FiP Code of Practice

  1. Introduction

    • 1.1. The word "patient" refers to both patient and client.

  2. Conduct

    • 2.1 Psychotherapists must maintain a treatment setting which is conducive to good practice in which there is minimal risk of intrusion or interruptions.
    • 2.2 Where members of FiP work in a non fee-paying setting and also a private fee-paying setting they should not transfer patients, or referrals from the non-fee-paying to the fee-paying section of their practice without the agreement of those responsible for clinical decisions in the non-fee-paying organization.
    • 2.3 The charging of commission for referrals by and to individual colleagues is prohibited.
    • 2.4 Advertising should be confined to a statement of name, relevant qualification address etc. hours available and a brief statement of the service offered. Statements should be descriptive but not evaluative as to their quality or uniqueness.
    • 2.5 Great care should be taken that in writings or discussions intended for the general public no therapeutic advantage is claimed for the individual practitioners themselves and that there is no invitation for the general public to consult.

  3. Confidentiality

    • 3.1 Information gained in the course of giving supervision or professional support is subject to the same rules of confidentiality as in the treatment setting.
    • 3.2 Any written or verbal presentation of clinical material must preserve the anonymity of the patient. In situations where they may encounter the material the permission of the patient must be obtained in writing.
      • 3.3.1 Whenever confidentiality is challenged by legal process the therapist should take appropriate professional advice. In the first instance this should be with their insurer. Many insurers offer legal advice. In any case they will be able to advise whether they should continue to be involved, or whether the therapist should seek other legal advice.
      • 3.3.2 When the therapist deems it necessary to override confidentiality he or she should inform the patient beforehand if possible.
    • 3.4 Psychotherapists should act in accordance with the Access to Health Records Act 1991 and the Data Protection Act. They should keep up to date with legislation that may affect psychotherapy.

  4. Relationships with patients

    • 4.1 Members of FiP should never offer treatment to members of their own family or friends, close colleagues or current supervisees.
    • 4.2 Members of FiP must not knowingly take into treatment any patient who is currently undergoing similar treatment, without the agreement of the parties concerned.
    • 4.3 Members of FiP should never enter into financial transactions with their patients other than the payment of fees.
    • 4.4 There must never be any sexual involvement between members of FiP and their patients, supervisees and trainees. Social contact with patients should be avoided whenever possible.
    • 4.5 The Code of Ethics 4.1 requires that members of FiP, "must take care not to exploit their patients, current, or past, in any way, financially, sexually, or emotionally." Non-therapeutic relationships with past patients are not debarred, but it is essential that a reasonable period of time should have passed before it can be succeeded by a different form of relationship. This is required to avoid the possibility that the continuing effect of the therapeutic relationship may have the consequence of exploiting the former patient. The period of time will differ according to the circumstances. If a member of FiP is uncertain about this requirement they should seek advice, from a senior colleague, or a member of the Ethics Committee.

  5. Professional conduct

      • 5.1.1 Psychotherapy is not a form of treatment covered by the Medical Acts. Therefore the psychotherapist may work as an independent practitioner without the involvement of a medical practitioner.
      • 5.1.2 Responsibility for the medical welfare of patients should be held by a medical practitioner and it may be appropriate to tell the patient this. Clinical judgement should be exercised over the necessity and degree of liaison with the medical practitioner, and whenever possible this should be done with the patient's consent.
      • 5.1.3 Members of FiP must seek adequate consultation or supervision, or should refer on when they consider an individual patient's need is beyond their competence.
      • 5.1.4 Members of FiP are required to make provision for an appropriate colleague to be able to arrange professional support to their patients in the event of serious illness, accident or death of the psychotherapist.
    • 5.2 Members of FiP have a responsibility for maintaining their own mental and physical well being and seeking psychotherapeutic or medical help, or undertaking further education or training where necessary.
    • 5.3 If a complaint is made against a psychotherapist, and it appears to be possible that this might lead to legal action, the psychotherapist should immediately inform their insurer. In some circumstances the insurer will take over responsibility for the matter. When they do not the psychotherapist should seek other legal advice. If the psychotherapist is uncertain it is better to err on the side of caution, and seek advice from their insurer.

  6. General

    • 6.1.1 Where difficulties or doubts arise as to whether a course of action is ethical, the practitioner should consult the Ethics Committee of FiP and/or others where appropriate.
      • 6.2.1 Any psychotherapist who has been convicted of any serious criminal offence in a court of law must notify the Executive Committee of the facts immediately. Failure to notify will in itself be deemed disreputable conduct and may lead to termination of membership of FiP.
      • 6.2.2 Conviction of any serious criminal offence shall automatically be reviewed by the disciplinary committee of FiP who may recommend termination of membership of FiP.
      • 6.2.3 Where a psychotherapist has been disciplined by removal from the register of their core profession they should inform the Executive Committee.
    • 6.3 Unethical conduct by a colleague should be referred to the Chair of the Executive Committee of the relevant organisation.
      • 6.4.1 Members of FiP must not employ, make referrals to, or recommend or facilitate the practice of someone struck off, for unethical conduct, the roll or register of any relevant organization
      • 6.4.2 When a member of FiP encounters a person who has been struck off, for unethical conduct, the roll, or register of any relevant organization continuing to practise, they must report it to the Chair of the Executive Committee