ARGI. CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Этический кодекс МИГИП

Этический кодекс МИГИП следует основным принципам Этического кодекса АРГИ (Ассоциация Российских Гештальт Институтов), поскольку МИГИП является институциональным членом АРГИ.

АРГИ берет за основу Этический кодекс гештальт-терапевтов ЕАГТ (Европейской Ассоциации Гештальт-Терапевтов).

В конце английского варианта Этического кодекса дан русский перевод.

ARGI. CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

The purpose of this code is twofold; firstly, to define general values and principles and to establish standards of professional conduct for Gestalt Therapists and Gestalt Training Institutes, and, secondly, to inform and protect those members of the public who seek their services.

Gestalt Therapists are responsible for the observation of the principles inherent in the Code of Ethics and the Professional Practice and are to use this code as the basis of good practice rather than a set of minimal requirements.

These codes are beneficial not only for the protection of clients, but are also meant to protect the therapist by establishing standards of conduct that clarify the boundaries of practice and accountability in the work setting.

The general aim of psychotherapy is to promote the psychophysical and socio-environmental well being of the individuals, groups and community at large within the psychotherapeutic relationship (preferred setting). Gestalt therapy recognizes these goals in general, and in particular the subjectivity of the well being of the individual as a phenomenological entity within their field. Since the realization of this specific goal is implemented through a dialogical approach grounded in the recognition of the autonomy and self-regulation of the individual, these codes of practice offer a meeting place for the resolution of difficulties between two or more parties. The resolution of difficulties for Gestalt Therapists is attained through dialogue and exchange as opposed to a hierarchical system of judgment and consequences.

The Code of Ethics of ARGI follows the basic principles of The Code of Ethics of EAGT. These codes are applicable to all individual and institutional members of the ARGI. When a discrepancy between the EAGT code and national codes occur, the conditions of the national code take preference. This code is subject to revision in the event that it proves inadequate in the practical application as standards of professional conduct.

The code is divided into two sections. The first section states those values and principles that are inalienable rights of the individual. The second section demonstrates guidelines that honour and protect these rights.

All members of the ARGI agree to have a complaints procedure to report and evaluate the violations of their Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

Each member will adopt and adhere to, together with the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, the rules for Complaints Procedures.

The ARGI Ethics Committee is responsible for maintaining an overview of the Code of Ethics and Complaints Procedures for national umbrella organizations and, where relevant, national awarding organizations.

A. Code of Ethics

1. Statement of equality of worth among individuals

2. Respect for the uniqueness, worth and dignity of the individual

3. Appreciation of the differences of race, extraction, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity or preference, handicap, age, religion, language, social or economic status and of the need for spirituality.

4. Recognition of the importance of autonomy and self-regulation of the individual in the context of contactful interpersonal relationships.

B. Code of Professional Practice in Gestalt Therapy

B.1 Competence

B.1.1 The Gestalt therapist will only undertake those tasks where he/she knows, or should know that he/she has the necessary competence to address these tasks and bring them to a completion that is beneficial to the client’s process.

B.1.2 During the working process, the Gestalt therapist, upon discovering the limits of his/her competence, will either refer the client to another professional or will establish collaboration with another professional/other professionals.

B.1.3 The first step during this process is the renegotiation of the original contract with the client. Continuing with the client means taking the necessary action to improve competence. Such action can be:

B.1.3.1 The therapist examines carefully whether his/her competence can be applied in the field in which the therapeutic work is to take place fully to the benefit of the client. If the Gestalt therapist determines that the contextual field, its structure, boundaries and the aims that dominate that field to be in any way contradictory or too restrictive to/for the unfolding of the competence that is necessary to further the client’s process, he/she abstains from any further working project undertaken in this field.

B.1.3.2 The Gestalt therapist seeks support and clarification of his/her difficulty regarding a problematic situation in an intermission context with experienced colleagues.

B.1.3.3 The Gestalt therapist seeks individual or group supervision, depending on which supervision setting is best suited for support and clarification in his/her situation.

B.1.3.4 The Gestalt therapist builds networks with members of other professions and institutions (such as clinics) in order to dispose of the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic security and availability of means of help for the client in case he/she reaches the boundaries of his/her competence or setting.

