Code of Ethics

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Code of Ethics and Professional Standards

1. Introduction:

The Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors is committed to promoting its members' professionalism and ethical conduct to ensure the highest quality of care for their clients. This Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of the Association establishes a framework of guidelines and principles that govern the obligations, responsibilities, practices, and professional and ethical conduct of its members. It serves to guide members in upholding ethical behaviour, maintaining professional competence, and providing quality care to clients. By adhering to these guidelines, members contribute to the credibility and integrity of the pet bereavement counselling profession while supporting clients through the challenging experience of pet loss.

Members shall strive for excellence in their practice, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct. Ethical conduct plays a vital role in pet bereavement counselling. As professionals entrusted with supporting individuals through the difficult process of grieving the loss of a beloved pet, members must adhere to a strict code of standards and conduct. This Code ensures the well-being and dignity of clients and their departed pets while maintaining the integrity of the counselling profession.

2. Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Association Code of Ethics and Professional Standards are to -

Ensure Ethical Conduct: The Code promotes the ethical principles of compassion, empathy, respect, unconditional positive regard, integrity, trustworthiness, diligence, and duty of care among members. These guidelines will foster trust between counsellors and clients and protect the welfare of those seeking support, ensuring that members provide clients with competent and compassionate care.
Improve Client Welfare: The Code ensures that members prioritise each client's emotional well-being and unique needs. It guides members' actions to uphold the highest ethical standards concerning client confidentiality, client autonomy, cultural sensitivity, objectivity, and fairness.
Highlight the importance of Counsellor Self-Care: The Code highlights the importance of counsellor self-care, ensuring that members take care of their own physical and emotional well-being first so that they are in a position to provide quality care to their clients.
Promote professionalism: The Code ensures that members maintain a high level of professionalism in their interactions with clients, colleagues, and the public. It sets standards for members' behaviour, communication, and professional conduct, including avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining professional boundaries, respecting client confidentiality, handling advertising and promotion, and handling and managing complaints.
Ensure Competence and Proficiency: The Code emphasises continuous professional development and ongoing learning. It encourages pet bereavement counsellors to enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise to support clients dealing with pet loss effectively. It defines the knowledge, skills, and qualifications required to be a member of the Association. By adhering to these standards, members demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services and continuous professional development, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of their practice.
Further the understanding of pet bereavement counselling as a profession: The Code encourages members to increase awareness of the devastating impact of pet bereavement, the validity of grieving for such a loss, the effect of disenfranchised grief in society, and the benefits for clients of seeking and receiving the appropriate support of a pet bereavement counsellor to help on their grief journey.
Ensure Professional Collaboration: The Code promotes collaboration and cooperation among pet bereavement counsellors and other allied professionals. It encourages networking, peer support, and a commitment to working together with mutual respect to advance the field of pet bereavement counselling and improve support for clients.
Advocate for Animal Welfare: The Code encourages members to advocate for the welfare and compassionate treatment of animals and to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership.
Increase Public Confidence: By adhering to a code of ethics and professional standards, the Association demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. This commitment helps build public confidence in the integrity and validity of the pet bereavement counselling profession and ensures that individuals seeking pet bereavement counselling receive quality care.

3. Membership Criteria:

To become a registered member of the Association, individuals must meet the specified criteria, which include: holding a recognised qualification in Pet Bereavement Counselling or Counselling and agreeing to adhere to this Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. To become an accredited member of the Association, individuals must also pass the Association accreditation process.

4. Member Obligations:

Membership of the Association is subject to holding a recognised qualification in Pet Bereavement Counselling or Counselling and agreement to adhere to this Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. Association Members will be listed on a publicly accessible register on the Association website.
Membership is subject to annual renewal, which reaffirms your continued agreement.
Members are encouraged to have up-to-date public liability and professional indemnity insurance coverage.
Members shall act as ambassadors for the Association to promote its purposes and activities to a wider audience.
Members shall acknowledge that membership of the Association is specifically for individuals and shall not be used to endorse the activities of any other club, society, or organisation to which they may belong.
Members shall provide evidence of their pet bereavement counselling qualifications or counselling qualification and shall not misrepresent their qualifications in interactions with peers, clients, or the public.
Members shall demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and provide evidence of same.
Members shall maintain confidentiality and protect client information.
Members shall prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of clients.
Members must comply with up-to-date legislation.
Members shall uphold the reputation and integrity of the Association regardless of whether they are working online, by telephone, face-to-face, or using any other methods of communication and avoid any actions that will bring our profession into disrepute.
Members must be aware of and use the appropriate terminology in relation to pet bereavement when dealing with clients, colleagues and the media.
Members shall represent the Association in a professional manner at all times.

