CODE OF ETHICS
All practising members of the Association undertake to:
1. Maintain strict confidentiality within the therapeutic relationship consistent with the good care of the client and the laws of the land and ensure that any client notes and records be kept secure and confidential. Confidentiality must be observed at all times unless:
(a) it is in the best interest of the client/patient to disclose relevant information;
(b) the client/patient has given their permission to disclose;
(c) where the law requires disclosure;
(d) when sharing information with fellow professionals. In the latter case, client anonymity must be guaranteed;
(e) in the event of a complaint being made against them, subject to the complainant providing written consent for their notes and records to be made available, members may be required to provide this information to The Association on demand.
Practitioners must note that the question of confidentiality also applies to client records, computerised records and any audio or video recording. Any information or case histories used for training or commercial purposes must have the written consent of the individual involved.
2. Never promise a cure for any condition or problem, nor give advice or otherwise pass comment on any medical, psychiatric, or psychological problem or condition unless they have training and qualifications in these fields.
3. To provide a service to clients only in those areas in which they have trained and demonstrated competence, and for which they carry full professional indemnity insurance that is acceptable to The Association.
4. Be aware of their own limitations and experience and whenever appropriate, be prepared to refer a client on to another more suitable practitioner (whether or not that practitioner be a member of The Association) who might reasonably be expected to offer suitable treatment.
5. Ensure as far as possible that wherever an aspect of the client's condition is either known or suspected to be beyond their area of expertise, the client be advised to seek medical or other appropriate advice.
6. Always obtain written permission from the client (or client's parents/guardians if appropriate) before recording client sessions by any method other than written notes.
7. Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of both the client and any person who may be accompanying the client.
8. Refrain from using their position of trust to exploit the client emotionally, sexually, financially or in other way whatsoever. Should either a sexual or financial relationship (other than the payment of session fees or purchase of books, tapes, or other relevant products) develop between either therapist and client or members of their respective immediate families, the therapist must immediately cease to accept fees, terminate treatment consistent with clause 9 below and transfer the client to another suitable therapist at the earliest opportunity.
9. Refrain from commencing any sort of relationship with any client, past or present, other than a therapeutic one. Clients must remain solely as clients. Members are strongly advised against working with friends or family for anything other than simple relaxation work or other 'single-session' therapies.
10. Terminate treatment at the earliest moment consistent with the good care of the client.
11. Not permit considerations of religion, nationality, gender, gender preference, disability, politics, or social standing to adversely influence client treatment. Where there is a potential for this situation to exist, i.e. where a therapist is not at ease with some aspect of the client's 'way of being', then it is part of that therapist's duty of care to refer the client on to another suitable practitioner.
12. As far as possible, not to refuse therapy because of financial hardship.
13. Ensure that their work place and all facilities offered to both clients and their companions will be in every respect suitable and appropriate for the service provided.
14. Disclose full details of all relevant training, experience and qualifications to clients upon request.
15. Make no claim that they hold specific qualifications unless such claim can be totally substantiated.
16. Explain fully to clients in advance of any treatment, fees, terms of payment, session length, and any charges levied for non-attendance or cancelled appointments.
17. Present all services and products in an unambiguous manner and ensure that the client retains complete control of the decision to purchase such services or products.
18. Neither expect nor encourage gifts from clients. Small tokens of appreciation may be accepted at the end of therapy but should in no way be solicited.
19. Conduct themselves at all times in accordance with their professional status and in such a way that neither undermines public confidence in the process or profession of hypnotherapy and/or psychotherapy nor brings the reputation of The Association into disrepute.
20. (a) Inform The Association, upon initial application, of any disciplinary action taken against them by any professional body and further inform The Association, in writing, of any subsequent action taken against them whilst a member of The Association. (b) Confirm, upon initial application, that they have not been convicted of any offence likely to bring their professional name or the reputation of The Association into disrepute and undertake to inform The Association, in writing, should such an event subsequently occur whilst a member of The Association.
21. Inform The Association, in writing, of any change in contact address and/or telephone number, at the earliest convenient moment.
22. Members must ensure that all advertising shall comply with the Australian Code of Advertising Practice, accord with the Advertising Standards Authority and make available all such literature to The Association on demand.
23. Make available all relevant information requested as a result of investigation by the appointed Complaints and Disciplinary Officer without hindrance (whether implied or actual) or unreasonable delay and comply fully with all requirements inherent within the Complaints and Disciplinary procedure.
24. To never publicly criticise or malign another member of the profession, either with or without perceived justification, whether or not they are a member of The Association.
25. To report to The Association, any other Member who appears to be in breaking one or more of the ethical rules laid down in this document. Such complaint can be made with total confidentiality; the complainant's name will not be revealed other than to the members of the Committee. Anonymous complaints will not be considered but all others will be fully investigated.