B.1.4 The Gestalt therapist protects his/her work and the profession in general from any unqualified actions and projects and procedures (lectures, interviews, in the public media, seminars) that are not in correspondence with the professional standards consented upon.

B.1.5 The Gestalt therapist seeks individual therapy in case of turbulence in his/her therapeutic work such as personal crises, signs of burn-out and/or difficulties in safeguarding the borders of intimacy and seductability.

B.1.6 The methodological and technical approach in the therapeutic process must serve the therapeutic aims and developmental requirements of the client agreed upon in the contracting. The Gestalt therapist is aware that any acting-out, especially expressive and cathartic acting-out, requires de-dramatization achieved through detailed and careful working through.

B.1.7 In an educative process lasting a whole professional life, the Gestalt therapist takes care to enlarge and deepen his/her professional and personal competence. The Gestalt therapist is open to important developments that affect this process, whether in the field of Gestalt Psychotherapy or in other fields or schools of psychotherapeutic research and practice, with regard to the benefit of the clients.

B.1.8 The Gestalt therapist maintains careful documentation of his/her diagnostic and therapeutic work with the client and observes the national prescriptions for the duration of document preservation and the security measure demanded. Careful documenting means corresponding to the scientific level foreseen by the national psycho-therapeutic regulations and adhering to the objectivity and clearness necessary in order to make the documentation and its contents understandable and feasible for another therapeutic professional.

B.3 Confidentiality

B.3.1 All exchanges between the Gestalt therapist and client are regarded as confidential, subject to clause B7 below.

B.3.2 The storing of clients’ personal data, including case notes, is subjected to the relevant national legal and professional regulations.

B.3.3 The Gestalt therapist takes care that personally identifiable information is not transmitted through overlapping networks of confidential relationships, such as supervision.

B.3.4 When a Gestalt therapist wishes to use specific information gained during work with a client in a lecture or publication, the client’s permission will be obtained and strict anonymity preserved around names/data through the use of well disguised writing, a process approach, the use of composites or another colleague as author to ensure that the client cannot be recognized.

B.3.5 When a Gestalt therapist wishes to use specific case material for case studies, reports or publications, he/she obtains the client’s informed consent wherever possible and preserves the client’s anonymity.

B.3.6 Video, photo and tape recordings or film will require the permission of the client or his/her legal representative’s written permission.

B.3.7 When a Gestalt therapist wishes to obtain relevant data about a client from other professionals or institutions, he/she observes the right of the client as regulated by national law. This also applies to the handling of written data regarding the client.

B.3.8 A Gestalt therapist takes into consideration the right of insight of the client into his/her written data as described in the national legal regulations, and is discriminatory in the handling of these documents towards the client.

B.3.9 When public or private institutions, such as law courts, insurance companies etc. request data regarding a client, the Gestalt therapist observes the legal national regulations. In doing so, the Gestalt therapist enters into a discourse with the client and proceeds in a manner that is the most beneficial to the therapeutic process.

B.3.10 When the client is considered to be a minor according to national legal formulations, the Gestalt therapist applies all the above considerations to the therapeutic relationship. In addition, the Gestalt therapist will conform to the national legal and professional regulations concerning information to child care in cases of abuse or other forms of serious lack of care.

B.4 Contracting with Client

B.4.1 Any contract made between a Gestalt therapist and a client is binding for both parties whether it is written or verbal.

B.4.2 The Gestalt therapist is clear and open regarding his/her competence, expertise and experience when negotiating a therapeutic contract with the prospective client.

B.4.3 The Gestalt therapist will implement an intake procedure that is compatible with the intake procedures where he/she practices.

B.4.4 Any recording, filming or observation of the therapy sessions will be discussed and a contract made with the client.

B.4.5 Contracts with clients, whether written or verbal, are explicit regarding fees, payment schedule, location, breaks and cancellation of sessions by client or therapist. Some examples of breaks could be holidays, other professional commitments, illness etc. The length of the therapy, transfer of clients and terminations are discussed with clients and mutual commitment sought.

B.4.6 In the event of a personal crises or physical illness, the Gestalt therapist will engage in supervision as a way of re-establishing the professional relationship.