5. Ethical Principles:

The below ethical principles aim to ensure that members of the Association provide effective and ethical support to individuals experiencing grief and loss. By adhering to these principles, counsellors can create a safe and compassionate space for clients to navigate the complex emotions associated with pet loss.

The fundamental ethical principles that shall guide the behaviour of pet bereavement counsellors include:

A. Compassion and Empathy:

Members shall demonstrate compassion, empathy, understanding, and sensitivity towards clients grieving the loss of a pet.
The counsellor shall acknowledge the unique bond between clients and their pets and recognise and validate the significance of the grieving process.

B. Respect and Unconditional Positive Regard:

Members shall treat clients with dignity, respect their autonomy and trust, and honour their personal beliefs and values.
Members shall adopt a caring, positive, and non-judgmental attitude towards clients' feelings and experiences regardless of the client’s background or circumstances. Positive regard for others (unconditional positive regard) is a core condition of developing a solid, caring therapeutic relationship and good rapport with the client in a safe, welcoming, accepting environment.

C. Integrity and Trust:

Members shall always be honest, trustworthy, and transparent in their interactions with clients and colleagues during the counselling process, justifying public confidence and trust.
This responsibility of openness and trust (known as the ‘duty of candour’) is especially important if something goes wrong during the counselling process. In this case, the counsellor should take immediate action to repair any harm caused as far as possible, apologise if appropriate, investigate what went wrong, and take action to avoid repetition of the issue.
Client Trust and Confidentiality: Ethical conduct establishes a foundation of trust between the pet bereavement counsellor and the client. Members shall respect the privacy of their clients and maintain strict confidentiality.

D. Diligence and Duty of Care:

Members shall display a commitment throughout the counselling process to act responsibly with competent attentiveness and diligence to enhance the client's well-being, maximise the client's own coping capabilities and resilience, and at all times ensure the safety of the client and the avoidance of harm.

E. Client Autonomy:

Ethical conduct requires members to respect their clients' autonomy and unique personal values, guiding and assisting them in exploring positive therapeutic interventions, coping strategies, and options that align with their beliefs and wishes.
Members shall recognise that clients have the right to make autonomous decisions regarding their voluntary participation or withdrawal from the counselling session.
Members shall accept that clients have the right to make their own decisions regarding their pet's end-of-life care and aftercare or their coping strategies. There may be times when a member thinks a client’s decision is irrational or wrong. If this happens, you can explain your concerns clearly to the client and outline the possible consequences of their decision. You must not, however, put any pressure on a client to accept your advice.

F. Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity:

Members shall be aware of and respect the diverse cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs, practices, and rituals of their clients related to pet loss, adapting their approach accordingly to provide culturally sensitive, open-minded, and respectful support.
Cultural sensitivity includes acknowledging and validating the significance of cultural traditions, beliefs, and customs relating to pet loss, integrating these into the counselling process while maintaining objectivity, and being sensitive to any cultural taboos or stigmas surrounding the grief and mourning of a pet.

G. Objectivity and Fairness:

Members shall avoid discrimination, prejudice, favouritism, or personal biases towards their clients to maintain equality, fairness, and objectivity in their practice.

H. Ethical Decision Making:

Members shall adhere to ethical guidelines and principles, making decisions that prioritise the well-being and best interest of their clients. It is recognised that professional and ethical issues, problems, and dilemmas will arise occasionally and are an unavoidable part of our profession and practice.
Members will use available peer support and professional resources to support and challenge how we respond to such ethical issues or dilemmas. We will consider the best approaches to ethical problem-solving, taking responsibility and accountability for our actions in such situations.
By engaging in consultation with other members, members can discuss ethical dilemmas and receive guidance and support on how to navigate complex situations while at all times, taking the confidentiality of the client into account. This process helps ensure that members adhere to the highest ethical standards, protecting the welfare of clients and the integrity of the counselling profession.

I. Counsellor Self-Care:

Members shall take responsibility for and prioritise their own self-care to maintain their own physical and emotional well-being, prevent burnout, and sustain effective therapeutic practice with their clients by:

Taking protective measures to guard their own physical safety and psychological health to ensure that they are physically and emotionally capable of undertaking their work to high professional standards.
Seeking expert medical assistance or other support as required.
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Members have a duty to seek advice from a suitably qualified medical practitioner and act on this advice if their physical or mental health could harm their ability to provide a quality service to clients. Based on this advice, a member may need to pause or stop practising for a while or change how they practise.

