CODE OF ETHICS
♦ Professional Conduct
A hypnotherapist shall respect the fact that the treatment given in other therapies can have been given in good faith without necessarily agreeing with it.
A hypnotherapist shall acknowledge the boundaries of their personal competence and the limits of their personal skills, providing only those treatments for which they are qualified by training and/or experience.
A hypnotherapist shall explain to the client any conflict of interest that may arise.
A hypnotherapist shall ensure that they have adequate up-to-date, professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover and a copy of such certificate must be forwarded with their membership renewal fee each year.
A hypnotherapist shall endeavour to remain informed regarding current legislation and other relevant regulations regarding the practice of Hypnotherapy.
A hypnotherapist shall ensure that where a client is referred by any therapist in any discipline, whether in the medical profession or not, the referee shall be advised at the commencement and conclusion of the treatment.
N.B. Where a client is referred by a Registered Medical Practitioner
(e.g. G.P.) the Medical Practitioner remains clinically accountable for the client.
A hypnotherapist shall not work under such conditions, contractual or physical, or in a mental or emotional state that would not allow the full exercise of professional judgement and responsibility.
A hypnotherapist shall not misrepresent their training or qualifications.
Hypnotherapists shall not undertake clinical work for a person or organisation before assuring themselves of the appropriateness of so doing.
A hypnotherapist shall not promise a cure, nor make exaggerated claims for the treatment.
♦ Care and welfare of the client.
A hypnotherapist shall respect the dignity, individual viewpoints, rights and autonomy of the client.
A hypnotherapist shall maintain appropriate boundaries (i.e. social, financial and sexual) from the commencement to final conclusion of therapy. In the event of appropriate boundaries becoming difficult to maintain (e.g. a non-therapeutic relationship developing) then the hypnotherapist shall cease treatment immediately and refer the client to another hypnotherapist.
A hypnotherapist shall, from the outset of treatment, explain to the client the approximate duration of treatment, total anticipated fees, method of payment and the procedure regarding cancelled appointments. The client must be informed of their right to see this Code of Ethical Practice.
A hypnotherapist shall charge a fair rate commensurate with their experience, training and local conditions.
A hypnotherapist shall be professionally reliable in all situations (e.g. the keeping of appointments, advising of holidays etc.)
A hypnotherapist shall ensure that the intended outcome of the therapy is congruent with the client’s expressed wishes and ecological with the client’s environment.
A hypnotherapist shall in doubtful or difficult situations, with the client’s permission, consult other professionals when it would appear that the quality of service might thereby be enhanced.
A hypnotherapist shall refer the client to another practitioner, with the client’s permission, when it is felt to be in the interest of the client.
A hypnotherapist shall ensure that any client suffering from potentially organic dysfunction (e.g. pain) has consulted their G.P. for a medical diagnosis, prior to treatment.
A hypnotherapist shall not discriminate against any client on the basis of race, colour, national origin, handicap, age, gender, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, religion, political beliefs, status in society or lifestyle.
Hypnotherapists shall not allow themselves to become dependent upon the client/therapist relationship, or allow personal needs or beliefs to interfere with the proper treatment of the client.
♦ Client records and confidentiality
A hypnotherapist shall maintain up-to-date records of all client sessions and keep such records in secure storage for not less than five years from client ending treatment. Arrangements should be made in writing for the secure
disposal of same in the event of the therapist’s permanent incapacity or death.
A hypnotherapist shall explain to the client, before treatment, the rules of confidentiality.
A hypnotherapist shall obtain the prior agreement of the client to any third part observation.
A hypnotherapist shall be allowed to use anecdotal material for clinical purposes (e.g. training ) without the client’s explicit permission when the client’s identity is adequately obscured by changes in name and all details not relevant to the psychological and therapeutic aspect of the case.
A hypnotherapist shall be allowed to reveal details of clients and client sessions, without identifying the client, in the normal course of clinical supervision, without obtaining the client’s consent in writing.
A hypnotherapist shall not record audio or video material regarding a client or client sessions without obtaining the client’s consent in writing. Records kept on computer must be secure and conform to the requirements of the Data Protection Act of 1986 and subsequent amendments thereto.
A hypnotherapist shall not reveal details of a client, or client sessions, to the client’s relatives, friends or other clients, without expressed, prior consent. (Parents need to be appraised of the therapist’s responsibilities to the child client and professional confidentiality limits must be mutually agreed between all parties beforehand).
N.B. When in doubt, obtain written permission
♦ Advertising
Advertising should be within the current laws and should comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice as well as meeting the requirements of the Advertising Standards Authority.
Advertisements should be factual in content and worded in a dignified way. Detail should be limited to the hypnotherapist’s profession, qualifications, membership of professional bodies, services offered and contact details
N.B. It is illegal to claim cures for the following:-Brights Disease, Cancer, Cataracts, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Locomotor Ataxia, Paralysis, Tuberculosis.
♦ Premises
A hypnotherapist shall practice from premises that are mainly dedicated to the purpose ( e.g an office in the home; a room within a clinic.)
The premises must provide access to toilet facilities.
The premises must be maintained in a state consistent with professional standard.
♦ Domiciliary Visits
Domiciliary visits shall be limited to clients who are in exceptional circumstances and unable to attend a consultation in the therapist’s normal place of work. Such visits may continue only as long as the exceptional circumstances persist. Therapists must ensure that adequate insurance cover is obtained as regards working away from their normal place of work.
♦ Self monitoring
Hypnotherapists should be aware of the importance of self-monitoring to protect against absorbing undue stress from the working environment and to ensure personal conflicts or problems do not directly interfere with therapy. In any case, it is imperative that members recognise the importance of their position and seek personal therapy if they have any doubts about their own well being, or have unresolved issues that need to be redressed. It is suggested that therapists make arrangements for some form of regular supervision. If this is covered by the membership requirements of another organisation, this will be acceptable. Otherwise it is suggested that supervision and/or counselling with a colleague of at least similar experience and training should be arranged on a basis which reflects workload, and may be weekly, monthly or quarterly.
♦ Ongoing study
Hypnotherapists must be aware of the importance of ongoing study and self- improvement in order to maintain a level of competence that keeps pace with the constantly evolving field of hypnotherapy. This will include attendance at seminars, workshops, mutual co-operation between professional colleague’s etc.
♦ Persons under the age of 18 years
Particular care must be exercised when dealing with persons under the age of 18 years. Where possible, the consent of a parent should be sought. If due to the nature of the complaint, this is not practical, then another senior member of the family or someone of appropriate standing outside the family should be approached. Whilst the therapist’s discretion must be relied upon in this situation, if in any doubt, it would seem to be prudent to have a third party in attendance.
♦ Complaints against hypnotherapists
Any hypnotherapist who has a complaint leveled against them by a member of the public must immediately inform the Association, in confidence, stating the nature of the complaint and also details of the parties involved. Failure to do so may prejudice his/her position in any subsequent proceedings. Hypnotherapists are also advised that they have a duty to inform the Association, in confidence and without malice, if they have just cause to doubt the professional behaviour of a fellow member.
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