B.4.7 The Gestalt therapist will ensure that during the therapeutic relationship there will be no interaction whatsoever with any person, principle or evaluation, nor evaluations or interests of other persons, regardless of the degree of involvement in the relationship.

B.4.8 Any changes that occur in the above mentioned conditions will require the re-negotiation of the original contract.

B.5 Advertising

Advertising will be confined to descriptive statements about the services available and the qualifications of the person providing them. Advertising will not include testimonials, make comparative statements, or in any way imply that the services concerned are more effective than those provided by other colleagues other schools of therapy or organisations. Advertising is subject to the national codes and regulations of legal and professional organizations.

B.6 Safety

B.6.1 The Gestalt therapist will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the client suffers neither physical nor psychological harm during the therapy sessions in the physical environment in which the therapy takes place.

B.6.2 The Gestalt therapist will provide privacy for the therapy sessions that will not be overheard, recorded or observed by anyone other than the therapist without informed consent.

B.10 Legal Proceedings

Any Gestalt therapist who is a member of the ARGI and is convicted in a court of law for any criminal offence or is the subject of a successful civil action by a client will inform the ARGI board.

C.1 Complaints Procedure

C.1.1 The following procedures are intended to provide a forum for communication, presentation of points of views, investigation, reconciliation and redress in which all parties concerned in a complaint can feel supported and heard. Potentially there are three stages:

1) an informal meeting between the Complainant and Member complained against, with an independent person(s) to facilitate the process;

2) a formal Complaints Panel of three Members;

3) a formal appeal.

C.1.2 Complaints should be made as near as possible to the time of origin. Complaints concerning events that occurred more than seven years prior to the first contact with the Chair of the Ethics Committee will not normally be heard.

C.1.3 The party complained against must have been a Member of the ARGI at the time of the alleged breach in the Code(s) of Ethics and/or Professional Practice. An individual Member may not resign his/her membership of the ARGI during the process of a complaint or appeal.

C.1.4 Complaints concerning legal, statutory or commercial contractual matters are not within the remit of the Ethics Committee.

C.1.5 In the event that there is a grievance or complaint against a Member of the ARGI, the Complainant will submit his/her complaint in to the Chair of the Ethics Committee who will record the complaint and acknowledge the reception of the complaint to the Complainant and the Member complained against within seven working days.

C.1.6. The Ethics Committee includes four members from different training institutes. Personal structure of the Ethics Committee is confirmed by the General Meeting every year.

C.1.9. The Ethics Committee will contact the Complainant within fourteen working days to discuss the options and procedures available to the claimant. This committee member will, as the first step, encourage the Complainant to engage in informal dialogue with the Member in order to come to a mutually satisfactorily agreement as a resolution.

C.1.10. In the event that this informal dialogue is not feasible, or does not result in a resolution, this same committee member will strongly recommend that two mediators, who are not necessarily ARGI members and who are acceptable to both parties be appointed to mediate in a dialogue process between them.

C.1.11. In the event that the mediation is rejected or does not result in a resolution, the Complainant may submit a formal written complaint that is directed to the Chair of the Ethics Committee of the ARGI. The Ethics Committee may return the written complaint to the Complainant for further clarification regarding the format and/or the content of the complaint. At this time the Member complained against will receive a written notification of the complaint.

C.1.12. Ethics Committee will determine as quickly as possible if the complaint contains sufficient grounds for a formal complaint. When this is the case, the Chair will record the complaint and acknowledge the reception of the complaint to the Complainant. In the event that the Complaints Committee determines that the complaint does not contain sufficient grounds, the Chair will notify the complainant of his/her considerations.

C.1.13. If the complaint is accepted, then a copy of the written complaint will be sent to the Member complained against at the same time as the Complainant is notified. The Member is expected to send a written response to the complaint, within twenty-one working days of receiving it, to the Chair of the Ethics Committee who will forward a copy to the Complainant.

C.1.14. The Chair appoints a Complaints Panel consisting of three Members to address this particular complaint. There will be twenty one working days granted to this appointment process. If availability of Members or other practical considerations hinder the appointment, this may result in a delay which needs to be communicated and an extension of twenty one working days granted.

