AAPC
CODE OF ETHICS
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
PASTORAL COUNSELORS
(Amended April, 2012)
PRINCIPLE I - PROLOGUE
1 The AAPC
Code of Ethics may be reproduced only after contacting
the AAPC Association Office to insure that the most current copy of
the Code can be provided.
2 The use of "member", "we", "us", and "our" refers to
and is binding upon all levels of individual and institutional
membership and affiliation of AAPC.
PRINCIPLE I - PROLOGUE
As members2 of the American Association of
Pastoral Counselors, we are respectful of the various theologies,
traditions, and values of our faith communities and committed to
the dignity and worth of each individual. We are dedicated to
advancing the welfare of those who seek our assistance and to the
maintenance of high standards of professional conduct and
competence. As pastoral counselors and pastoral counseling
students we are accountable for our work regardless of our
professional functions, the settings in which we work, or the
populations which we serve. This accountability is expressed
in our conduct of relationships with clients, colleagues, students,
our faith communities, and through the acceptance and practice of
the principles and procedures of this Code of Ethics. The Code
articulates standards that the Association will use to determine
whether pastoral counselors have engaged in unethical
conduct. In subscribing to this Code, pastoral counselors are
required to be knowledgeable of these standards, cooperate with
association procedures for responding to complaints of ethical
misconduct, participate in AAPC adjudication proceedings, and abide
by any AAPC disciplinary rulings or sanctions. The Ethics Code is
not intended to be a basis of civil liability. Whether a pastoral
counselor has violated the Ethics Code standards does not by itself
determine whether the pastoral counselor is legally liable in a
court action, whether a contract is enforceable, or whether other
legal consequences occur.
We are committed:
A. To affirm the
importance of being both spiritually grounded and psychologically
informed.
B. To maintain
responsible association with the faith group with which we identify
and in which we may have ecclesiastical standing.
C. To avoid
discriminating against or refusing employment, educational
opportunity or professional assistance to anyone on the basis of
race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion,
health status, age, disabilities or national origin; provided that
nothing herein shall limit a member or center from utilizing
religious requirements or exercising a religious preference in
employment decisions.
D. As members of
AAPC we recognize our responsibility to stay current with research
that affects our understanding of clinical issues and the conduct
of our practice. We agree at all levels of membership to
continuing education and professional growth including supervision,
consultation, and active participation in the meetings and affairs
of the Association.
E. To seek out
and engage in collegial relationships, recognizing that isolation
can lead to a loss of perspective and judgment.
F. To
manage our personal lives in a healthful fashion and to seek
appropriate assistance for our own personal problems or
conflicts
G. To
assess/evaluate, diagnose or provide treatment only for those
problems or issues that are within the reasonable boundaries of our
competence.
H. To establish
and maintain appropriate professional relationship
boundaries. We will make every effort to be transparent with
congregations and other public constituencies about the boundaries
we hold.
I.
To remain abreast of and to comply with appropriate
regulatory statute that governs our pastoral counseling
activities. "Should clients be in a
different state than the pastoral counselor, we will comply
with regulatory statutes in that state as well." Whenever
the AAPC Code differs with legal mandates, pastoral counseling
licensure laws, or with ecclesiastical policies, the more stringent
of the two applies.
J. To
promote racial justice and develop multicultural competence as part
of our practice.
PRINCIPLE II - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
In all professional matters members of AAPC maintain
practices that protect the public and advance the
profession.
A. We use our
knowledge and professional associations for the benefit of the
people we serve and not to secure unfair personal
advantage.
B. We clearly
represent our level of membership and limit our practice to that
level. Publication of practice or agency material clearly
explains the levels of membership that apply to
individuals.
C. Fees and
financial arrangements, as with all contractual matters, are always
discussed without hesitation or equivocation at the onset and are
established in a straightforward, professional manner.
D. We are
prepared to render service to individuals and communities in crisis
without regard to financial remuneration when
necessary.
E. We neither
receive nor pay a commission for referral of a client.
F. We
conduct our practice, agency, regional and association fiscal
affairs with due regard to recognized business and accounting
procedures. We respect the prerogatives and obligations of the
institutions, agencies, or organizations by whom we are employed or
with which we associate.
G. Upon the
transfer of a pastoral counseling practice or the sale of real,
personal, tangible or intangible property or assets used in such
practice, the privacy and well being of the client shall be of
primary concern.
a. Client names
and records shall be excluded from the transfer or
sale.
b. Any fees paid shall
be for services rendered, consultation, equipment, real estate, and
the name and logo of the counseling agency.
c. We provide recent and
current clients information regarding the closing or transferring
of our practice and assure the confidentiality of their
records.
