You will see from my website that I subscribe to the BACP Code of Ethics, but you might not know what this means.

All therapists should belong to a recognised professional body, and then subscribe to that body's code of ethics. This means that there is some accountability when you receive help from a therapist, whatever type of therapy they practice. I belong to the BACP, which has a strong ethical philosophy.

The code of ethics gives a framework for me to work within, and is based on:

• Values
• Principles
• Personal moral qualities

What this boils down to are the following:

• Fidelity
• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Non-maleficence
• Justice
• Self-respect

This means that I honour the trust you put in me to help you, I respect at all times your right to start and stop therapy when you want, I will always act in your best interests, I will not do any harm, I will treat you the same as any other client or person, and I will take care of myself, because if I don't look after myself, I cannot be expected to help you.

For more information on the BACP code of ethics, please visit the BACP website