Every professional should have clearly defined ethical principles in order to be ethically appropriate while practicing their profession. The ethical principles every psychotherapist is bound by are found below.

Trustworthiness

To act in accordance to the trust that has been placed to the psychotherapist. This principle comprises confidentiality and appropriate communication with the client regarding what is expected in the client-therapist relationship.

Autonomy

To respect the self-governance right of the client. This principle incorporates the client’s right to choose their own direction in life, based on the right information. Any manipulation from the psychotherapist’s side are inconsistent with this principle.

Beneficence

TTo act in accordance with the best interest of the client based on professional assessments. It directs the attention to working strictly within one’s limits of competence and providing services on the basis of adequate training or experience.

Non-maleficence

The commitment to avoid causing any harm to the client. This principle includes avoiding any exploitation of the client, malpractice, and referring the client to other professionals when considered appropriate.

Justice

The commitment  to treating the client as equal to the therapist, and equal to the other clients. This principle incorporates respect to the laws applied in the therapist’s country of practice.

Self-respect

The commitment of the therapist to his own professional development. This includes achieving the relevant qualifications, pursuing professional supervision, and avoiding his own harm in physical, financial, and other aspects. This principles involves the right of the therapist to engage in relationships independent to the ones in psychotherapy or counseling.