C1.15. The Complaints Panel notifies both parties of the particulars of the arbitration meeting. This would usually involve a face to face meeting of the panel with both parties present. When not feasible, the Complaints Panel will determine an alternative form of verbal communication within a reasonable time frame.

C.1.16. The Panel will require all relevant documentation no later than twenty working days before the arbitration meeting so that this can be forwarded to the other party and the Panel.

C.1.17. The Complaints Panel will send a written report of the arbitration meeting and their recommendations to the Chair of the Ethics Committee within ten working days. Copies of the report will be forwarded by the Chair of the Complaints Committee to the Complainant and the Member complained against within one week of receiving it. The Ethics Committee is available for consultation concerning the equivalence of sanctions proposed by the Complaints Panel.

C.1.18. The report will clarify the nature of the complaint, the procedures followed and the outcome of the process for both parties. The Panel's concluding options are: that the matter has been resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of all parties; that no further action be taken; that the complaint is not upheld in any respect; that the complaint is upheld in some or all respects. If the complaint is upheld, then the report will include specific statements as to whether each of the alleged breaches of clauses of the Code of Ethics and Practice is upheld. The Complaints Panel may recommend any of the following sanctions, only if the complaint is upheld in any respect: additional supervision; review of the Member's practice; further training; a formal warning and requiring an undertaking that the Member ceases to work in a particular manner. Suspension or withdrawal of Membership may be recommended in cases of gross professional misconduct, such as active sexual involvement with a client. Complaints Panels should stipulate time scales by which sanctions should have been completed. The Ethics Committee is responsible for monitoring this process and reporting back to the ARGI Board when the sanctions have been met.

C.1.19. The outcome of complaints which are upheld will be notified to the ARGI Board. Recommendation of suspension or withdrawal of Membership will be reported to the Board for the Board’s ratification. The Complainant and Member complained against will be notified as to whether the complaint has been upheld or not within twenty one working days of the Panel meeting. The Member complained against will be notified about any sanctions they are required to fulfil and the time schedule required for completion. When the Board’s ratification is required, parties will be notified within ten working days of the Board’s next meeting.

C.1.20. The process of complaintmight have a fee. This fee, and relevant expense, will be paid for by the complainant or, if substantiated, by the Member complained against. The negotiation of the level of fees for this remains at the discretion of the Complaints Panel.

C.2 Appeals Procedure

C.2.1 The Member complained against and the Complainant may appeal against the outcome of the Complaints Panel. A decision to appeal should be sent to the Chair of the Appeal Committee within fifteen working days subsequent to the receipt of the Complaint Panel’s report.

C.2.2 The appellant is required to give clear and convincing reasons to support his or her opinion that one or both of the following conditions have been met:

- that the outcome of the complaint is inappropriate to the situation.

- that the published procedures for managing complaints were not followed to such an extent that the outcome was prejudiced in some way.

C.2.3 The appeal is considered by the Appeal Committee, which determines whether there is just cause for appeal.

C.2.4. The Appeal Committee includes four members from different training institutes. Personal structure of the Appeal Committee is confirmed by the General Meeting every year.

C.2.5. The process of appeal has the same fee structure as the Complaints Procedure. The negotiation of the level of fees for this remains at the discretion of the Appeals Panel.

C.2.6. If the appeal is accepted by the Chair of the Appeal Committee s/he will inform both parties to the appeal. The presence of both parties will only be required at the discretion of the Appeals Panel.

C.2.7. The Appeals Panel includes three of four members of the Appeal Committee (one of them is the coordinator of this particular case) and one independent expert.

C.2.8. The Appeals Process, once the appeal has been accepted, will be completed within thirty working days.

C.2.9. The decision of the Appeal Panel will be conveyed in writing within seven working days to the Chair of the Ethics Committee and the Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Appeal Committee will inform the Appellant(s) of the outcome within seven working days. This decision will be final and binding for all parties concerned.

C.2.10. All evidence and other written documents and testimony from the appeal will be stored in compliance with legal regulations.

А. КОДЕКС ЭТИКИ

1. Утверждение равенства ценности среди индивидуумов

2. Уважение уникальности, ценности и достоинства личности

3. Принятие различий в расе, происхождении, этнической принадлежности, пола, сексуальной идентификации или предпочтений, инвалидности, возрасте, религии, языке, социальном или экономическом статусе, а также потребности в духовности.

