Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics Policy

Introduction

This policy outlines the professional standards, conduct, and boundaries that guide all interactions within this counselling practice.

Clear boundaries help to create a safe, respectful, and effective therapeutic relationship. This policy exists to protect both you as the client and myself as the practitioner, and to support ethical, trustworthy counselling.

Professional Standards

I work in accordance with the ethical frameworks and professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

This includes a commitment to:

• Acting with integrity and honesty
• Respecting your autonomy and dignity
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Working within the limits of my competence
• Engaging in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development

The Therapeutic Relationship

The counselling relationship is a professional and supportive space, focused entirely on your wellbeing.

To protect this relationship:

• Sessions have clear time boundaries
• Contact outside of sessions is limited to practical or administrative matters
• Social or personal relationships outside of therapy are not entered into

This helps ensure the focus remains on your needs within the therapeutic space.

Professional Boundaries

Clear boundaries are essential to safe and ethical practice. This includes:

• No sexual or romantic relationships with clients
• No exploitation of the therapeutic relationship
• Avoidance of dual relationships that could affect professional judgement
• Maintaining respectful and appropriate communication at all times

Physical contact is not typically part of counselling practice. Any exceptions would be carefully considered, discussed in advance, and always guided by professional judgement and your consent.

Online and Digital Boundaries

Professional boundaries also apply to online and digital interactions:

• Contact via email or text is limited to scheduling or practical matters
• Social media contact (such as “friending” or following personal accounts) is not accepted
• Online platforms are used in a professional and secure way

Mutual Respect and Behaviour

The therapeutic space is one of mutual respect. Clients are expected to engage respectfully within sessions and communications.

Behaviour that is threatening, abusive, sexually inappropriate, or repeatedly breaches boundaries may lead to a review or ending of the counselling relationship, in order to maintain safety and professional integrity.

Raising a Concern

If you have any concerns, these can be raised in line with the Complaints Policy, which outlines how issues can be shared, reviewed, and responded to fairly and respectfully.

Where appropriate, concerns may be raised informally in the first instance. Formal concerns can be submitted in writing, as outlined in the Complaints Policy.

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled with care, sensitivity, and professionalism.

Review of This Policy

This Code of Conduct & Professional Boundaries Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains clear, ethical, and reflective of best practice.

 Last reviewed: March 2026