Ashwhin Code of Ethics

I acknowledge the dignity of all people, and their right to be accepted, respected and supported - regardless of physiological, psychological, sociological or economic status, of age, sex, sexual orientation, creed or culture.

My respect extends beyond the overlay of culture, to our place in the natural world.

This stand point gives me an holistic view of clients, and their potential for growing into their potential selves.

I provide a safe and welcoming environment for my clients, and assure complete confidentiality.

I provide the best possible services to my clients and act in such a way as to cause no intentional or deliberate harm to any client.

I work in the belief that good energy attracts good energy, that honesty, clarity, warmth and giving are the right way to live.

I will treat all my clients with respect, and the knowledge and expectation that they are responsible adults, and if my clients have not yet reached the age that our society grants them adult status, still I will respect them as individuals with the right to have a say in their own lives and health.

I am delighted to work with people under the age of 16, however I require written permission from the parent or guardian (or of course the parent or guardian may be present), and regular meetings with them in the case of ongoing treatments

I always work in an atmosphere of equality with my clients, respecting that they are the only true experts on themselves and that their commitment and contribution is essential.

As part of this practice, I always discuss with new clients their aims and goals for the sessions, and we work to a timetable which includes regular points for reflection and assessment.

Before we go ahead with any treatment, I will take time to offer an explanation of it and to answer any questions my clients may have. I will do my very best to explain things clearly and completely, and I will rely on my clients to ask for additional information whenever they need it.

I recognise that I am not always able to assist all those clients who come to me, and as soon as it becomes clear that a person’s needs might be better met working with someone else, I make this recommendation.

I also recognise that clients may come with multiple needs to be met, and, where appropriate, I will always recommend them to outside medical, psychological or spiritual help that they may require.

I am delighted to work with other health care professionals from a conventional western background or any other.

I strive to develop in my clients awareness, growth and functioning from a position of dignity, autonomy and personal responsibility.

When we discuss changes to their diet or lifestyle, the suggestions or ideas put forward are in no way prescriptive.

I am not qualified to diagnose any condition or illness, however I may suggest that a client should be seen by another therapist or health care professional, and I am legally obligated to inform your GP if I suspect that a client has one of the notifiable diseases

As a warm and caring individual, I find that many of my clients become friends. When I am lucky enough to be extended the gift of friendship, all of the same guidelines for respect and confidentiality apply.

I will not exploit a client in any manner. I respect the boundaries that individuals need to protect themselves, and keep them in their own comfort zone. When helping people to extend these boundaries, they will be in control of the timing and the pace.

I keep minimal records, and will never disclose them to a third party without written permission from the client concerned, however access to information held is available to the client at any time.

Derby Stewart-Amsden