My Professional Ethics, Values & Supervision

I know every client is unique.

Everyone deals with challenges and healing differently. I offer therapeutic support that is safe, driven by our values, ethics, and compassion.

My professional ethics & values

My work is guided by my own personal integrity and values, as well as the professional ethics and behaviours outlined by organisations like:

I adhere to these standards and take extraordinary steps to maintain my professional conduct with you.

I also endorse the principles outlined in the declarations by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), such as the WAS Declaration of Sexual Rights and the Declaration on Sexual Pleasure, accessible here.

Inclusion & diversity

I am a committed participant of the Welcome Here initiative, actively promoting diversity and inclusivity through my actions and services.

Supervision and reflective practice

Engaging in supervision and professional reflective practice is a fundamental necessity for any practitioner working with the mind and body. I consistently partake in reflective exercises and attend supervision sessions to analyse and enhance my interactions with clients, seeking ways to improve their well-being.

My commitment to supervision also serves as an integral and ethical part of ongoing professional development. Actively participating in supervision ensures a continuous focus on safeguarding client welfare. Throughout this process, I maintain utmost respect for clients, ensuring their protection and confidentiality. My clients can be assured that I do not disclose their personal details in this, or any other process (unless required by law).

Therapeutic trust, integrity and values

My therapeutic integrity and values are based from Brown’s (2021) B.R.A.V.I.N.G Framework, which has been tailored to align with my practices. This framework comprises seven fundamental components of trust, and I strongly believe that these elements are of profound therapeutic importance in my interactions with you.

Building therapeutic trust, particularly during the process of establishing a therapeutic relationship, requires time, dedication, and collaboration as we address your concerns together. Trust cannot be assumed or demanded; it must be cultivated through mutual effort and understanding between me and you.

Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the heart: mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience. First Edition. New York, Random House.

Boundaries
You honour my professional boundaries, and in reciprocation, I respect yours. If you’re uncertain about what is okay and not okay, you’re encouraged to inquire. You’re willing to express your limits and are open to pausing and reflecting with me. I will reciprocate the same courtesy. And if need be stop therapeutic aspects of our work.

In my practice, I’m influenced by the Wheel of Consent®, in which I have trained in. This framework was developed by Dr. Betty Martin, to navigate boundaries. I participate in observing and reflecting within the four quadrants (giving, taking, receiving, allowing) before reaching a mutual and consensually embodied agreement with you. The terms yes, no, or maybe are integral to my informed and consensual practices with you.

Reliability
I adhere to my commitments and follow through on what I promise. I am aware of my professional strengths and limitations when working with you. I refrain from making unrealistic commitments, ensuring that I can fulfil therapeutic obligations. However, if I cannot, I will communicate this to you and, when necessary, refer you to other qualified professionals.

Accountability
I take responsibility for my errors, offer apologies when required, and strive to mend any therapeutic disruptions.

Vault
I safeguard your personal information and experiences that are not mine to disclose. Your confidences remain secure. Your confidential and sensitive information is protected under Australian law. There are exceptions to this and these can be found in my privacy policy. Furthermore, you avoid sharing details about other individuals that should remain confidential unless this relates to our therapeutic work, or a vulnerable person is at risk of harm.

Integrity
I prioritise courage over convenience, making choices aligned with what feels right and what is ethically right rather than what is simply convenient. I am committed to practicing in accordance with my professional values, not just professing them.

Non-judgment
You have the freedom to express your needs within this therapeutic relationship without fear of judgment or shame. Asking for what you need. We can openly discuss your feelings and request assistance without concern for judgment.

Generosity
I choose to interpret the intentions, words, and actions of others in the most generous and understanding light possible.

Just as I adhere to professional practices, I ask clients to work within my professional values. I am unable to help you if you cannot work within these boundaries, since they are important to the work we would do together.