Institute for Meridian Psychotherapy

and Associated Complementary Therapies

CODE OF CONDUCT

All registrants of the Institute of Meridian Psychotherapists agree to adhere to the following code:

The Welfare of the Client

The welfare of the client is the primary concern of the therapist.

The welfare of the Client should only take second place when, if not to do so, would seriously jeopardise other members of the public or the Therapist's welfare.

The fundamental concern of the Therapist is to do no harm.

Throughout their period of registration an approved policy of professional indemnity insurance is to be kept in force.

Client Confidentiality

It is the fundamental duty of the Therapist to maintain absolute confidentiality in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

It is considered that exceptional circumstances can include legal action of a criminal or civil nature where a court order is made demanding disclosure and where there is good cause to believe that not to disclose would cause danger or serious harm to others.

The standard of confidentiality applied in a professional context is based on the Common Law concept of confidentiality where the duty to keep confidence is measured against the concept of "the greater good".

A stronger form as advocated, may be provided by the use of a written contract containing a confidentiality clause. The sharing of anonymous case histories with supervisors and peer-support groups is not considered a breach of professional confidentiality when such sharing is carried out in the direct interest of the client. The sharing of open case histories with supervisors and any referring NHS medical practitioner is also not a breach.

However, client case notes and any other data concerning the client may not be released to any third party without the express permission of the client given in writing, unless called for by a court order.

Service to Client

Therapists will only offer their services in areas in which they have demonstrated their competence as evidenced by study and formal examination. Therapists have a responsibility to provide the client with the best possible service available to the extent, if deemed necessary, of onward referral to another suitably qualified complementary therapist or medical practitioner.

Charges to Client

Registered Therapists shall not behave in any manner that shall give rise to the exploitation of a client. They shall not enter into any other relationship, outside the professional/therapeutic relationship, while treating a client. They shall make their charges, together with the therapeutic techniques intended, known to the client and obtain client agreement in writing for such fees and practice before any therapy is commenced. They shall terminate therapy at the earliest time, commensurate with the good care and continuing welfare of the client. They shall not accept any inappropriate gifts, gratuities or favours from a client. Should at any time a relationship, other than as described above, develop between a client and therapist, then the client shall be referred on to another competent therapist, at the earliest time commensurate with the welfare of the client and in any case, no further fees shall be taken.

Advertising and Other Claims

All advertising shall represent a true picture of the therapist, it will be precise as regards their skills, qualifications, facilities. Any benefits that may be expected from the therapies offered must and will conform to current Advertising Law.

General Conduct towards the Client

Therapists shall not behave in any manner, within or outside the context of therapy, that would undermine public confidence in the profession or bring the profession into disrepute.

This shall include a failure to act appropriately when they become aware of another therapist's unethical activity, criminal conviction, misbehaviour towards other Health or Social Care professionals, discrimination on the basis of ethnic or sexual factors or anything that is the subject of any civil judgement regarding neglect of duty of care. They are obliged to advise clients of appropriate avenues of complaint.

Those Therapists who, by virtue of membership or association with another professional body or register, are signatory to a Code of Conduct of that body will be expected to abide by that Code plus any other items listed in this Code that are not present in the other Code.

I agree to observe all of the foregoing.

Signed……………………………………………………………… Date…………………………………………..

Printed Name………………………………………………………

Witness…………………………………………………………….. Date……………………………………………

Printed Name……………………………………………………….

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