General Principles of Professional Ethics in the Work of a Counseling Psychologist and Psychotherapist

Principles of professional ethics correspond to the general provisions of the “European Convention on Human Rights” and define the standards of ethical conduct for a psychologist and psychotherapist. These rules are formulated for students and graduates of Consonance Therapy Institute and for members of Consonance Therapy International Association. These rules have been formed based on the practice of previous generations; they are internally conceptualized, integrated into the psychotherapeutic process, and observed by specialists of various modalities in Europe and the USA. Regardless of the legislative framework of a particular country, the code of ethics acts as an internal regulator of professional activity and a criterion of professionalism, rather than merely a set of rules for external accountability. The client’s awareness of the contents of the code helps to protect them from interacting with a non-professional and to prevent malpractice.

Brief List of Ethical Rules (for the counseling psychologist and psychotherapist, hereinafter referred to as the “Therapist”):

• In professional activity, the Therapist strives for the highest standards of the profession and responsibly assesses their capabilities, competence, and limitations.
• Shows respect for the personality of clients and colleagues.
• Bears ethical responsibility to the client and the professional community.
• Observes the conditions of confidentiality.
• Does no harm to the client.
• Does not exploit dependency relationships arising during therapy.
• Acts exclusively within the limits of professional competence.
• When making decisions, takes into account their personal and emotional-physical limitations. If necessary, seeks supervision, consults with colleagues, or refers the client to a more experienced specialist.
• Explains their decisions and provides information in language that is simple and understandable for the client. Respects the client’s right to receive full information about the state of their psychological health, methods of work, risks, and expected results.
• Always relies on the voluntary consent of the client who is aware of the essence of what is happening and the possible consequences.

Key Rules Ensuring Client Safety

The Rule of Voluntariness 

The client makes the decision to work with the Therapist independently, consciously, and without pressure. If psychological assistance is recommended by third parties (doctors, teachers, parents), the Therapist is obliged to obtain the client’s personal consent for the work and to refuse it if consent is not obtained. According to the legislation of Poland, written consent from both parents or legal guardians is mandatory for working with a person under 18 (except for special cases established by a court). The opinion of the minor is taken into account in proportion to their age and maturity but does not replace the consent of the guardians.

The Rule of Confidentiality 

The Therapist is obliged to protect the client’s private life. Any information obtained is used only in the interests of the client and cannot be transferred to third parties. The rule is not absolute: a breach of confidentiality is permitted to prevent a threat if the client presents a serious danger to themselves or others. The Therapist is obliged to report to law enforcement agencies the preparation or commission of serious crimes (specified in Art. 240 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Poland — for example, murder, terrorism, pedophilia), as well as in the event of a threat to life and health. In Poland, the psychologist’s professional secrecy (tajemnica zawodowa) can only be lifted by a court or a prosecutor in cases established by law. The Therapist warns the client in advance of the obligation to disclose information about committed or planned crimes. The decision whether to disclose such information to the Therapist remains with the client.

Record Keeping and Personal Data Protection 

The Therapist maintains documentation in accordance with professional standards and ensures its secure storage without access by third parties. Processing of personal data is carried out strictly according to EU Regulation 2016/679 (RODO/GDPR). The client must be informed about the collection and storage of data and their rights (to access, rectification, erasure). A signed consent for the processing of personal data is mandatory.

Prohibition of Dual Relationships 

Relationships are called dual if the Therapist acts in any other role toward the client besides the professional one. The rule warns against counseling relatives, friends, and acquaintances due to the risk of bias. Blurring of boundaries is strictly prohibited: personal communication outside of therapy, joint business, as well as intimate contact with the client. The specific atmosphere of therapy (deep understanding, emotional contact) may cause the client to desire closeness, which leads to dependency and loss of objectivity by the Therapist. The Therapist is obliged to recognize such situations, work with transference and countertransference, and regularly undergo supervision and intervision.

The “Do No Harm” Rule 

The client’s interests are always a priority. If a request falls outside the scope of the Therapist’s competence, they are obliged to refer the client to a specialized professional.

The “Stop” Rule 

The client has the right to refuse proposed actions or to terminate therapy (for example, not to perform an exercise or to stop processing trauma in case of severe discomfort). In such a case, the Therapist is obliged to change the task and return the client to a state of safety before the conclusion of the session.

Ethical Aspects of Payment 

The cost of the consultation is established during the first conversation. Changing the price requires justification and obtaining consent from the client. Payment for services cannot be replaced by barter (work or services from the client’s side).

These rules are formulated for students and graduates of the Consonance Therapy Institute and for members of the Consonance Therapy International Association.