4. Признание важности автономии и саморегуляции личности в контексте контактных межличностных отношений.

B.1 Компетенция

B.1.1. Гештальт-терапевт будет ставить в работе только такие задачи, где он знает, что у него есть необходимая компетенция для их решения и доведения их до завершения, и которое будут благоприятно сказываться на процессе клиента.

B.1.2. В процессе работы, гештальт-терапевт после определения пределов своей компетенции либо направит клиента к другому профессионалу, либо установит сотрудничество с другим профессионалом/другими специалистами.

B.1.3. Первым шагом в ходе этого процесса является пересмотр и обсуждение первоначального договора с клиентом. Продолжение работы с клиентом означает принятие необходимых мер по усовершенствованию компетенции. Такие меры могут заключаться в следующем:

B.1.3.1. Терапевт внимательно изучает вопрос: хватает ли его компетенция, чтобы терапевтическая работа проводилась полностью в интересах клиента. Если гештальт-терапевт определяет, что контекстуальное поле, его структура, границы и цели, которые доминируют в этой области, каким бы то ни было образом противоречат или слишком ограничивают развертывание компетенции, необходимой для развития процесса клиента, он воздерживается от любых дальнейших рабочих проектов, осуществляемых в этой области.

B.1.3.2. Гештальт-терапевт ищет поддержку и разъяснение своих трудностей в проблемной ситуации с более опытными коллегами.

B.1.3.3. Гештальт-терапевт стремится получить индивидуальную или групповую супервизию, в зависимости от того, что наиболее подходит для поддержки и разъяснения его ситуации.

B.1.3.4. Гештальт-терапевт простраивает взаимодействие с представителями других профессий и учреждений (например, клиник), если есть необходимость дополнительной помощи клиенту в диагностике, лечении и др. выходящего за рамки компетенции терапевта.

B.1.4. Гештальт-терапевт защищает свою работу и репутацию профессии в целом от любых неквалифицированных действий, проектов и процедур (лекции, интервью, в средствах массовой информации, семинары), которые не соответствуют согласованным профессиональным стандартам.

B.1.5. Гештальт-терапевт стремится получить индивидуальную терапию в случае собственного нестабильного состояния, заключающегося в таких явлениях как личные кризисы, признаки истощения и/или трудности в защите границ интимности и склонности к соблазнению.

В.1.6. Методологические и технические приемы в терапевтическом процессе должны служить выполнению терапевтических целей и должны быть согласованы с клиентом в терапевтическом контракте. Гештальт-терапевт осознает, что любые техники, в особенности экспрессивные и катарсические, при выходе из них требуют де-драматизации, достигаемой посредством детальной и тщательной проработки.

В.1.7. В образовательном процессе, длящемся всю профессиональную жизнь, гештальт-терапевт заботится о расширении и углублении его профессиональной и личной компетенции. В интересах своих клиентов, гештальт-терапевт открыт восприятию важных научных открытий и исследований, будь то в области гештальт-подхода или в иных областях науки.

B.1.8. Гештальт-терапевт ведет подробную документацию своей диагностической и терапевтической работы с клиентом и соблюдает национальные предписания, касающиеся срока хранения документов и требуемых мер безопасности. Подробное документирование означает соответствие научному уровню, предусмотренному национальными психотерапевтическими правилами и соблюдение принципов объективности и четкости, необходимых для того, чтобы документация и содержащиеся в ней сведения были понятными и приемлемыми для другого терапевта-профессионала.

B.3 Конфиденциальность

B.3.1. Все сообщения между гештальт-терапевтом и клиентом рассматриваются как конфиденциальные в соответствии с п. B.7 ниже.

B.3.2. Хранение персональных данных клиента, в том числе заметки по истории дела, регулируются соответствующими национальными правовыми и профессиональными нормами.

B.3.3. Гештальт-терапевт заботится о том, чтобы персональная идентифицируемая информация не передавалась через наслаивающиеся друг на друга сети конфиденциальных отношений, таких как супервизия.

B.3.4. В случаях, когда гештальт-терапевт желает использовать конкретную информацию, полученную в ходе работы с клиентом на лекции или в публикации, необходимо получить разрешение клиента и сохранять строгую анонимность имен/данных, подавая информацию так, чтобы нельзя было узнать клиента.

