FiP Ltd Code of Ethics

1. Introduction

   • 1.1 The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to define general principles, establish standards of professional conduct for members of FiP Ltd in their work and inform and protect those members of the public who seek their services.
   • 1.2 All members of FiP Ltd are expected to approach their work with the aim of having the welfare of their patients as their paramount consideration and as part of this always to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
   • 1.3 The word "patient" refers to both "patient" and "client."

2. Conduct

   • 2.1 Psychotherapists must seek always to act in the best interests of their patients. Relationships with patients, supervisees and trainees must always be maintained on a professional basis.
   • 2.2 The decision whether or not to treat the patient, the form of psychotherapy to be practised and the psychotherapeutic handling of the case, are always the responsibility of the psychotherapist.
   • 2.3 At the outset of psychotherapy members of FiP Ltd are required to disclose on request their terms, conditions and where appropriate, methods of practice.
   • 2.4 Members of FiP Ltd are required to disclose their qualifications when requested and not to claim, or imply, qualifications that they do not have.
   • 2.5 Members of FiP Ltd should not deliberately mislead their patients, supervisees, or others.

3. Confidentiality

   • 3.1 All knowledge of patients should be treated confidentially and not passed on without their consent unless the safety of the patient, or of others is threatened.
   • 3.2 The therapist may consider sharing information with any other person to whom the therapist owes a duty of accountability, or on whom they rely for their professional support, or supervision.
   • 3.3 Members of FiP Ltd should hold as a priority the welfare of their patients when making appropriate contact with the patient's GP, relevant psychiatric services, or other relevant professionals and this should be done with the patient's knowledge, whenever possible.
   • 3.4 Members of FiP Ltd are required to clarify with patients the nature, purpose and conditions of any research in which the patients are potentially to be involved and to ensure that informed and verifiable consent, preferably in writing, is given before commencement.
   • 3.5 Members of FiP Ltd are required to safeguard the welfare and anonymity of patients when any form of publication of clinical material is being considered and to obtain their consent in writing.

4. Relationships with patients

   • 4.1 Members of FiP Ltd are required to maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients. They must take care not to exploit their patients, current, or past, in any way, financially, sexually, or emotionally.

5. Professional conduct

   • 5.1 Members of FiP Ltd should be aware of their own limitations, and restrict their practice within the limits of their own training and competence.
   • 5.2 Members of FiP Ltd are required to maintain their ability to practise competently and if unable to do so, should take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard the welfare of patients.
   • 5.3 Members of FiP Ltd are required to ensure that their professional work is adequately covered by appropriate indemnity insurance.

6. General

   • 6.1 Where difficulties or doubts arise as to whether a course of action is ethical the psychotherapist should seek appropriate advice.
   • 6.2 Members of FiP Ltd are required to refrain from any behaviour that may be detrimental to the profession, to colleagues, or to trainees.
   • 6.3 Unethical conduct should not be condoned in a psychotherapist colleague, and where there is concern that a colleague's behaviour may be unethical or detrimental any member of FiP Ltd who is aware of this should inform the Chair of the Executive Committee of the relevant organisation.
   • 6.4 The psychotherapy practice of someone struck off the roll of their professional body for unethical conduct should not be facilitated.