Ethical Code

My commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice and ethical conduct in all therapeutic relationships.

Respect and Dignity

I am committed to treating all clients with respect, dignity, and unconditional positive regard, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.

Confidentiality

All information shared in therapy sessions is held in strict confidence and will not be disclosed without explicit consent, except in legally mandated circumstances.

Professional Boundaries

I maintain clear professional boundaries to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains safe, ethical, and focused on the client’s wellbeing and growth.

Non-Discrimination

I provide services without discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.

As our Accrediting Body, The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society’s code of ethics is that within which you will be studying and practising throughout this course.

Qualified practitioner members also work within this code. It provides ethical guidance on the practitioner-client relationship in counselling.

Professional Competence

I am committed to maintaining and developing my professional competence through:

Ongoing professional development and training

Regular supervision and consultation

Staying current with research and best practices

Working within the scope of my training and experience

Referring clients to other professionals when appropriate

Client Welfare

The welfare of my clients is my primary concern. This includes:

Providing services that are in the client’s best interest

Avoiding any actions that could cause harm

Recognising and addressing any limitations in my ability to help

Ensuring informed consent for all therapeutic interventions

Respecting client autonomy and right to self-determination

Professional Relationships

I maintain professional relationships that are:

Based on mutual respect and professional courtesy

Free from exploitation or dual relationships

Transparent about roles, responsibilities, and limitations

Committed to collaborative care when working with other professionals

Respectful of other therapeutic approaches and practitioners

Informed Consent

Before beginning any therapeutic work, I ensure clients understand:

The nature and goals of therapy

My qualifications and approach to treatment

Potential risks and benefits of therapy

Confidentiality policies and limitations

Fee structure and payment policies

Their right to withdraw from therapy at any time

Record Keeping and Data Protection

I maintain professional standards in record keeping:

Keeping accurate and secure records of all sessions

Protecting client information in accordance with data protection laws

Storing records securely and destroying them appropriately when required

Providing clients access to their records when requested

Using client information only for therapeutic purposes

Professional Accountability

I am committed to professional accountability through:

Regular professional supervision

Membership in professional organisations

Adherence to professional codes of ethics

Continuing professional development

Willingness to address complaints or concerns appropriately

If you have any concerns about my professional conduct, please feel free to discuss them with me directly or contact the relevant professional body.