My Ethical Practice - Life and Mindset Mentoring
My Approach
My mentoring practice is grounded in the same fundamental values that have guided my 20 years work with people: respect, honesty, confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, personal autonomy, compassion and integrity.
I believe ethical practice is more than following a prescribed set of rules. It is about taking responisbility for the trust placed in me and maintaining a high standard of professional conduct.
My mentoring is distinct from counselling and psychotherapy. It is forward-focussed and designed to support personal growth, confidence, motivation, decision-making, life transitions and ongoing developement.
I have developed the following principles to guide my work and the decisions I make in practice. These principles underpin my approach to both counselling and mentoring. Where I practice as a BACP member, my counselling and any theraputically informed services are also subject to the professional obligations associated with my BACP membership.
1. Respect for autonomy - I respect each person's right to make their own decisions about their life choices.
2. Dignity and respect - I treat every person without judgement and recognise their individual circumstances, values and world view.
3. Confidentiality - I maintain appropriate confidentiality and explain clearly the circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be limited.
4. Professional Boundaries - I maintain clear and appropriate boundaries within all professional relationships.
5. Working with competence - I work within areas of which I have appropriate knowledge and experience and will recommend alternative or additional support when a person's needs fall outside my scope.
6. Informed Choice - People have the right to understand what type of support they are receiving, what it invoves and what it does not involve.
7. No false promises - I do not promise outcomes or present myself as being able to "fix" another person.
8. Reflective practice - I remain comitted to reflecting upon my work and continuing to develop my knowledge and understanding throughout my professional life.
9. Safeguarding - I take concerns about a person's safety and wellbeing seriously, and will act appropriately when safeguarding responsiblities arise.
10. Integrity - I will communicate honestly about my qualifications, services and professional role.
11. Separation of services - Where I offer both psychotherapy and mentoring, I will make the distinction between theraputic and none theraputic support clear.
12. Responsibility - Ultimately, I accept responsibility for the professional decisions I make, and will seek appropriate consultaion when faced with circumstances requiring additional perspective.