Behind the screen Event 2 Ethical Issues Boundaries

Behind the screen Event 2: Ethical Issues, Boundaries and Contracting: Exploring matters of Safety for Practitioners and Clients Kate Dunn and Carole Francis-Smith 30 th October 2017

Ethical Issues, Boundaries and Contracting: Exploring matters of Safety for Practitioners and Clients • How do existing ethical guidelines translate into the online environment? • Is there a need for new ethical guidelines and are any in existence? • What additional considerations do practitioners need to take into account? • How safe is the online environment and how can we encourage clients to protect their privacy and confidentiality? • How do practitioners set personal boundaries around their online activity and what do clients expect of us?

How do existing ethical guidelines translate into the online environment? Who sets ‘the rules’ and why do we need them?

Is there a need for new ethical guidelines and are there any in existence?

BACP Guidance • Formerly issued: Anthony, K & Goss, S “Guidelines for online counselling and psychotherapy” (3 rd Edition 2009) • Now included in Ethical Framework (2015) which states: “We will fulfil the ethical principles and values set out in this Ethical Framework regardless of whether working online, face to face or using any other methods of communication. The technical and practical knowledge may vary according to how services are delivered but all our services will be delivered to at least fundamental professional standards or better. ”

Supplemented by: 1. Good Practice in Action 047 Supplementary Guidance: Bond, T “Working Online” 2. Good Practice in Action 040 Commonly Asked Questions Resource: Davies, N “Social media (audio and video) and the counselling professions 3. Telephone and E-Counselling Competencies (a detailed description of the challenges that arise when working online and what you need to have in place in order to meet those challenges) All available online (see resource sheet)

What additional considerations do practitioners need to take into account? Our roles and our responsibilities to protect both ourselves and our clients?