Extract from the Ethical Framework
21.听We will respect our clients鈥� privacy and dignity.
22.听We will respect our clients as people by providing services that:
a. endeavour to demonstrate equality, value diversity and ensure inclusion for all clients
b. avoid unfairly discriminating against clients or colleagues
c. accept we are all vulnerable to prejudice and recognise the importance of self-inquiry,听personal feedback and professional development
d. work with issues of identity in open-minded ways that respect the client鈥檚 autonomy听and be sensitive to whether this is viewed as individual or relational autonomy
e. challenge assumptions that any sexual orientation or gender identity is inherently听preferable to any other and will not attempt to bring about a change of sexual听orientation or gender identity or seek to suppress an individual鈥檚 expression of听sexual orientation or gender identity
f. make adjustments to overcome barriers to accessibility, so far as is reasonably听possible, for clients of any ability wishing to engage with a service
g. recognise when our knowledge of key aspects of our client鈥檚 background, identity or听lifestyle is inadequate and take steps to inform ourselves from other sources where听available and appropriate, rather than expecting the client to teach us
h. are open-minded with clients who appear similar to ourselves or possess familiar听characteristics so that we do not suppress or neglect what is distinctive in their lives.
23.听We will take the law concerning equality, diversity and inclusion into careful听consideration and strive for a higher standard than the legal minimum.
24.听We will challenge colleagues or others involved in delivering related services whose听views appear to be unfairly discriminatory and take action to protect clients, if听necessary 鈥� see听11.
25.听We will do all that we reasonably can to ensure that our clients are participating on a听voluntary basis. Hesitant clients or clients who feel under pressure from other people听or agencies to work with us will have their reservations acknowledged and taken into听account in how services are offered.
26.听We will work with our clients on the basis of their informed consent and agreement. We听recognise that exceptional situations may arise where we may need to prioritise the听safety of the client or others over our client鈥檚 wishes and confidentiality 鈥� see听10.
27.听Careful consideration will be given to working with children and young people that:
a. takes account of their capacity to give informed consent, considering whether it is听appropriate to seek the consent of others who have parental responsibility for the听young person, and their best interests
b. demonstrates knowledge and skills about ways of working that are appropriate to听the young person鈥檚 development and how relationships are formed
c. demonstrates a sound knowledge of the law relevant to working with children and听young people and their human rights
d. is informed about the current culture and customs that affect parenting/care giving听and how children and young people interact with each other and other significant听people in their lives.
28.听We will give careful consideration to obtaining and respecting the consent of听vulnerable adult clients, wherever they have the capacity to give consent, or involving听anyone who provides care for these clients when appropriate.
29.听Our work with clients will be based on professional partnerships with them that aim to听increase their wellbeing, capability and/or performance.
FAQs
I can see how respecting privacy and dignity apply to medical examinations and treatments but how do they apply to talking therapies?
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How can I develop my practice to be more open to the diversity of clients and their experiences?
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What is ethically special about children and young people? Aren鈥檛 they just adults in development?
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