AAPH Code of Ethics

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL HYPNOTHERAPISTS
CODE OF ETHICS

AAPH Code of Ethics and Professional Standards apply to practicing hypnotherapists and other multidisciplinary group professionals. All members must adhere to the Code and Standards established. Violating the Code of Ethics may be grounds for termination of membership, disciplinary action, and/or possibly legal action depending on the nature of the transgression.

AAPH members are dedicated to the enhancement, dignity and potential of hypnotherapy and the uniqueness of each individual, thus striving for continual professional advancement in the field.

As an AAPH member, I pledge to:

1. Neither claim nor imply professional qualifications exceeding those possessed by me and I take responsibility for correcting any misrepresentations. I will always keep my services within the legal scope-of-practice of my credentials.

2. Maintain confidentiality between hypnotherapist and client, unless unlawful issues dictates otherwise.

3. Maintain respect of the client and awareness of the intimacy of the client relationship. I avoid engaging in activities, which may include, but are not limited to, those of a sexual nature, or that seek to meet my personal needs at the expense of that client.

4. First contact and receive approval of any other counseling professional or mental health professional presently treating my new perspective client before I begin working with the said new client.

5. Take reasonable personal action or inform responsible authorities when a client's condition indicates that there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or others, and I'll consult with other professionals involved whenever possible.

6. Inform the client of the purposes, goals, techniques, rules of procedure and limitations that may affect the relationship at or before the time that the hypnotherapy relationship is begun.

7. Avoid initiating the counseling relationship or immediately terminate the relationship if I determine an inability to be of professional assistance to a client.

8. Maintain the role of hypnotherapist consistently, keeping the hypnotherapy working relationship as one in which client adaptability and growth toward self-direction are encouraged and cultivated. I will not become a decision maker for the client or create a dependency.

9. I will describe all fees, sliding scale, or pro-bono schedule to all clients before sessions begin, and update my clients as to all changes in fees or charges.

I AGREE TO UPHOLD THIS CODE OF ETHICS IN ALL MY PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS AS A HYPNOTHERAPIST.