H. We are careful to represent
facts truthfully to clients, referral sources, and third party
payers regarding credentials and services rendered. We shall
correct any misrepresentation of our professional qualifications or
affiliations.
I.
We do not malign other professionals, nor do we plagiarize or
otherwise present, distribute, or publish another's work as our
own.
PRINCIPLE III ‑ CLIENT
RELATIONSHIPS
It is the responsibility of members of AAPC to maintain
relationships with clients on a professional basis. We take
all reasonable steps to avoid harming our clients and to safeguard
the welfare of those with whom we work.
A. We do not
abandon or neglect clients. We make reasonable efforts to
ensure continuity of services in the event that services are
interrupted by factors such as unavailability, relocation, illness,
or disability. If we are unwilling for appropriate reasons, to
provide professional help or continue a professional relationship,
every reasonable effort is made to arrange for continuation of
treatment with another professional. Prior to leaving an
agency or practice we complete all files and paper work is
documented and signed.
B. We make only
realistic statements regarding the pastoral counseling process and
its outcome. We inform our clients of the purpose of the
counseling, risks related to counseling, possible limits to the
services because of third party payer limits, reasonable
alternatives, clients rights to refuse or withdraw consent, and the
time frame covered by the consent. We take reasonable steps to
make sure the client understands the counseling process and has the
opportunity to ask questions.
C. We show
sensitive regard for the moral, social, and religious values and
beliefs of clients and communities. We avoid imposing our
beliefs on others, although we may express them when appropriate in
the pastoral counseling process.
D. Counseling
relationships are continued only so long as it is reasonably clear
that the clients are benefiting from the relationship.
E. We recognize
the trust placed in and unique power of the therapeutic
relationship. While acknowledging the complexity of some
pastoral relationships, we avoid exploiting the trust and
dependency of clients. We avoid those dual or multiple
relationships with clients which could impair our professional
judgment, compromise the integrity of the treatment, and/or use the
relationship for our own gain. A multiple relationship occurs
when a pastoral counselor is in a professional role with a person
and 1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, 2)
at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely
associated with or related to the person with whom the pastoral
counselor has the professional relationship, or 3) promises to
enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a
person closely associated with or related to the person. In
instances when dual or multiple relationships are unavoidable,
particularly within congregations or in family or couples
counseling, we take reasonable steps to protect the clients and are
responsible for setting clear and appropriate boundaries.
F. We do
not engage in harassment, abusive words or actions, or exploitative
coercion of clients or former clients.
G. All forms of
sexual behavior or harassment with clients are unethical, even when
a client invites or consents to such behavior or
involvement. Sexual behavior is defined as, but not limited
to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech, gestures,
written communication, and behavior as well as physical contact of
a sexual nature; harassment is defined as but not limited to,
repeated comments, gestures, written communication, or physical
contacts of a sexual nature.
H. We recognize
that the therapist/client relationship involves a power imbalance,
the residual effects of which are operative following the
termination of the therapy relationship. Therefore, all sexual
behavior or harassment as defined in Principle III G, with former
clients is unethical.
Interactive long-distance
counseling delivery, when the client resides in one location and
the pastoral counselor in another, may be utilized to supplement
but not to completely replace face-to-face therapy. We take
all reasonable steps to ensure that the client understands the
limits of long-distance therapy, the computer application, what it
is used for, and its possible effects.
PRINCIPLE IV ‑ CONFIDENTIALITY
As members of AAPC we respect the integrity and protect
the welfare of all persons with whom we are working and have an
obligation to safeguard information about them that has been
obtained in the course of the counseling process. We have a
responsibility to know and understand civil laws and administrative
rules that govern confidentiality requirements of our profession in
the setting of our work.
A. All records
kept on a client are stored under lock and key and are disposed of
in a manner that assures security and confidentiality. Records
should be maintained for the number of years required appropriate
government regulatory statues.
.
B. We take
reasonable steps to ensure that documentation in records is
accurate and reflects the services provided. Such
documentation is intended to facilitate provision of services later
by other professionals, meet institutional requirements, ensure
accuracy of billing and payments, and ensure compliance with
law.
C. We recognize
that confidentiality belongs to the client. We treat all
communications from clients with professional confidence and take
reasonable precautions to protect confidential information obtained
through or stored in any medium. These precautions include an
awareness of the limited confidentiality guarantees of electronics
communication.
D. Except in
those situations where the identity of the client is necessary to
the understanding of the case, we use only the first names of our
clients when engaged in supervision or consultation. It is our
responsibility to convey the importance of confidentiality to the
supervisor/consultant; this is particularly important when the
supervision is shared by other professionals, as in a supervisory
group.
