AAPCI Code of Ethics

1. Respect for Clients’ Rights, Dignity, and Autonomy

1.1 Respect for Autonomy

• Practitioners must uphold clients’ right to self-determination, supporting their autonomy in making informed choices regarding their therapy.

• In cases where clients have limited capacity to make decisions (such as minors), practitioners must work collaboratively with relevant guardians while prioritising the client’s best interests.

• Practitioners should ensure that clients understand the nature, purpose, and potential risks of therapy, obtaining informed consent before commencing treatment.

1.2 Confidentiality and Data Protection

• Practitioners are bound by strict confidentiality, only disclosing client information where legally required or when there is a serious risk of harm to the client or others.

• All records and notes must be stored securely in compliance with GDPR and other applicable data protection regulations.

• Clients must be informed of the limits of confidentiality at the outset of therapy.

1.3 Respect for Diversity and Inclusion

• Practitioners must acknowledge and respect the diversity of clients, ensuring that services are non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive, and inclusive of all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and disability.

• Practitioners should continually educate themselves on issues related to marginalised communities to provide competent and affirmative care.

2. Professional Competence, Training, and Development

2.1 Core Training and Accreditation Requirements

• All AAPCI members must have completed a core training programme in psychotherapy, counselling, or a closely related field from an approved training institution recognised by an accreditation body in Ireland or the UK (e.g., IACP, BACP, UKCP, IAHIP, PSI, BABCP).

• Members must be either fully accredited practitioners or actively working towards accreditation under appropriate supervision.

• Those seeking membership without accreditation must demonstrate equivalent training and competence through a recognised professional route.

• AAPCI does not currently have a trainee therapist membership pathway; however, those in training may apply for membership provided they meet the criteria. A membership number will be issued upon qualification.

2.2 Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

• All AAPCI members are required to engage in a minimum of 10 hours of CPD per year directly related to adolescent psychotherapy.

• Members may count additional CPD hours towards their accreditation with other professional bodies but must ensure at least 10 hours focus specifically on adolescent psychotherapy.

• AAPCI will conduct periodic audits of CPD logs to ensure compliance.

2.3 Clinical Supervision

• Supervision is a mandatory requirement for all practising therapists to ensure ethical and effective practice.

• Practitioners must adhere to a supervision ratio of at least 1:20 (one supervision hour per 20 client hours) or follow the guidelines outlined by their core accreditation body.

• Supervisors must be accredited by AAPCI or an equivalent recognised body and have specialist expertise in adolescent psychotherapy.

• Practitioners must engage in reflective practice and seek supervision promptly when faced with complex ethical dilemmas or personal challenges affecting their work.

3. Responsibility to Clients and the Profession

3.1 Client Welfare

• The primary responsibility of practitioners is to promote and safeguard the well-being of their clients.

• Practitioners must ensure that their personal circumstances do not negatively impact their professional work and should seek support when required.

• If a practitioner is no longer able to provide appropriate care, they must facilitate an ethical referral to another qualified professional.

3.2 Boundaries and Professional Relationships

• Therapists must establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in their work with clients.

• Dual relationships (where a therapist has another significant connection to a client outside of therapy) should generally be avoided, unless there is no reasonable alternative and potential conflicts are carefully managed.

• Practitioners must not exploit clients emotionally, sexually, financially, or in any other way. Any form of sexual or romantic involvement with a client is strictly prohibited.

3.3 Ethical Decision-Making

• Practitioners must be able to justify their professional decisions based on ethical reasoning, best practice, and evidence-based approaches.

• In situations of ethical uncertainty, practitioners should consult with their supervisor and, if necessary, refer to AAPCI’s ethics committee.

4. Working with Young People

4.1 Specialist Considerations

• Working with young people requires an understanding of developmental, cognitive, and emotional factors unique to adolescents.

• Practitioners must be competent in age-appropriate therapeutic approaches and have a working knowledge of child and adolescent development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care.

• Practitioners should be mindful of safeguarding concerns, parental involvement, and the complexities of confidentiality when working with minors.

• The best interests of the young person must always be prioritised, with due consideration for their capacity to make informed decisions.

4.2 Safeguarding and Child Protection

• AAPCI highly encourages all members working with young people to complete safeguarding training, such as:

  • Ireland: Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children

  • UK: Safeguarding Training (NSPCC)

• Practitioners must be aware of their legal obligations regarding child protection and reporting concerns.

• If a practitioner has any concerns about a young person’s safety, they must follow the appropriate national safeguarding procedures.

5. Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability

5.1 Honesty and Professional Representation

• Practitioners must accurately represent their qualifications, experience, and professional status at all times.

• Misrepresentation of credentials, training, or specialisms is strictly prohibited.

• Therapists must clearly communicate their fees, cancellation policies, and therapeutic approach before commencing work with a client.

5.2 Ethical Record-Keeping

• Practitioners must keep accurate and up-to-date client records, ensuring they are secure and stored in compliance with data protection laws.

• Client records should be retained for a minimum of seven years after therapy ends (or until a minor reaches the age of 25), in line with best practice recommendations.

6. Addressing Ethical Complaints and Breaches

6.1 Complaints Process

• Clients and professionals have the right to lodge ethical complaints if they believe a practitioner has violated this Code of Ethics.

• Complaints will be investigated by the AAPCI Ethics Committee, following due process and principles of fairness and confidentiality.

6.2 Sanctions for Ethical Breaches

• Ethical breaches may result in remedial actions, suspension, or expulsion from AAPCI, depending on the severity of the infraction.

• Practitioners found guilty of serious ethical violations may be reported to statutory regulatory bodies where applicable.

7. Ongoing Review and Development

• This Code of Ethics will be reviewed biennially to ensure it reflects current best practice and evolving professional standards.

• Feedback from members, clients, and stakeholders will be considered in updating ethical guidelines.

Conclusion

The AAPCI Code of Ethics provides a framework to uphold professional integrity, client safety, and the highest standards of ethical practice in adolescent psychotherapy and counselling. By adhering to these principles, practitioners contribute to the advancement of ethical, inclusive, and effective therapeutic practice.

Here you will find our code of ethics and membership critera