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Ethics
Ethics of Practice

Our ethics of practice lie at the heart of our work as practitioners, and at the heart of AFT’s work on behalf of the public and its members.

  • To view AFT’s Code of Ethics and Practice see our Policies page 

AFT’s ethical codes and frameworks are developed by AFT’s Ethics Committee and approved by the AFT Board and outline the ethical principles to which all AFT members commit.

Professional registration bodies, such as UKCP, have their own Code of Ethics and Practice for their members and registrants. Please see UKCP Ethics page.

 

 
Please remember:
  • AFT is a professional membership organisation and accredits training courses run by external training providers.
  • AFT is not an professional registering body. You may describe yourself as an AFT member but you may not indicate that any professional accreditation is conferred by this membership.
  • The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a professional registering body for psychotherapy and it is acceptable to describe yourself as UKCP registered if you have a valid current registration document from UKCP.
  • Academic degrees are the concern of the Academic institutions although a wrongly claimed degree could, in the case of complaint, result in an investigation by AFT.
  • It is course certification that denotes professional qualification in Family and Systemic Psychotherapy. Professional registration is denoted by membership to a Professional Registration Body (e.g. UKCP) and inclusion on their Public Register.
 

 

Ethical Queries

Reflecting on and making ethical decisions is an important component of professional practice. Ethical dilemmas that psychotherapists encounter may have legal, regulatory and practice-related implications. 

It is advised that members review their registration bodies Code of Ethics and/or relevant policies and guidance as well as AFT's Code of Ethics in the first instance. Member may wish to consider discussing, as appropriate, with:

  • your supervisor
  • your professional indemnity insurance provider
  • your employer and/or line manager
  • your professional registration body
  • AFT's Ethics Committee
  • your UKCP OM, if not via AFT.
  • the UKCP college of family, couple and systemic psychotherapy, if you are UKCP registered

Please contact us if you have queries or suggestions about any aspect of ethical practice.

 

Describing Training Level, Qualification and Professional Registration

Recently we have had examples brought to our attention of inaccuracy in the way members describe their level of training, qualifications or professional registration. Some of these have resulted in disciplinary action. We remind members that complete accuracy is required on business stationery headings and signatures, in advertising and in all cases where you are describing your occupation and status. See the your subscription page