E. We do not
disclose client confidences to anyone, except: as mandated by
law; to prevent a clear and immediate danger to someone; in the
course of a civil, criminal or disciplinary action arising from the
counseling where the pastoral counselor is a defendant; for
purposes of supervision or consultation; or by previously obtained
written permission. In cases involving more than one person
(as client) written permission must be obtained from all legally
accountable persons who have been present during the counseling
before any disclosure can be made.
F. We disclose
confidential information for appropriate reasons only with valid
written consent from the client or a person legally authorized to
consent on behalf of a client. We obtain informed written
consent of clients before audio and/or video tape recording or
permitting third party observation of their sessions.
G. We do not use these
standards of confidentiality to avoid intervention when it is
necessary, e.g., when there is evidence of abuse of minors, the
elderly, the disabled, the physically or mentally
incompetent.
H. When current or former
clients are referred to in a publication, while teaching or in a
public presentation, their identity is thoroughly
disguised.
I. We as
members of AAPC agree that as an express condition of our
membership in the Association, Association ethics communications,
files, investigative reports, and related records are strictly
confidential and waive their right to use same in a court of law to
advance any claim against another member. Any member seeking
such records for such purpose shall be subject to disciplinary
action for attempting to violate the confidentiality requirements
of the organization. This policy is intended to promote
pastoral and confessional communications without legal consequences
and to protect potential privacy and confidentiality interests of
third parties.
PRINCIPLE V ‑
SUPERVISEE, STUDENT & EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS
As
members of AAPC we have an ethical concern for the integrity and
welfare of our supervisees, students and employees. These
relationships are maintained on a professional and confidential
basis. We recognize our influential position with regard to
both current and former supervisees, students and employees, and
avoid exploiting their trust and dependency. We make every
effort to avoid dual relationships with such persons that could
impair our judgment or increase the risk of personal and/or
financial exploitation.
A. We do not engage in ongoing
counseling relationships with current supervisees, students and
employees.
B. We do not engage in sexual
or other harassment of supervisees, students, employees, research
subjects or colleagues.
C. All forms of sexual
behavior, as defined in Principle III.G, with our supervisees,
students, research subjects and employees (except in employee
situations involving domestic partners) are unethical.
D. We advise our students,
supervisees, and employees against offering or engaging in, or
holding themselves out as competent to engage in, professional
services beyond their training, level of experience and
competence.
E. Supervisors have a
responsibility to provide timely and fair evaluations of their
supervisees and employees.
F. We do not harass or dismiss
an employee who has acted in a reasonable, responsible and ethical
manner to protect, or intervene on behalf of, a client or other
member of the public or another employee.
G. To protect the
public, employers and supervisors who have dismissed employees and
supervisees for ethical cause must report that fact as part of any
official report of service or enrollment in a pastoral counseling
center or training program.
H. We are
sensitive to the requirements of an organization with which we are
affiliated or for whom we are working. In case of conflict
with the Code of Ethics and the organization, we clarify the nature
of the conflict, make known our commitment to the Code of Ethics,
and to the extent feasible, resolve the conflict in a way that
permits adherence to the Code.
PRINCIPLE VI ‑ INTERPROFESSIONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
As
members of AAPC we relate to and cooperate with other professional
persons in our community and beyond. We are part of a network
of health care professionals and are expected to develop and
maintain interdisciplinary and interprofessional
relationships.
A. We do not offer ongoing clinical services to
persons currently receiving treatment from another professional
without prior knowledge of and in consultation with the other
professional, with the clients' informed consent. Soliciting
such clients is unethical.
B. We exercise care and interprofessional
courtesy when approached for services by persons who claim or
appear to have inappropriately terminated treatment with another
professional.
PRINCIPLE VII ‑ ADVERTISING
Any
advertising by or for a member of AAPC, including announcements,
public statements and promotional activities, is undertaken with
the purpose of helping the public make informed judgments and
choices.
A. We do not misrepresent our professional
qualifications, affiliations and functions, or falsely imply
sponsorship or certification by any organization.
B. We may use the following information to
describe ourselves and the services we provide: name; highest
relevant academic degree earned from an accredited institution;
date, type and level of certification or licensure; AAPC membership
level, clearly stated; address and telephone number; office hours;
a brief review of services offered, e.g., individual, couple and
group counseling; fee information; languages spoken; and policy
regarding third party payments. Additional relevant
information may be provided if it is legitimate, reasonable, free
of deception and not otherwise prohibited by these
principles. We may not use the initials "AAPC" after our names
in the manner of an academic degree.
C. Announcements and brochures promoting our
services describe them with accuracy and dignity, devoid of all
claims or evaluation. We may send them to professional
persons, religious institutions and other agencies, but to
prospective individual clients only in response to
inquiries.