J. Animal Welfare:

Ethical conduct extends beyond human clients to encompass the welfare and compassionate treatment of animals. Members shall promote responsible pet ownership, advocate for animal welfare and consider the well-being of animals affected by the loss or grief experienced by their human companions.

These ethical principles serve as a foundation for members to provide compassionate and ethical care to individuals navigating the grief and loss associated with the death of a beloved pet.

6. Professional Conduct:

6.1 Client Welfare

A. Counselling environment:

Members shall provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to freely express their grief and emotions related to pet loss without fear of criticism, respecting their individual grieving process.
The counsellor shall actively listen, offer appropriate therapeutic interventions, and respect the client's decisions.

B. Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is central to the relationship between counsellors and clients. Respecting the confidentiality of client information fosters an environment where clients feel safe, accepted, and comfortable sharing their emotions, experiences, and personal details surrounding their pet's loss.
Members shall explain to a client before initiating the counselling process that the counsellor abides by the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of the Association so that all information provided during the counselling process is kept strictly confidential to protect the client's privacy. This explanation helps the client feel safe and secure when discussing their emotions and sensitive information.
Members shall acknowledge that confidentiality means that all information shared by clients during the counselling sessions shall be kept confidential unless in exceptional circumstances where there is a legal or ethical obligation due to the risk of harm to the client or others when it becomes necessary for the counsellor to disclose information.

C. Quality of client care:

Members shall act in the client's best interests, prioritising their well-being and emotional needs throughout the counselling process.
Members shall tailor counselling interventions to meet each individual client's specific circumstances and unique needs, recognising the diversity of pet bereavement experiences.
At all times, members shall display a commitment to act responsibly and diligently to support and enhance the client's well-being and resilience and ensure avoidance of harm.
Members will periodically review their client’s progress and, when practicable, seek the client’s views on how they feel they are working together.
Members will endeavour to inform clients well in advance of approaching the end of the counselling process and be sensitive to the client's concerns and expectations regarding the end of their work together.
Members shall give careful consideration if they are requested to work with children and young people to ensure that their client has the capacity to understand the counselling process and that the counsellor has the skills and knowledge to adapt the counselling session and therapeutic relationship in a way that is appropriate to the young person’s culture and development. In this situation, members should demonstrate a sound knowledge of the law relevant to children and young people.
Members will inform clients in advance of any planned breaks in working together, for example, holidays or medical treatments, and give as much notice as possible.
Members will remain professionally responsible and accountable for the advice and support given to the client throughout the therapeutic relationship.

D. Effective Communication:

Members shall maintain open, transparent communication with the client during the session, using active listening skills and appropriate questioning techniques and answering any questions as fully, openly, and honestly as possible to build rapport and empathy. Effective communication ensures the counsellor fully understands the client’s reasons for requesting counselling support or other pet loss related advice and that the client feels safe and accepted.
Members shall pay attention to verbal and non-verbal communication and demonstrate sincerity, patience, and understanding from the first interaction with the client throughout the counselling session up to the end of the therapeutic relationship.

E. Provision of Information:

Members shall ensure at the start of the counselling process that the client is well informed about the following:

The nature and purpose of pet bereavement counselling, the counselling process, including the principle of confidentiality.
The exact qualifications and experience of the counsellor.
What the client can expect from the counsellor and how the client and counsellor will work in partnership together in a relationship based on openness, trust, and good communication.
The expected duration and cost of the session.
An explanation of how to book follow-up sessions if required.
Counselling goals, expected outcomes, responsibilities of the client in their own recovery, benefits, and limitations of pet bereavement counselling.
Complaints process if the client wishes to make a complaint at any point.
Members shall provide accurate and evidence-based information and advice during the session regarding pet bereavement issues.
Members shall present information in a way that is easy for the client to follow and use.

F. Referral:

Members shall ensure that commercial consideration is not prioritised over the welfare of clients and their pets.
If a client wishes to be referred to another practitioner, the counsellor shall accept this without judgement and provide an appropriate referral if required.
If a member determines that a client's needs are beyond their limits of competence, expertise, or scope of practice, the counsellor shall explain this to the client as part of the duty of care. The member shall provide appropriate referrals to other professionals or organisations that can offer specialised support beyond the scope of pet bereavement counselling sessions.

6.2 Professional Boundaries:

A. Boundaries:

Members shall establish and maintain clear physical and emotional boundaries in their professional relationships with clients, maintaining appropriate roles and avoiding conflicts of interest.

