The BIH code of practice is provided as a basis for guidance to all members in pursuance of their professional duties, and as a means to set out minimum standards of good conduct with which all members are expected to comply, working within boundaries of common practice which protect the integrity and commitment of the patient/therapist relationship. At all times members shall conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring the British Institute of Hypnotherapy or the profession of Hypnotherapy into disrepute. It is a condition of membership of the BIH that you agree to be bound by the conditions of this code of practice.
1. Client/patient confidentiality must be observed at all times. The only exception to this is where consent is given or there is a legal compulsion to do so for the purpose of criminal proceedings. However, it is acknowledged that the sharing of information with professional colleagues may be necessary. In this case the clients anonymity must be safeguarded.
2. BIH members have the responsibility of providing a service to their clients in a climate of respect for their clients’ needs and rights, promoting integrity, equanimity, understanding and compassion. Members should also make themselves familiar with any obligations they may have under the Mental Health Act, 1983.
3. All members must be aware they have a duty to put the welfare of their clients first, which includes working within the boundaries of their own competence. in the event of any difficulty arising where it would be in the best interests of the client to receive medical assistance, or there is a conflict of interests within the therapeutic relationship, or for any other reason where the therapist feels unable to operate within the field of his/her competency, the client must be referred on to an appropriate therapist or medical practitioner at the earliest opportunity, providing the withdrawal of services does not put the client at unnecessary risk.
4. Extreme care must be exercised by those who use regression as part of any treatment, to guard against the risk of false memoery recall, otherwise known as False memory Syndrome. A member must be sufficiently skilled to understand his/her responsibility in the correct use of language and methodology when working in this sensitive area. A therapist must not deliberately lead a client to search for evidence of abuse simply to satisfy the belief by the therapist that it must exist.
5. Members shall not abuse the trust placed in them by a person seeking their assistance by being a part of, or condoning, any behaviour which is likely to be construed as taking advantage of their position for financial reward in excess of the fees that would normally be charged. Nor shall they abuse this trust by encouraging a relationship to develop beyond the therapeutic requirement, for sexual favour or personal gratification, or which is in any other way likely to cause distress. It is acknowledged that strong feelings sometimes occur between the client and therapist, but these must be approached in a responsible manner and not allowed to undermine treatment. Sometimes a change of therapist may be in the best interests of both parties.
6. All members must be aware of the importance of ongoing study and self improvement in order to maintain a level of competence that keeps pace with the constantly evolving field of hypnotherapy/psychotherapy. This will include attendance at seminars, workshops, mutual co-operation between professional colleagues, etc.
7. It is expected of all members that they conduct their business in a way which is professional and beyond reproach. This includes:-
(a) ensuring that premises or facilities are suitable for the safety and well being of the client, together with any third party who may accomp any them, taking into account any obligations they may have under the Health and Safety At Work Act of 1974.
(b) members must be covered by an appropriate insurance policy for public liability and professional indemnity. This should be displayed at their place of work where it is visible to their clients and anyone who has a right to inspect it.
(c) All advertising must fall within the British Advertising Standards Authority guidelines, and any subsequent legislation. All leaflets, brochures, statements, etc., may only make claims about qualifications specific to this field which are accredited and can be substantiated, and may not make exaggerated or misleading claims about treatment which are likely to create unrealistic expectations from the public.
(d) Members should be aware of the importance of self monitoring to protect against absorbing undue stress from the working environment and to ensure personal conflicts or problems do not directly interfere with the client/therapist relationship. In any case, it is imperative that members remember the duty of care and responsibility they have towards their clients and seek assistance if they have any doubts about their own well being, or have unresolved issues which need to be addressed. It is suggested that members join a support group, or discuss with a Mentor on a regular basis any issues which present difficulties. This could be arranged on a basis which reflects workload and may be weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
(e) Treatment should not be prolonged beyond a time that is consistent with the wishes and well being of the client.
8. We recommend that members should not practice hypnosis for the entertainment of the public, for example, stage hypnosis or cabaret hypnosis. However, the use of hypnosis in a clinical or lecture demonstration, or where its use is purely to demonstrate its value in therapy is acceptable.
9. Particular care must be exercised when dealing with persons under the age of 16. Where possible, the consent of a parent should be sought. If, due to the nature of the complaint, this is not practical, then another senior member of the family, or someone of appropriate standing outside the family should be approached. whilst the therapists discretion must be relied on in this situation, if in doubt it would seem prudent to have a third party in attendance during consultations.
10. Members must keep adequate records, but in a way that safeguards theconfidentiality of the therapist/client relationship, (refer to page 1, Paragraph 1) and the client should be made aware of this. Records maintained on a computer must be secure and conform to the requirements of the data protection act of 1986 and any subsequent version. Any audio visual recordings of therapy sessions may only be made with the or knowledge and permission of the client, to be used as a source of reference by the therapist. If information and case histories obtained in this way are to be used for commercial training purposes, it must be on the understanding that the client is in agreement with this and that full consent is given in writing.
11. No member may practice if it is considered that their judgement may be impaired through the use of drugs or alcohol, or if their mental state is such that they require extensive treatment with drug therapy, or regular periods of hospitalisation as an in/out patient. Any breech of this rule will render the member liable to expulsion.
12. Membership shall cease if, as a result of legal proceedings, a member is convicted of a criminal offence (other than traffic offences).
13. No member may discriminate against a client on grounds of race, colour, gender, sex, political beliefs, religious beliefs, social standing or handicap.
14. It is expressly forbidden to use membership of the BIH, in itself, as a qualification to practice. Any written or spoken word by a member which is intended to mislead the public in any way will result in expulsion of that member.
15. All members should be cognisant of the responsibilities, practices and boundaries of their own and other professions, and work within a spirit of respect and co-operation with all members of the caring professions.
16. A copy of this code of practice must be kept in the workplace and shall be available for inspection by any client who requests it.
17. Any member who has a complaint levelled against them which cannot be dealt with at source, by a member of the public or another member, must immediately inform the BIH, in confidence, stating the nature of the complaint and also the party/s involved. The person who has complained must be advised to put their complaint in writing and send to the BIH Complaints Dept. Failure to do so may prejudice his/her position in any subsequent proceedings. You are also advised that you have a duty to inform the BIH, in confidence and without malice, if you have just cause to doubt the professional behaviour of a fellow member.
18. In keeping with some other organisations the BIH has its own complaints procedure, details of which will be supplied on request. All information received is treated in the strictest confidence. In the event of a breach of the code of practice, the BIH reserves the right to enforce the principles of this document by making any inquiries necessary to establish the validity of the complaint, and as mediator, to seek to achieve an outcome which satisfies the needs of all parties in a fair and just manner, and where appropriate instigate disciplinary action.