Code of Practice and Complaint

1. INTRODUCTION

This Code of Practice is designed to be read in conjunction with the Code of Ethics of Soaring Eagle Wellbeing
In this Code of Practice the term practitioner will be taken to include me, Karena Serdecka-Rhodes-Bell as a practising therapist and sole trader of Soaring Eagle Wellbeing.

2. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND METHODS OF PRACTICE

• 2.1 I as a practitioner, accurately inform you as the client about my training, philosophy, theoretical approach and qualifications.
• 2.2 I as a practitioner, will be explicit regarding business and practical arrangements including length, frequency and venue of the working contract.
• 2.3 In my capacity as psychotherapeutic counsellor, will not enter into formal therapeutic relationship with friends, professional or personal acquaintances or members of the public where any dual relationship such as the above may be present.
• 2.4 Where personal disagreements between me as the therapist and you as the client may occur which cannot be resolved, I will consult my own professional supervisor and if appropriate offer to refer you, the client to another practitioner or appropriate service.
• 2.5 Together, you; as the client, and I; as the practitioner, will establish and contract the nature, cost, length and requirements of the treatment program in the initial assessment. This will be reviewed by you, as the client, and I, as the practitioner, on a regular basis.
• 2.6 Where therapeutic requirements are changed there will be a reasonable respect for existing arrangements.
• 2.7 I, as the practitioner, will abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s ethical framework for good practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

3. CONFIDENTIALITY

3.1 As the sole professional member of Soaring Eagle Wellbeing, I am aware of the importance of confidentiality and limits of that confidentiality will be agreed contractually.

3.2 Clinical

These limits will normally include the following:

• 3.2.1 Where the you as the client gives consent for the confidence to be broken.
• 3.2.2 Where the I, as the practitioner are compelled by law.
• 3.2.3 Where the clinical work is discussed in supervision, in which case your client identity will be protected.
• 3.2.4. Where the locum has a need to know. This will normally be discussed with you, as the client.
• 3.2.5 Where a referring GP or agency require a report. A copy of the report will be available to you, as the client.
• 3.3 All clients’ records, notes and/or recordings will be kept in a secure place including during transportation.
• 3.4 I, as the practitioner will obtain clients’ written consent for material to be used for case studies and audio recordings.

4. PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP

4.1 I, as the practitioner will model respectful and appropriate behavior with the general public, clients and other professionals.

4.2 Professional responsibility

I, as the practitioner am responsible for:

• 4.2.1 Informing clients, of the Codes of Ethics Practice and Complaints procedure and making these available on request.
• 4.2.2 Ensuring that clients are not exploited, sexually, emotionally or financially.
• 4.2.3 Holding professional indemnity insurance.
• 4.2.4 Taking appropriate steps to resolve any conflict of interest.
• 4.2.5 Providing alternative arrangements in case of my own death, illness or other absence. This will include arrangements with a Psychological Executor who will liaise with clients, manage the disposal of notes, documents and other recorded material while protecting clients’ anonymity and confidentiality.
• 4.2.6 Providing a suitable professional environment, taking into account the need for assistance in case of an emergency.
• 4.2.7 Abiding by the Code of Ethics and Practice of other relevant organisations of which I am a member.
• 4.2.8 Encouraging and facilitating the self-development of clients.
• 4.2.9 Setting and monitoring boundaries in relationships within therapy.
• 4.2.10 When I am aware that a colleague is in breach of the Codes of Ethics and Practice I will draw my colleagues attention to this

5. PRACTITIONER COMPETENCE

• 5.1 I, as the practitioner will be aware of my own limitations and work appropriately to my level of experience, including making referrals to other professionals as appropriate.
• 5.2 I, as the practitioner, will maintain and improve my practice by networking with other practitioners and engaging in continuing professional development.
• 5.3 I, as the practitioner, will look after my own physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, enabling healthy relationships to be maintained.

6 Complaints

In the event of a formal complaint, the Complaints Procedure of Soaring Eagle Wellbeing will be followed.

7. ADVERTISING

• 7.1 I, as the practitioner will limit my promotional material to include my name, address, telephone number and details of relevant qualifications, consultation arrangements and a summary of services offered.
• 7.2 I, as the practitioner will not claim an affiliation with any organisation that falsely or misleadingly implies sponsorship or endorsement by that organisation.

8. RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION

• 8.1 Clarification will be given regarding the nature, purpose and conditions in which clients are to be involved in research or publication.
• 8.2 Written consent will be obtained before any material is used. However consent is not required when details from several clients have been merged into one synthesised client and no circumstantial detail or names which might identify a client have been given.
• 8.3 If I, as the practitioner undertake research, I will satisfy myself that an appropriate ethical assessment of my proposal has been made.
• 8.4 Research data will be used accurately and conclusions will be restricted to those compatible with the methodology.
• 8.5 Sponsorship of any work will be disclosed at the outset.

Based on Northern Build for Psychotherapy Codes of Practice and Complaint Policy revised September 2015.  Revised June 2018