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A clear standard of care.
Western PA Hypnosis is guided by a written code of ethics centered on client welfare, confidentiality, professional competence, honesty, and respect.
Ethics at a glance
- Client welfare comes first
- Privacy and records are protected
- Practice stays within training and competence
- Services, fees, and limitations are explained clearly
- Every client is treated with dignity and fairness
This code helps set expectations for a safe, transparent, and professional client experience.
Four commitments behind every interaction
The full code contains detailed standards. These four principles summarize the professional approach behind them.
Client welfare
Decisions are guided by the client’s safety, dignity, goals, and best interests.
Confidentiality
Personal information, session details, and records are handled with care and discretion.
Competence
Services remain within the practitioner’s training, experience, and professional limitations.
Integrity
Qualifications, services, fees, limitations, and realistic outcomes are communicated honestly.
The full code, organized for clarity
All 20 standards from the existing Code of Ethics are retained here and grouped by subject so they are easier to review.
Tip: Open one section at a time. On mobile, tap a heading to expand or collapse its standards.
1. Confidentiality. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and their care unless the client gives written permission, disclosure is required by a court order or other legal requirement, or reporting is required in situations such as suspected abuse, neglect, or violence involving a child or an older adult.
8. Secure records. Keep all client notes and records secure and confidential.
9. Recording and case discussion. Obtain written permission from the client—or, where appropriate, a parent or legal guardian—before recording a session or discussing an identifiable case with another person.
10. Consent for minors and supported clients. Wherever appropriate, obtain consent from a parent, legal guardian, or other authorized adult before providing services to a minor or a person who cannot independently provide informed consent.
2. Scope of practice. Practice within the recognized knowledge and competence of the profession and within the practitioner’s own training.
3. Appropriate referrals. Remain aware of professional limitations and, when appropriate, refer a client to another qualified practitioner who may be better positioned to help.
4. Continuing development. Maintain and improve professional skills through ongoing education, training, and awareness of relevant research and developments.
5. Medical and mental health symptoms. When a client seeks relief from physical or mental health symptoms, advise the client to consult an appropriate medical or mental health professional if they have not already done so.
6. Cooperation with other practitioners. Cooperate with other professionals when it is in the client’s best interest and the client has provided appropriate consent.
7. Consistency with licensed care. Never knowingly give advice that conflicts with guidance provided by the client’s medical or mental health practitioner.
11. Client safety. Take reasonable steps to protect the safety of the client and anyone accompanying them.
12. Suitable facilities. Maintain a workplace and facilities that are appropriate, safe, and suitable for the services provided.
13. Position of trust. Never use the professional relationship to exploit a client emotionally, sexually, financially, or in any other manner.
13a. Conflicting personal relationships. If a sexual or conflicting financial relationship develops between the practitioner and client, or their immediate families, stop accepting fees, end the professional relationship, and arrange an appropriate referral as soon as possible.
13b. Touch and consent. Avoid touch that could be misunderstood. Before using a tactile induction or deepening technique, explain it clearly and obtain permission.
14. Ending services responsibly. Conclude services at the earliest time consistent with the client’s good care.
15. Honest disclosure. Provide accurate information about relevant memberships, training, experience, qualifications, and appropriate complaint procedures when requested.
16. Accurate credentials. Do not claim qualifications that cannot be substantiated, and do not use a title such as “Doctor” in a way that could mislead the public about medical qualifications.
17. Fees and cancellation terms. Explain fees, payment terms, and any cancellation or non-attendance charges clearly—preferably in writing—before services begin.
18. Clear presentation of services. Present services and products honestly, including their limitations and realistic outcomes, while ensuring the client remains free to decide whether to proceed.
19. Nondiscrimination. Do not discriminate against a client based on race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or any other protected or personal characteristic.
20. Professional conduct. Maintain the highest reasonable standards of professional behavior at all times.
Questions about these standards?
If you would like clarification about professional boundaries, privacy, consent, fees, referrals, or any part of this Code of Ethics, please ask before beginning services.
