect diverse beliefs and values
• Know the law - Legal compliance protects everyone
• Consult when uncertain - Don't navigate ethical dilemmas alone

Tarot can be used ethically in both clinical and spiritual settings—but only when practitioners understand the boundaries, respect the distinctions, and prioritize client welfare above all else.

The cards are powerful. Use them wisely. Use them ethically. Use them in service of healing, not harm.

Ethics are not rules to constrain us—they are principles to guide us. They protect our clients when they are most vulnerable. They protect our professions from those who would exploit. They protect us from our own blind spots and biases. When we use Tarot in therapy, we step into sacred territory—the human psyche, the therapeutic relationship, the trust a client places in us. We must walk carefully. We must know the boundaries. We must choose client welfare over our own interests, always. This is not burden. This is privilege. This is the ethical foundation upon which all healing rests.

As you navigate the delicate balance between clinical boundaries and spiritual practice, let your intuition be your guide—whether you're seeking clarity through the 30 day tarot practice workbook, exploring the archetypal depths explored in jung and the archetype tarot astrology and the bridge of the unconscious, or deepening your self-inquiry with tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery, may your readings always honor both the mind's wisdom and the soul's knowing.