Ethics of a psychotherapist

What is psychotherapist ethics?

Many professions related to working with people, and medical ones in particular, have ethical principles. Psychotherapists also have the same ethics.

Usually its basics are taught in universities, where psychologists and psychotherapists are trained.

It is enshrined in the ethical codes of psychotherapeutic associations.

The main association for psychotherapists in Ukraine is the USP - Ukrainian Union of Psychotherapists.

This is an umbrella organization that includes most of the world-recognized methods of psychotherapy that are presented in Ukraine.

USP, in turn, is located within European and world psychotherapeutic organizations. Thus, the Ukrainian code of ethics complies with all international standards.

The purpose of these associations is to unite all certified professionals who meet international requirements into a community, develop and popularize psychotherapy, as well as control the quality of services provided.

Quality control is precisely carried out in the ethical committees that exist in USP as well as in other unions.

Unfortunately, in Ukraine anyone can engage in psychotherapy - from grandmas to esotericists; there is no obligation to be a member of any association in Ukrainian legislation.

Therefore, the quality of services of such specialists is not controlled by anyone.

In the West there are no psychotherapists without a license, they simply cannot practice.

Violation of psychotherapist ethics

There are several basic principles that must be followed.

- confidentiality

- respect for the client’s autonomy, not violating boundaries

- compliance with obligations

- adherence to the principle of “do no harm”

- honesty and justice

- providing information about the process of psychotherapy.  

By violating the client’s boundaries we mean something that can cause harm, meaning not just a random meeting - boundary crossing, but specifically deliberate disregard of boundaries.

How to understand that a psychotherapist is violating boundaries

Breach of confidentiality - if the therapist discusses the client's case with someone other than the supervisor.

The psychotherapist makes value judgments about you and imposes his values, for example, his religious beliefs or views on marriage.

Uses curse words towards you, manipulates, takes advantage of you. 

If the psychotherapist is inclined towards sexual relations or wants to take advantage of your opportunities to solve his problems.

Punishment for violating the ethics of a psychotherapist

Since in Ukraine and the Russian Federation the activities of psychotherapists are not regulated by law, little can be done except to deprive one of membership in the association (if he is a member of it). And if the psychotherapist is not a member of any association, then there is practically no prospect of punishment, even if there is a trial, unfortunately.

In the USA, your license can be taken away and even sent to prison. In Europe there is no licensing, but there are also ethical commissions.

What to do if a psychotherapist violates the code of ethics

The first thing to do is discuss this situation with your therapist. This is the best you can do.

There are many cases when a client suffers from borderline disorder and then he cannot adequately assess what is happening, and in vain he will only blame his psychotherapist.

In any case, slamming the door and abruptly ending psychotherapy without explanation is wrong. This is precisely why there are one or in some cases two final sessions.

Therefore, you need to discuss your care in person, looking it in the eye and expressing your complaints.

The psychotherapist is also a person, and he may not realize that his actions are causing you pain. And if you don’t tell him, he won’t know about it. 

In any case, even if you do not find understanding from your psychotherapist, you need this conversation for your psychological health and integrity.

How not to get to a psychotherapist without ethics

It is advisable to discuss everything at the stage of an initial conversation over the phone before the first consultation or at the very first consultation.

Check out how the psychotherapy process will be structured, look at certificates and diplomas, what association he is a member of.

For example, I have a state master’s degree in psychology, a master’s certificate in positive cross-cultural psychotherapy and membership in USP.

It is important to read customer reviews, but not all specialists have them. Not everyone is equally savvy in marketing and advertising. Therefore, it is better to call and chat, get a feel for the person, ask questions.  Most good specialists have the opportunity to talk for free for 10-15 minutes before scheduling your first consultation.

I hope this article was useful to you.

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