Ethics 

 

As I am deeply committed to ensuring best practices in all areas of the client's process, I provide a copy of my Disclosure Statement for review and discussion during the initial consultation. A complete copy of this Statement is available on request and includes information such as fees, ethical accountability, ownership of files, confidentiality and its limits, cancellation policy, process of closure, assurances as to the client's confidentiality, autonomy, and receipt of quality of care.

 

During the initial consultation, I invite the client to collaborate in identifying those therapeutic goals that they understand would be most beneficial at that time. These goals may be revisited and changed at any time during the counselling process. I am committed to ensure that I facilitate the client's reaching their identified therapeutic goals in as skilled and expeditious a means as possible. I consult with the client periodically during our work together to ensure that they are satisfied with the course the therapeutic process is taking.

 

Clients Rights

As it is my belief that the client's dignity and autonomy are held in a sacred trust by their counsellor, therapist, or clinical supervisor, I value making explicit the rights that each client should expect. Clients have a right to be assured of:
 

1. Professional competence: I ensure ongoing professional development in the form of education, clinical supervision, consultation, and self- and peer review.

2. Beneficence: I value and work to support the well-being of those whom we serve.

3. Autonomy: I value the inherent autonomy and right to self-determination of all persons and help them to meet their therapeutic needs and ensure congruity with their values, however different they may be from mine.

4. Respect and dignity: I value the intrinsic worth of all persons, irrespective age, gender, culture, faith, sexual preference, socio-economic status or degree and / or nature of dis/ability and advocate for their respectful therapeutic and / or collegial treatment.

5. Confidentiality: I value the trust conferred upon them and safeguard the information learned in the context of the professional relationship.

6. Justice: I value the principles of equity and fairness.

7. Accountability: I value my responsibility to be answerable to my clients, professional mental and medical health care communities, my professional associations and the community at large for ensuring consistent ethical professional practice.

8. Quality practice environments: I advocate for environments that have the resources necessary to ensure the conditions for the consistent enactment of the seven other values described above.