Values and ethics within the practice of psychology are the cornerstones of what all of our work sits on, our client relationships are built on trust. Trust that our intent to increase the outcomes for our clients, trust that they can speak to us honestly and do so without judgment, and trust that we have the capability to help them achieve the goals we set together as client and counselor. This is certainly true in a clinical perspective but what is often missed by some individuals in my opinion is that the deeply held beliefs are also true within my passion and field of practice organisational psychology. In my office I have my four ethical principals on the wall for all who enter to see they are as follows:
My First ethical Principle: Respect – psychologists value the dignity and worth of all persons, with sensitivity to the dynamics of perceived authority or influence over clients, and with particular- regard to people’s rights including those of privacy and self-determination.
My second Principle: Competence – Psychologists value continuing development and maintenance of high standards of competence in their professional work, and the importance of preserving their ability to function optimally within the recognised limits of their knowledge, skill, training, education, and experience.
My third ethical Principle: Responsibility- Psychologists value their responsibilities to clients, to the general public, and to the profession and science of psychology, including the avoidance of harm and the prevention of misuse or abuse of their contributions to society:
My fourth ethical Principle: Integrity – Psychologists value truthfulness honesty, accuracy, clarity, and fairness in their interactions with all persons, and seek to promote integrity in all facets of their scientific and professional endeavours.
I think it is our duty as professionals in the field to hold ourselves to the highest levels of ethics and to educate the individuals we serve and interact with what our personal and professional code of ethics is.
