Ethical Principles

As a psychological practitioner I believe it is important for me to inform the greater society of the ethical principles I am bound to, creating a form of accountability and protecting those who seek counselling by informing them about the ethical principles that health professionals are bound to. The ethical principles are justice, autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, fidelity and confidentiality. I will share the meaning of these below.

Justice

The principle of justice says that mental health professionals have a responsibility to be fair and impartial. It also states that people have a right to access and benefit from advances that have been made in the field of psychology. It is important for psychological practitioners to treat people equally.

Autonomy

Respecting the principle of autonomy obliges the psychological practitioner to disclose medical information and treatment options that are necessary for the patient/client to exercise self-determination and supports informed consent, truth-telling, and confidentiality. Clients need to be able to make Informed choices, and to live their lives by their own beliefs, values and preferences.

Non-Maleficence (First do no harm)

This principle is about first do no harm it is a very important principle and it is an umbrella under which all the other principles fall, an example of this is when taking someone’s personal choice away this is a form of harm that is why autonomy is so important, remembering the client is the expert in the room.

Beneficence (Will it be of benefit to the client)

Healthcare practitioners should act in the best interests of patients/clients even when the interests of the latter conflict with their own personal self-interest. Remembering that it is not one size fits all kind of treatment. 

Fidelity

Fidelity addresses a person’s responsibility to be loyal and truthful in their relationships with others. It also includes promise-keeping, fulfilling commitments, and trustworthiness (Welfel and Kitchener 1992).

Confidentiality

Healthcare practitioners should treat personal or private information as confidential in professional relationships with patients – unless overriding reasons confer a moral or legal right to disclosure.

Healthcare practitioners should incorporate these core ethical values and standards as the foundation for their character and practice as responsible healthcare professionals.

My practice is officially open again.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me for an online counselling session. Let’s together create an environment where you can connect with yourself again, an environment that fosters and encourages authenticity. An environment where you can follow your gut and get to know what it looks like.

After doing an intake I might be able to help you with a few sessions using BWRT (Brainworking Recursive Therapy) read more about BWRT on another blog on my website: https://thewellsamaria.co.za/what-is-brainworking-recursive-therapy-or-bwrt/, or we will use another technique depending on your unique needs.