Code of Ethics


Preamble

This ethics code provides a common set of values upon which ARCH members build their professional and scientific work and to provide education to ARCH members and non-members alike. The code is intended to provide the general principles to cover most situations encountered by ARCH members. It has as its primary goal the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom ARCH members work. ARCH members aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct, respect and protect human and civil rights. They do not participate in, or condone unfair discriminatory practices





Competence 
ARCH members shall strive to maintain the highest standards of competence in their work. ARCH members shall provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training or experience. They shall maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to hypnosis and recognize the need for continuing education.

Integrity
ARCH members seek to promote integrity in the teaching and practice of Hypnotherapy. In these activities, ARCH members are honest, fair and respectful of the legal, civic, and moral rights of others. To the extent feasible, ARCH members attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles. ARCH members rely on scientific or professionally derived knowledge when making professional judgments or when engaging in professional endeavours. ARCH members shall always be truthful in their marketing and advertising, and never speak negatively of other professionals. 

Client Relationships
ARCH members shall at all times make the physical and mental well-being of their clients a prime consideration. ARCH members shall not engage in verbal, physical or sexual abuse of any client. 

Consultations and Referrals
ARCH members arrange for appropriate consultations and referrals based on the best interest of the client with appropriate consent, and subject to other relevant considerations which include applicable laws and contractual obligations. When indicated and professionally appropriate, ARCH members cooperate with other professionals from appropriately certified medical or mental health organizations in order to serve their client's best interest.




Fees and Financial Arrangements
As early as feasible in the professional therapeutic relationship, the ARCH member and client reach an agreement specifying the compensation and billing arrangements. ARCH members fee practices are consistent with the law. ARCH members do not misrepresent their fees. 

Informed Consent
ARCH members discuss with the client as early as feasible in the therapeutic relationship appropriate issues, such as the nature and anticipated course of therapy, fees and confidentiality. ARCH members obtain appropriate informed consent for Hypnotherapy or related procedures. The language is reasonably understandable to all participants. ARCH members will only provide services to those able to provide informed consent. 

Maintaining Confidentiality
ARCH members have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to respect the confidential rights of those with whom they work or consult; recognizing that confidentiality may be established by law, institutional rules, professional or scientific relationships. 

Terminating the Professional Relationship
ARCH members do not abandon clients. A Hypnotherapist may terminate a professional relationship when it becomes reasonably clear that the client: no longer needs the service; is not benefiting from the service; or is being harmed by continuing the service.













Confidentiality
Information that results from a counselling-hypnotherapy relationship and the nature of the relationship itself is to be kept confidential with the following exceptions: (1) When a child may be in danger. (2) When there is evidence of clear and imminent danger to the client or other(s). (3) When the client expresses suicidal ideation. (4) When disclosure is required by laws of the Province (or Country) . If an ARCH member becomes aware of a client's intention to harm, they are obliged to inform the threatened person of the threat. 


Record Keeping
ARCH members maintain records consistent with legal requirements of their Province (or Country), and/or the requirements of the agency or institution that apply to them. Records are to provide adequate details to follow the sequence, nature and scope of their service. All records, in any form, are to be kept confidential except when: (1) The client provides written consent for sharing of records. (2) When requested by Court Order. ARCH members understand that the client has the right to access their records. A fee can be charged for copies requested by the client. 


Multiple Practitioners
ARCH members who discover that a client is seeing another counsellor or related health care professional should discuss the relationship with the client. It may be helpful, with the client's consent, to inform and discuss the issues with the other professional. If the client is found to be seeing a physician, psychologist or psychiatrist or another Counsellor for a related issue, the ARCH member must discuss this with the client and obtain consent to share with the other professional the scope of treatments being received.