B.3.5. В случаях, когда гештальт-терапевт хочет использовать конкретные материалы работы с клиентом для проведения тематических исследований, написания докладов и публикаций, он получает согласие клиента и сохраняет анонимность клиента.

B.3.6. Использование видео, фото- и магнитофонных записей требуют получения письменного разрешения клиента или письменного разрешения его юридического представителя.

B.3.7. Если гештальт-терапевт желает получить соответствующие данные о клиенте от других специалистов или учреждений, он соблюдает права клиента, предусмотренные национальным законодательством.

B.3.8. Гештальт-терапевт учитывает права клиента при ознакомлении с различными документами о нем, как описано в национальных правовых нормах и правилах, и применяет избирательный подход при передаче этих документов клиенту.

B.3.9. В случаях, когда государственные или частные учреждения, такие как суды, страховые компании и т.д. запрашивают данные о клиенте, гештальт-терапевт соблюдает правовые национальные нормы. При этом гештальт-терапевт обсуждает с клиентом этот вопрос наиболее благоприятным для терапевтического процесса образом.

B.3.10. В случаях, когда клиент считается несовершеннолетним, гештальт-терапевт строит терапевтические отношения в соответствии с национальными юридическими законами. Кроме того, гештальт-терапевт будет соответствовать национальным правовым и профессиональным положениям, касающимся информации по уходу за ребенком в случаях жестокого обращения с ними, отсутствия надлежащего ухода или других форм ущемления его прав.

B.4. Контракт с клиентом

B.4.1. Любой контракт, заключенный между гештальт-терапевтом и клиентом является обязательным для обеих сторон вне зависимости от того, заключен ли он в письменной или устной форме.

B.4.2. Гештальт-терапевт ясен и открыт потенциальному клиенту в отношении своей компетенции, знаний и опыта при обсуждении контракта на оказание терапевтических услуг.

B.4.3. Гештальт-терапевт будет грамотно осуществлять процедуру приема клиента, в соответствии с правилами приема в его практикующей области.

В.4.4. Любые аудио и видеозаписи или включения наблюдателя в сессию должны быть обсуждены и законтрактированы с клиентом.

В.4.5. Контракт с клиентом, письменный или устный, должен быть прозрачен относительно оплаты, графика оплаты, места встреч, перерывов и отмен сессий клиентом или терапевтом. Причиной перерывов могут быть праздники, другие профессиональные обязательства, болезнь и др. Длительность терапии, переходы клиентов от одного специалиста к другому и окончание терапии обсуждаются с клиентом и требуют взаимного соглашения.

В.4.6. В случае собственных личностных или физических проблем, гештальт-терапевт обращается к супервизору для помощи в восстановлении своих профессиональных отношений с клиентом.

В.4.7. Гештальт-терапевт будет гарантировать, что в течение терапевтических отношений ничье личное вмешательство, принципы и оценки, а также мнения и интересы людей из окружения клиента, независимо от степени их близости с клиентом, не повлияют на терапевтический процесс.

В.4.8 Любое изменение условий первичного контракта требует дополнительных переговоров с клиентом.

В.5 Реклама

Реклама гештальт-терапевта должна быть ограничена описаниями доступных услуг и квалификации представляющего их специалиста. Реклама не должна включать рекомендательных писем, сравнительных оценок, и тем или иным образом утверждать, что оказываемые услуги более эффективны, чем аналогичные услуги коллег, других школ терапии или организаций. Реклама подчиняется национальным правилам правовых и профессиональных организаций.

В.6 Безопасность

В.6.1. Гештальт-терапевт предпринимает все возможные шаги, чтобы клиенту во время сессии не был причинён вред, не было физического или психологического насилия.

В.6.2. Гештальт-терапевт обеспечивает приватность терапевтических сессий, которые не должны быть прослушаны, увидены или записаны кем-либо кроме разрешенных в контракте лиц.

В 10. Правовой регламент

Каждый гештальт-терапевт, являющийся участником АРГИ, осужденный за уголовное преступление или которому предъявлен гражданский иск от клиента, сообщает об этом в совет АРГИ.