As Clinical Psychotherapists, we are dealing with people, whether face to face, on the telephone or online. Some of these people will be vulnerable, some will be children, some may have caregivers who escort them to appointments, some may present behaviours that we feel may be dangerous to themselves and others. We don’t always know clients before we see them, our first hello at the Initial Consultation could be the first interaction we have had.
As we operate a confidential practice, we have to consider when this cannot be honoured. For instance, when we have to safeguard those that are vulnerable. Vulnerable adults may need a chaperone, children under the age of 16, should be accompanied by the primary caregiver, disabled clients may need permanent care and assistance.
This asks the question, “how do we remain confidential?” Firstly, informed consent should be sought for the session, this is taken at the Initial Consultation, giving agreement to receive Hypnotherapy. Future consent is applied consent, as they continue to attend appointments. At this point, the session will be discussed and the arrangements regarding who attends will be agreed. If a chaperone is to remain, this should be noted on the Initial Consultation document, if it is preferred that a chaperone not be present, it would be insisted upon that an open-door policy is agreed, where the client remains in the practice room, with the chaperone waiting closely outside, close enough to see inside the practice room, but not close enough to hear what is being said, the therapist keeping a working distance away from the client and never having any physical contact with them.
We have to also understand who is the client. Every effort is to be made to discuss issues with the client, rather than the caregiver/chaperone. Although at times their input maybe of importance, our concern is our clients’ thoughts and best interests. Some of the clients’ issues may well involve the caregiver, so during Miricle questioning and scaling, we have to be mindful that we allow the client freedom to discuss what is on their minds. Session rules should be discussed at the Initial Consultation, which will lead to a much more productive and beneficial session.
If we feel a vulnerable person or child is at risk, we are legally and morally bound to take action and report this to the relevant authority. It is advisable to have an Enhanced DBS check carried out to give confidence to those seeking a therapist.
Another issue to be considered would be that of insurance. Insurance to practice Hypnotherapy and insurance on the facility in which its being performed. We need to provide a safe environment and have public liability insurance in the event of any claims. If we follow the procedures of Solution Focussed Hypnotherapy, it is highly unlikely that there would ever be grounds for complaint as consent is always gained.
Discrimination of any sort, is also to be taken into account legally and morally. All humans are equal and should be treated as so.
If a therapist adheres to the code of conduct and ethics of their chosen professional body, they are signing up to a promise to ensure they give the upmost care and professionalism. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is about doing good and making lives better, this we will do if we practice what we preach and stick to the rules, legally, ethically and morally.
