Code of Ethics

These guidelines are intended for students and graduates of the Consonance Therapy Institute and for members of the Consonance Therapy International Association.

General Principles of Professional Ethics for Counseling Psychologists and Psychotherapists

The principles of professional ethics align with the general provisions of the “European Convention on Human Rights” and define the standards of ethical conduct for psychologists and psychotherapists.

These rules have evolved from the practice of previous generations; they are deeply internalized, integrated into the psychotherapeutic process, and observed by specialists across various disciplines in Europe and the United States. Regardless of a specific country’s legal framework, the code of ethics serves as an internal regulator of professional practice and a criterion of professionalism, rather than merely a set of rules for external accountability. The client’s awareness of the code’s content helps protect them from dealing with unprofessional practitioners and prevents abuse.

A brief list of ethical guidelines (for counseling psychologists and psychotherapists, hereinafter “Therapist”):

• In their professional practice, the Therapist strives for the highest standards of the profession and responsibly assesses their capabilities, competence, and limitations.
• Shows respect for the dignity of clients and colleagues.
• Bears ethical responsibility to the client and the professional community.
• Adheres to confidentiality requirements.
• Does not cause harm to the client.
• Does not exploit the dependent relationships that arise during therapy.
• Acts exclusively within the limits of professional competence.
• When making decisions, takes into account their personal and emotional-physical limitations. Seeks supervision when necessary, consults with colleagues, or refers the client to a more experienced specialist.
• Explains their decisions and provides information in simple language that the client can understand. Respects the client’s right to receive full information about their psychological health, treatment methods, risks, and expected outcomes.
• Always relies on the client’s voluntary consent, with the client fully understanding the nature of the process and its potential consequences.

Key Rules Ensuring Client Safety

Rule of Voluntary Participation

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 obligated to obtain the client’s personal consent to proceed and to decline the work if consent is not obtained.

Under Polish law, written consent from both parents or legal guardians is required to work with a person under the age of 18 (except in special cases determined by a court). The minor’s opinion is taken into account in proportion to their age and maturity, but does not replace the consent of the guardians.

Confidentiality Rule

The therapist is obligated to protect the client’s privacy. Any information received is used solely in the client’s best interest and may not be disclosed to third parties.

This rule is not absolute: a breach of confidentiality is permitted to prevent a threat if the client poses a serious danger to themselves or others.

The therapist is obligated to report to law enforcement authorities the preparation or commission of serious crimes (specified in Art. 240 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Poland—for example, murder, terrorism, pedophilia), as well as in cases of a threat to life and health.

In Poland, a psychologist’s professional confidentiality (tajemnica zawodowa) may be waived only by a court or a prosecutor in cases prescribed by law.

The therapist informs the client in advance of the obligation to disclose information regarding committed or planned crimes. The decision on whether to disclose such information to the therapist remains with the client.

Record-keeping and Personal Data Protection

The therapist maintains records in accordance with professional standards and ensures their secure storage without access by third parties.

The processing of personal data is carried out strictly in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR).

The client must be informed about the collection and storage of data and their rights (to access, rectify, and erase). A signed consent form for the processing of personal data is mandatory.

Prohibition on Dual Relationships

Dual relationships are those in which the Therapist acts in any role toward the client other than a professional one.

This rule cautions against counseling relatives, friends, and acquaintances due to the risk of bias.

Blurring boundaries is strictly prohibited: personal communication outside of therapy, joint business ventures, and intimate relationships with the client.

The specific atmosphere of therapy (deep understanding, emotional contact) can trigger a desire for closeness in the client, which leads to dependency and a loss of objectivity on the part of the therapist.

The therapist is obligated to recognize such situations, work with transference and countertransference, and regularly undergo supervision and intervision.

The “Do No Harm” Rule

The client’s interests always take priority. If a request falls outside the therapist’s area of expertise, they are obligated to refer the client to a specialist in that field.

The “Stop” Rule

The client has the right to refuse proposed actions or terminate therapy (for example, to not perform an exercise or to stop working through trauma if experiencing severe discomfort).

In such a case, the therapist is obligated to modify the task and return the client to a state of safety before the session ends.

Ethical Aspects of Payment

The cost of the consultation is established during the first session. Any change in price requires justification and the client’s consent. Payment for services cannot be substituted with barter (work or services provided by the client).

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