The OCD Centre and its practitioners undertake to:
       

1. Maintain strict confidentiality within the therapeutic relationship consistent with the good care of the client and the laws of the land and ensure that any client notes and records be kept secure and confidential. Confidentiality must be observed at all times unless:
• it is in the best interest of the client/patient to disclose relevant information;
• the client/patient has given their permission to disclose
• where the law requires disclosure;
• in the event of a complaint being made against them, subject to the complainant providing written consent for their notes and records to be made available
2. Practitioners will ensure that the question of confidentiality also applies to client records, computerised records (which must conform to the Data Protection Act, 1986), and any audio or video recording. Any information or case histories used for training or commercial purposes must have the written consent of the individual involved
3. Never promise a cure for any condition or problem, nor give advice or otherwise pass comment on any psychiatric, or psychological problem or condition unless they have experience in these fields.
4. To provide a service to clients for which individual practitioners carry individual full professional indemnity insurance that is acceptable to the OCD Centre
5. Be aware of their own limitations and experience and whenever appropriate, be prepared to refer a client on to another more suitable practitioner (whether or not that practitioner is part of the OCD Centre) who might reasonably be expected to offer suitable treatment
6. Ensure as far as possible that wherever an aspect of the client's condition is either known or suspected to be beyond their area of expertise, the client be advised to seek medical or other appropriate advice
7. Always obtain written permission from the client (or client's parents/guardians if appropriate) before recording client sessions by any method other than written notes
8. Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of both the client and any person who may be accompanying the client
9. Refrain from using their position of trust to exploit the client emotionally, sexually, financially or in other way whatsoever. Should either a sexual or financial relationship (other than the payment of session fees or purchase of books, tapes, or other relevant products) develop between either therapist and client or members of their respective immediate families, the therapist must immediately cease to accept fees, terminate treatment consistent with clause 10 below and transfer the client to another suitable therapist at the earliest opportunity
10. Refrain from commencing any sort of relationship with any client, past or present, other than a therapeutic one
11. Terminate treatment at the earliest moment consistent with the good care of the client
12. Not permit considerations of religion, nationality, gender, gender preference, disability, politics, or social standing to adversely influence client treatment. Where there is a potential for this situation to exist, i.e. where a therapist is not at ease with some aspect of the client's 'way of being', then it is part of that therapist's duty of care to refer the client on to another suitable practitioner
13. Ensure that their work place and all facilities offered to both clients and their companions will be in every respect suitable and appropriate for the service provided
14. Disclose full details of all relevant training, experience and qualifications to clients upon request
15. Explain fully to clients in advance of any treatment, fees, terms of payment, session length, and any charges levied for non-attendance or cancelled appointments
16. Present all services and products in an unambiguous manner and ensure that the client retains complete control of the decision to purchase such services or products
17. Never expect nor encourage gifts from clients. Small tokens of appreciation may be accepted at the end of therapy but should in no way be solicited
18. Make available all relevant information requested as a result of investigation by an appointed Complaints and Disciplinary Officer without hindrance (whether implied or actual) or unreasonable delay and comply fully with all requirements inherent within the Complaints and Disciplinary procedure
19. To never publicly criticise or malign another member of the profession, either with or without perceived justification