CBT Hypnopsy

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CODE OF CONDUCT

Ethical Procedures and Guidelines

Members of CBTHypnoPsy are subject to the ethical codes and guidelines of their primary discipline. However, CBTHypnoPsy has developed its own Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct to address ethical matters specific to the Society and to safeguard the public, its members, and the professional identity of the organization.

📄 Download Code of Conduct
📄 Download Complaint Form

Ethics Committee – Aims and Terms of Reference

The Ethics Committee is authorized to:

  • Ensure that all members adhere to internationally recognized professional guidelines and ethical standards.
  • Investigate concerns regarding a member’s professional or ethical conduct brought to the attention of CBTHypnoPsy.
  • Address conflicts in a manner that protects the Society’s professional identity and minimizes reputational risk.
  • Resolve internal disputes between members that may negatively impact the functioning of the Society through appropriate mediation and action.

Responsibilities of Members

CBTHypnoPsy members are expected to behave professionally and respectfully toward colleagues and the general public. Any failure to uphold these standards may result in reputational damage and will be reviewed by the Ethics Committee.

The Committee is responsible for:

  • Maintaining and updating the official CBTHypnoPsy Code of Conduct, which governs all Society-related activities, including communication on official platforms (e.g., mailing lists, “Find a Therapist” directory).
  • Investigating alleged violations of the Code and making recommendations when misconduct is identified.
  • Advising the Executive Board on disciplinary measures, including in cases of proven malpractice.

Code of Conduct

Membership or certification by CBTHypnoPsy binds individuals to the Society’s Code of Conduct. Members must:

  • Comply with disciplinary rulings.
  • Prevent, report, and correct unethical behavior among colleagues.
  • Assist and defend colleagues who are unjustly accused of misconduct.
  • Uphold professional integrity without misuse of the Code for personal gain.
  • Ensure due process in any disciplinary action.

Ethical Principles

  1. Competence

Members strive for the highest level of professional competence and:

  • Use hypnosis only within their area of professional training and established therapeutic relationships.
  • Define “professional relationship” as consultation, supervision, or clinical care.
  • Base expertise on education, licensure, and clinical experience.
  • Respect the limits of their competence.
  • Stay informed about current research and developments in CBT and clinical hypnosis/hypno-psychotherapy.
  1. Professional Responsibility

Members prioritize the welfare of clients and:

  • Act within the scope of their training and licensure.
  • Seek supervision or consultation as needed.
  • Cooperate with professional reviews or inquiries.
  • Accept responsibility for their actions.
  • Adjust their practice in accordance with the Ethical Code.
  • Educate the public on the evidence-based use of CBT and hypnosis.

Ethical Standards

  1. Members support and uphold the ethical codes of their primary profession.
    II. Members must hold a license to practice independently.
    III. Members do not support the use of CBT or hypnosis by unlicensed individuals (“laypersons”), defined as those lacking formal education and clinical training in healthcare.

Public and Media Representation

  • Members may not use or promote CBT or hypnosis for entertainment.
  • Educational recordings for public use must include appropriate disclaimers (see Appendix A) and follow professional guidelines.
  • In public demonstrations (e.g., on TV), care must be taken to avoid harm to audiences.
  • Members must accurately represent their qualifications and refrain from misleading promotion or advertising.

Teaching and Research

CBTHypnoPsy members may:

  • Teach CBT/hypnosis to those eligible for CBTHypnoPsy membership.
  • Instruct students of healthcare professions recognized by CBTHypnoPsy.
  • Offer educational programs to inform the public about CBT and/or hypnosis.
  • Conduct research involving human subjects in accordance with ethical standards of their primary discipline.

Interpretation of the Code

In cases where the Code is ambiguous, the Executive Committee may refer to the ethical standards of the member’s professional association or licensing body.

Enforcement Procedures

  1. Filing a Complaint:
    Any individual may submit a written and signed complaint to the Ethics Committee, specifying the time and place of the alleged violation.
  2. Initial Review:
    The Ethics Committee will notify the member in writing and request a response.
  3. Hearing:
    If further inquiry is warranted, a hearing will be scheduled. Both the complainant and the member will be notified by certified mail.
  4. Defense Rights:
    The member may attend in person or submit a written defense. They have the right to present witnesses and cross-examine others. Hearings will be recorded.
  5. Recommendations:
    Within 30 days of the hearing, the Committee will submit a report to the Executive Committee with one of the following recommendations: dismissal, warning, suspension, or expulsion.
  6. Appeal:
    The member has 30 days to submit an objection. The Executive Committee will review the report and objection and issue a final decision.
  7. Final Decision:
    No expulsion may occur without a formal hearing. Both parties may be represented by legal counsel. The final decision will be communicated by certified mail.