D. We do not make public statements which contain
any of the following:
1. A false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or
unfair statement.
2. A misrepresentation of fact or a statement
likely to mislead or deceive because in context it makes only a
partial disclosure of relevant facts.
3. A
testimonial from a client regarding the quality of services or
products.
4. A
statement intended or likely to create false or unjustified
expectations of favorable results.
5. A statement implying unusual, unique, or
one‑of‑a‑kind abilities, including misrepresentation through
sensationalism, exaggeration or superficiality.
6. A statement intended or likely to exploit a
client's fears, anxieties or emotions.
7. A statement concerning the comparative
desirability of offered services.
8. A statement of direct solicitation of
individual clients.
A. We do not compensate in any
way a representative of the press, radio, television or other
communication medium for the purpose of professional publicity and
news items. A paid advertisement must be identified as such,
unless it is contextually apparent that it is a paid advertisement.
We are responsible for the content of such advertisement. Any
advertisement to the public by radio or television is to be
pre-recorded, approved by us and a recording of the actual
transmission retained in our possession.
B. Advertisements, web
postings or announcements by us of workshops, clinics, seminars,
growth groups or similar services or endeavors, are to give a clear
statement of purpose and a clear description of the experiences to
be provided. The education, training and experience of the
provider(s) involved are to be appropriately
specified.
PRINCIPLE VIII - RESEARCH
A. Pastoral Counselors who are conducting research are
responsible for assuring informed consent for all human
subjects. Research participants must be informed
about:
1. Purpose and sponsorship of the research, expected
duration, expected procedures, and the manner and scope of
reporting on the findings of the research.
2. Their right to withdraw from
participation at any time.
3. Any consequences of withdrawing
from a research project.
4. Any discomfort or adverse effects of research
procedures that would influence a subject's willingness to
participate.
5. Any benefits from participating in a research
project.
6. A contact person for questions about the project or
participant's rights.
B.
Pastoral Counselors take appropriate measures to protect research
subjects who may also be receiving pastoral counseling services in
schools, agencies, private practices, or churches in which research
is conducted.
This
includes:
1. Taking steps to protect client/participants from any
adverse consequences of declining or withdrawing a
study.
2. Taking steps to assure clients are not exploited by
research-related dual relationships.
3. Assuring that therapeutic services are not
compromised by research procedures or goals.
4. To the extent that services may be compromised by
participation in research, investigators seek the
ethical advice of qualified professionals not directly involved in
the investigation and observe safeguards to protect the rights of
research participants.
C. Pastoral Counselors guarantee
confidentiality of information obtained from a research participant
unless confidentiality is waived in writing. When it is
possible that information might be recognized by others (including
family members) researchers disclose a plan for protecting
confidentiality as part of informed consent.
1. Pastoral Counselors consider the effects of
research procedures on communities in which it takes place, and
take adequate precautions to protect the integrity of
these communities.
2. Pastoral Counselors comply with Federal
standards and local institutional review procedures governing human
subject research. When AAPC is a principal investigator, the
Judicial Ethics Panel of AAPC will act as a review board to
ensure compliance.
3. Pastoral Counselors are truthful in reporting
research results. Pastoral Counselors:
a. Do not plagiarize by presenting
another's work or data as one's own;
b. Assure that research results are not presented
or published in a deceptive or manipulative
manner;
c. Pastoral counselors do not withhold their
research data, methods of analysis, or procedures from
other qualified researchers who in good faith wish to replicate or
validate research results, to the extent that confidentiality
of research subjects can be guaranteed.
PRINCIPLE IX -
PROCEDURES
A. The Association will develop and maintain a set of
procedures for receiving, investigating and
adjudicating complaints of ethical misconduct against a
member.
1. AAPC will direct the Executive Director
and his/her staff in the association office to
receive complaints.
2. AAPC will establish and maintain a
Judicial Ethics Panel to investigate and adjudicate
complaints.
B. AAPC will take complaints of ethical misconduct with
the utmost seriousness and will exercise appropriate care and
diligence in responding both to the complainant and the
member.
Please Note: The AAPC Code of Ethics and the Ethics
Committee Procedures were separated by action of the AAPC
membership on April 17, 1993. The Board of Directors is now
authorized to modify ethics committee procedures without further
action by the membership. Members should note that the substantive
rule from the Code of ethics to be applied to an alleged violation
will continue to be determined by the date of the alleged violation
and not the date the complaint is received. However, as a result of
the action taken, the current procedures in effect will be followed
for all complaints brought after April 17, 1993, regardless of the
date of alleged violation.
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