I am board certified by the International Association of Counselors & Therapists, and follow their code of ethics.

Competence

Members shall maintain the highest standards of competence in their work. Members shall provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training and experience and will provide a service to clients only in those areas in which they have trained and have demonstrated competence. They shall maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to hypnosis/hypnotherapy (and related modalities) and participate in the required levels of continuing education as provided separately from this document by the Association, and to keep up-to-date with innovations in their field. This may be through, on site classroom training, online, or through approved CDs, DVDs etc. A list of approved materials is available through the Association.

Members will either decline servicing a client that involve areas where the member does not have adequate training for any given topic or the member can elect to refer a client on to another more suitable practitioner who is trained in that topic and who would reasonably be expected to offer suitable service (whether or not that practitioner be a member of the Association).

Integrity

Members shall display integrity in the teaching and practice of hypnosis and other mind/body modalities. In these activities members are to be honest, fair and respectful of others. Members must clarify to relevant parties the roles they are performing and the functions included in those roles. Members are to rely on scientific or professionally derived knowledge when making professional judgments.

 

Informed Consent

Members are to discuss appropriate issues such as the nature and plan for applied services, fees and confidentiality policies with the client as early in the professional relationship as is reasonably possible under the circumstances. Members shall obtain appropriate “informed consent” for all related activities in language that is clear and understandable by the client.

Fees and Financial Arrangements

All agreements and arrangements as to finances should be reduced to writing as early as is reasonably possible in the professional relationship. Discussion as to fees, terms of payment, length of sessions and cancellation and non-attendance should occur in advance of any services. Members should consult with legal and financial professionals in their particular governmental jurisdiction to assure that their fees and practices are in compliance with all laws, regulations and policies as may apply in that jurisdiction.

Confidentiality

Client confidentiality must be observed at all times. All members of the Association maintain strict confidentiality within the client/practitioner 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. The only exceptions are: When the client has given their permission to disclose information in writing, where the law requires disclosure, and when discussing information with fellow professionals where anonymity must be guaranteed.

Practitioners must note that the question of confidentiality also applies to client records, computerized records, and any audio or video recording. The member must have the client’s written permission to electronically record them. If the client is a minor a parent or the legal guardian must give written permission. With any information or case histories used for training or commercial purposes the client’s identity must be protected completely.

Consultations and Referrals

Members will arrange for appropriate consultations and referrals based on the best interest of the client, with the appropriate consent and subject to other considerations, which include but are not limited to, applicable laws and contractual obligations. When indicated and professionally appropriate members will cooperate with other professionals in order to serve their client’s best interest.

Terminating a Professional Relationship

A practitioner should terminate a professional relationship when it becomes clear that the client no longer needs the service, is no longer benefiting from the service, for reasons of broken rapport or personal or bias or other reasons where the client’s best interest would not be served in continuing the relationship.