B. Ethical Conduct:

Ethical conduct prohibits any form of exploitation or manipulation that may compromise the therapeutic relationship and the client's emotional well-being. Members shall not exploit the vulnerability of clients for personal gain. All interactions should remain within the scope of an objective therapeutic relationship.
Members must act in their client's best interests when assessing them, making referrals, or providing or arranging care. Members must not request or accept any gift, inducement, or hospitality which may affect, or appear to affect, the way they treat or refer clients.

C. Dual Relationships:

Dual relationships occur when a counsellor simultaneously engages in multiple roles or relationships with a client. This includes but is not limited to personal, intimate, social, familial, or business relationships. Dual relationships can compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the counselling process and should be avoided.

D. Conflict of Interest:

Members shall recognise and avoid any conflicts of interest that may compromise the therapeutic relationship with their client and ensure that their personal beliefs and values do not interfere with their professional obligations.

E. Boundaries in the Digital Age:

Members shall use professional and respectful communication when interacting with clients, colleagues, and the public, both in person and on social media platforms. They shall refrain from sharing client information or engaging in unprofessional conduct online.
Social Media: Members shall maintain professional boundaries on social media platforms by refraining from engaging in personal relationships or sharing very personal information with clients.
Online Communication: Members shall use secure and professional means of communication when corresponding with clients electronically, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

6.3 Competence and Qualifications:

A. Standards of Education and Training:

Members shall require appropriate education and training in the field of pet bereavement counselling or counselling.

B. Standards of Performance:

Members shall demonstrate competence, professionalism, and ethical conduct in their practice as pet bereavement counsellors.
Members shall recognise, acknowledge and work within the limits of their competence.

C. Standards of Proficiency:

Members shall possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications to provide effective pet bereavement counselling and ensure the highest level of professional competence.

D. Standards of Continued Professional Development:

Members shall uphold professional standards and are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development activities, training programmes, mentorship programmes, supervision, workshops, conferences, peer discussions, and self-reflection to enhance and continuously update their knowledge, skills, and abilities in pet bereavement counselling.
Members must ensure they continue to check the currency, accuracy, and completeness of their information and knowledge by undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) of at least 15 hours per annum.
Members shall stay informed about current research and best practices in the field of pet bereavement counselling, keeping up to date with the law, regulations, any other requirements, and best practices, including guidance from this Association relevant to their work.
Members shall foster a mutually supportive and inclusive professional community, collaborating and sharing knowledge with fellow pet bereavement counsellors within the Association, ensuring the Association is at the forefront of pet bereavement support, and our members are providing the highest quality care to clients. Knowledge sharing provides ongoing opportunities for members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise, gain new insights, and ultimately promote their professional growth.

E. Maintenance of training records:

Members shall maintain accurate records of their qualifications, training, and professional memberships.

6.4 Confidentiality, Privacy and Data Protection:

A. Confidentiality and Privacy:

Members must maintain strict confidentiality with respect to client information, only disclosing it with the client's explicit consent or when required by law or for ethical reasons where the client's or others' safety is compromised. Counsellors should have clear procedures detailing the steps to be taken when confidentiality must be breached due to legal or safety concerns.
Members shall use thoroughly anonymised information about clients if consulting a peer regarding a complex situation where this provides a viable alternative to sharing identifiable information.
Members shall keep up to date with best practices related to privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that they are well-informed about the latest standards and methods for maintaining client confidentiality and privacy.

B. Data Protection:

Members shall adhere to relevant data protection laws and guidelines, including The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016 and the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring the secure storage, controlled access, and handling of client records and personal data.
Members will keep accurate records that are adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for the type of pet bereavement counselling service being provided to comply with the applicable data protection requirements.

6.5 Collaboration, Professional Relationships, and Public Confidence:

A. Collaboration:

The Code promotes collaboration and cooperation among pet bereavement counsellors within the Association and outside. It encourages networking, peer support, and a commitment to working together to advance the field of pet bereavement counselling, increase public awareness of disenfranchised grief, the impact of pet loss, and the work of pet bereavement counsellors.
Members shall collaborate and cooperate with other healthcare professionals or relevant stakeholders to provide holistic support to clients when necessary and when recommended by the client’s healthcare practitioner.
Collaboration, sharing of best practices, and exchanging ideas with veterinarians, pet crematoria, and other healthcare professionals will ultimately strengthen the credibility of the pet bereavement counselling community and enhance the quality of care provided to clients.

