Therapists, including psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals, typically do not take a standardized oath in the same way that medical doctors do. However, they are bound by a set of ethical guidelines and principles that govern their professional conduct and practice. These guidelines are established by professional organizations and licensing boards in their respective countries.
One of the most widely recognized sets of ethical guidelines for therapists is the "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct" provided by the American Psychological Association (APA). Similar organizations in other countries, such as the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS), also have their own codes of ethics.
While the specific wording may differ, the general principles covered in these codes of ethics include:
Beneficence and Non-maleficence: Therapists are committed to promoting the well-being of their clients while avoiding harm.
Fidelity and Responsibility: Therapists are responsible and accountable for their professional conduct and should prioritize the welfare of their clients.
Integrity: Therapists are honest and truthful in their professional interactions.
Justice: Therapists strive to treat all clients fairly and without discrimination.
Respect for People's Rights and Dignity: Therapists respect the autonomy and privacy of their clients and seek to build trusting relationships.
Competence: Therapists maintain and develop their professional skills and knowledge to provide effective services.
Informed Consent: Therapists obtain informed consent from clients before initiating any treatment or intervention.
Confidentiality: Therapists protect the confidentiality of client information, except in cases where there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose.
Dual Relationships: Therapists avoid entering into dual relationships with clients that could impair their objectivity or professional judgment.
Professional Boundaries: Therapists maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains therapeutic.
Therapists are expected to adhere to these ethical principles to ensure the highest standard of care and promote the well-being of their clients. If a therapist violates these ethical principles, they may face disciplinary actions from their professional organization or licensing board.