Code of ethics Of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy A non-for-profit organization
The purpose of this Code is two-fold: firstly, it aims to define the general values and principles as well as to set standards of professional conduct of psychoanalytical psychotherapists who are at the same time members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy. Secondly, it aims to provide information and protection of those society members who seek their services.
The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy respect the dignity and value of each individual and aim at keeping and protecting basic human rights.
To respond to the need of improving the quality of people’s mental life the members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy commit to expanding the knowledge about mental processes and pathologies. In that context personal therapeutic experience and supervision also guarantee good practice and keeping the help-seekers’ best interest.
In pursuing these purposes the psychoanalytical psychotherapists members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy make sure to protect the quality of mental life of those seeking their help in all aspects of their personal, family, professional and social life.
The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy respect and consider other members of their profession and other related professions by making sure, to the extent possible and in the interest of their clients, that they cooperate with other professionals, discuss and exchange necessary information by strictly observing confidentiality and protecting that information from abuse.
The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy adhere to their professional responsibility and requirements: professional competence, well-intentioned impartiality and strict application of well-accepted psychotherapeutic principles of work – all with the purpose of strict observation of the best interest of their patients, co-workers, students and society members.
As practitioners of Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy, the members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy know that they have heavy social responsibility since their interventions and professional actions may change other people’s lives. They treat attentively each personal, social, organisational, financial, ecological and political situation as well as pressure that may lead to abuse of their influence.
To achieve those values, the members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy adhere to the following ethical principles:
- Human rights.No member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy may be involved or support the violation of basic human rights of any individual as described in the Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations.
- Professional competence. Keeping high standards of competence is a value shared by all members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy in the interest of the society and the profession as such. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy acknowledge the limitations of their competence and professional knowledge and skills. They only provide services and employ techniques that are in line with their respective education and experience.
The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy recognise the need of continuous professional education and personal development. They strive to improve their professional competence, take part on conferences, meetings, task forces and workshops in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy need to be informed of the up-to-date professional and scientific achievements in the practice of psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy.
RELATIONS WITH PATIENTS
Confidentiality. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy commit to keeping confidentiality of the information about their patients as well as their documentation.
Voluntary relations. The therapeutic relationship of the patient with a psychoanalytical psychotherapist member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy in entirely voluntary and each patient is free to end their therapy at any time or seek help from another professional in the same or different therapeutic direction.
Financial contracting. Information about all fees and relevant financial contracts with the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy member practicing Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy must be presented and agreed on by the patient before the actual therapy or analysis starts or, in the event of fee update, before it becomes valid. No other relations such as economic, professional, informal or other can take place between a patient and a member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy.
Coercion. The professional position (such as of holding power or information) of a member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy must not be used for coercing a patient, for profit or for the benefit of that same member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy or a third party.
Sexual contact. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy commit to not mislead, manipulate or establish sexual relations with a patient or colleague undergoing training therapy, analysis or supervision.
Ending therapy. At the time of ending the therapeutic relation with a patient, members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy must attempt that this happens at mutual agreement by devoting the time required for processing the separation. In case separation occurs before its time, the psychoanalytical psychotherapist member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy needs to respond to the patient’s needs of treatment and reasonable wants for information of alternative forms and approaches to the treatment. If needed, the member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy should refer the client as well as take relevant measures for the sake of the patient’s safety and/or the safety of the society.
Level of professionalism. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy are expected to confidentially inform the Ethical Committee at the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy of any existing evidence that a member of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy, be it themselves, conducts in a way that demonstrates incapability to adequately perform their professional commitments of a psychoanalyst or psychoanalytical therapist.
Professional fairness. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy should not, intentionally or by accident, tarnish the good name of another person or organisation.
Honesty. The members of the Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy must keep open and honest relations with each patient and adhere to reasonable professional limitations, must not mislead their patients or their families or take part in acts of fraud or coercion.
Continuity. It is expected that in the event of death or incapacity to perform the professional commitments of a psychoanalyst or psychoanalytical therapist, each patient should be informed of that (including informing them about possibilities of continuing their treatment), whilst keeping the patient’s confidentiality.
RELATIONS WITH TRAINEES
Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy members, whilst running professional training, are responsible for organising their own relations with their trainees according to the ethical principles valid for this profession.
Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy members, whilst running professional training, set the professional growth and the personal development of their trainees as their highest goal.
Society for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy members, whilst running professional training, refer their trainees to a colleague in the event that the interests and the approach to applying the knowledge require skills and competence beyond the trainer’s education.
