CODE OF ETHICS

This Code of Ethics was co-created in 2008. All facilitators on this site have agreed to abide by it in order to uphold and maintain the standards of Family Constellation work in southern Africa.

SELF-CARE

  1. Participating in ongoing self-care work when I am actively involved as a facilitator
  2. Committing to work on my awareness of my own family, historical and cultural assumptions
  3. Not working with clients when I am not well myself

COMPETENCE

  1. Not working until I feel competent to do so after my training
  2. Only advertising myself as a facilitator once I have completed all the requirements for the training and until I hold proof of training such as a certificate
  3. Rather using the word “facilitator” than “therapist” unless registered with a Health Professions Council.
  4. Distinguishing between being a family constellation facilitator for which I am qualified versus a family constellation trainer (see below).
  5. Remaining open to feedback from colleagues.
  6. A commitment to ongoing learning, professional development and supervision / inter-vision.
  7. Making appropriate referrals where my competence is limited

CONFIDENTIALITY

  1. At all times protect the identity of clients

CLIENT-CENTRED FOCUS

  1. Getting clarity on the client’s preferred outcome
  2. Respect at all times for the client’s values and beliefs
  3. Being guided by the question: “Is it helpful for the client”?
  4. Endeavor to “do no harm”.
  5. Empowering the client and using language that empowers

BOUNDARIES

  1. It is the facilitator’s responsibility to hold the boundaries and create a safe container for the client during working
  2. A clear contract with the client will be in place before working
  3. Permission will be obtained to work with the client, or people that may not be present

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

  1. Family Constellations does not replace psychological therapy
  2. Upholding the professional name of the modality and avoiding discredit to the profession
  3. The FC facilitator is accountable to themselves, colleagues and others for their professional conduct
  4. It is important to bear in mind the question “who do you do it for”. The facilitator will not work with issues they do not feel competent in, with family, close friends or people who are not present without their consent
  5. Honesty about the limitations of the modality and one’s own personal limitations (being clear about what you can and can’t do and not making false claims. Family Constellations are not the answer to all problems).
  6. Taking responsibility to feedback to colleagues about questionable ethical practices.
  7. Ensuring that there are adequate follow-up resources available to clients including appropriate referrals
  8. Protecting clients from re-traumatisation
  9. An understanding and respect for the unique southern African context and history. To endeavour to educate oneself about different cultures and languages.
  10. Keeping clearly defined roles of facilitator and client
  11. Non-exploitation of clients
  12. Acknowledging one’s own position of power in the relationship
  13. Referencing other people’s work and models

TRAINING

  1. Training others in the modality should not be undertaken lightly. By international standards, a trainer should have:
    1. at least 5 years of experience after graduating
    2. a relevant psychology, therapeutic or subject qualification for the theme they will present
    3. Align with internationally accepted standards of training