As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and member of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada, I commit:
- To protect the welfare of my clients and make reasonable efforts to ensure my services are used appropriately.
- To treat all clients with respect and unconditional acceptance.
- To consistently complete a comprehensive assessment at the beginning of the counselling relationship.
- To never exploit a clients trust and to avoid dual relationships.
- To report the sexual or physical abuse of a child to the authorities.
- To avoid overt or suggested sexual contact with clients and former clients.
- To terminate counselling services when appropriate or requested by the client(s).
- To respect the right of clients to autonomy.
- To provide a private and safe setting for counselling.
- To request payment for service, only after consent for service has been given.
- To ensure proper self-care.
- To maintain healthy boundaries with clients.
- To obtain assistance and refer clients when appropriate.
- To clearly disclose confidentiality limitations, facts about services offered and financial policies.
- To be aware of and comply with relevant laws for the delivery of counseling services, including electronic services.
- To maintain client confidentiality, except where there is written consent, danger to self or others or as required by law.
- To carefully assess, develop a safety plan, and document the potential suicidal or homicidal behavior by a client.
- To maintain accurate and adequate session and financial records.
- To continue to grow and develop as a professional counsellor.
- To avoid conflicts of interest.
- To avoid giving or receiving gifts of substantial value.
- To be aware of the influence my public statements may have.
- To deal appropriately with the unethical behaviour of another counsellor.
- To accept that I cannot realistically expect to succeed with every client.
- To promote my services professionally and accurately.