B. Professional Relationships:

Members will manage professional relationships in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Members will endeavour to build effective working relationships and communication methods that enhance services to clients.
Members will treat colleagues fairly, with respect and foster their capability and equality of opportunity.
Members will not undermine any colleague’s relationship with clients by making unjustifiable or ill-judged comments.
Members shall not actively seek to attract business from other pet bereavement counsellors by misrepresentation.
All communications between peers about clients should be conducted on a professional basis and thus purposeful, respectful, and consistent with the management of confidentiality agreed with clients.

C. Public Confidence:

Members shall maintain a high level of professionalism in their interactions with the public and communicate respectfully using accurate and appropriate terminology when speaking of pet loss and the grief associated with the loss of a pet.
Members shall work to increase awareness among the public of the validity of grieving for a pet, the impact of disenfranchised grief, and the existence of pet bereavement counselling as a means of appropriate support to help clients on their grieving journey.
Members shall promote the role of the Association with respect to the ethical conduct, professional standards, and training by which Association members are expected to abide.

6.6 Advertising and Promotion:

A. Advertising and Promotion:

Members must ensure that their advertising and promotional activities are accurate and truthful and do not make any false or misleading claims.
Members shall clearly state their qualifications, credentials, and areas of expertise in their promotional materials.
Members shall respect the reputation and integrity of the pet bereavement counselling profession, maintaining professionalism in their public advertising and communications.

B. Use of Association name and logo:

Members may use the Association logo and badge to promote their affiliation with the Association, provided they adhere to this Code of Ethical Conduct and Professional Standards and are currently members.

6.7 Complaints and Professional Conduct:

A. Complaints against Individual Members

Members shall encourage clients to raise any concerns about their work with them at the earliest possible opportunity, give any concerns careful consideration, and, when appropriate, attempt to resolve them.
Individual members shall have a clear and easily accessible process for handling complaints from clients or other parties, ensuring transparency, fairness, and timely resolution. Clients will be informed of any applicable complaints process open to them.
Members shall cooperate with any investigations related to their professional conduct and take appropriate actions to address concerns or ethical violations.
Members will promptly notify this association about any criminal charges or disciplinary procedures brought against them; members will also notify this association of civil claims arising from work in the counselling profession.

B. Disciplinary Process within the Association:

Complaints against members will only be accepted on the following grounds:

Breach of this Code of Practice
Breach of the law, which results in a conviction that may bring the Association into disrepute.

The complainant should not be disadvantaged by submitting a complaint.
Complaints judged to be vexatious, malicious, or frivolous will not be considered.
Complaints shall be investigated impartially, and appropriate actions will be taken if violations are substantiated.
This process includes provisions for handling complaints and disciplinary procedures. These measures are put in place to ensure the highest professional standards and the well-being of clients and counsellors.
It is essential that any concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. Clients are encouraged to voice their complaints respectfully, either directly to the counsellor involved or to the Association. The Association will handle complaints by conducting a thorough investigation, gathering relevant information, and giving the counsellor an opportunity to respond.
The disciplinary process would address serious breaches of the Code or unethical conduct. If a complaint is substantiated, the Association may take appropriate corrective actions, which can include warnings, restrictions, or, in severe cases, suspension or termination of membership. These procedures aim to protect the public and maintain the profession's integrity.
Confidentiality is crucial throughout this process, ensuring that the privacy of both clients and counsellors is respected.
The Association strives to handle all matters with sensitivity and professionalism, promoting accountability and maintaining the public's trust in pet bereavement counselling services.

C. Appeals:

Members have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions. An independent body within the Association shall consider appeals.

D. Adjudication:

In cases requiring adjudication, the Association will appoint an impartial panel to review the evidence and make a fair and informed decision.

E. Alteration:

The Board of the Association may alter this Code following consultation with the members.

7. Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Association code of ethics and professional standards for pet bereavement counselling plays a crucial role in guiding the practices and ensuring the quality of care provided by professionals in this field. These guidelines promote ethical behaviour and establish a framework for maintaining professional standards and protecting the well-being of clients and counsellors. By adhering to these codes, professionals can create a supportive and safe environment for clients experiencing the loss of a beloved pet, helping them navigate their grief journey with empathy, compassion, and respect.

Furthermore, these guidelines facilitate consistency and accountability within the pet bereavement counselling profession, enhancing its credibility and trustworthiness within the wider caring professions and the public. Ultimately, the Code serves as a cornerstone for promoting the highest level of care and professionalism in pet bereavement counselling, ensuring that the significance of this unique form of counselling for individuals coping with the loss of a beloved pet is recognised as a valuable and necessary form of support.

Code of Ethics and Professional Standards

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