Code of Ethics and Practice Standards

1. Purpose and Status of the Code

1.1. The Code defines ethical and quality standards for PCA members in the areas of psychosocial counselling, psychoeducation, developmental support, and crisis intervention.

1.2. The Code aims to protect the client's well-being, promote responsible practice, and build public trust.

1.3. The Code is an internal document of PCA and forms the basis for ethical assessment in the registration process, audits, complaint handling, and disciplinary proceedings.

2. Definitions

2.1. Psychosocial Counsellor (within PCA meaning) – a person registered with PCA, conducting support, educational, and developmental activities within their competence and the law.

2.2. Client – a person using the services of a PCA member (individually, as a family, group, or within an organization).

2.3. Psychosocial Support – activities focused on improving functioning, well-being, coping skills, relationships, and resources, without entering areas reserved for regulated professions.

2.4. Crisis Intervention – short-term support in situations of acute stress/crisis, focused on safety, stabilization, action planning, and access to appropriate services.

2.5. Supervision – a formal process of support and quality control of the counsellor's practice, conducted by a qualified person or in a recognized format (individual, group, or peer according to PCA rules).

3. Core Principles

A PCA member is guided by the following principles:

3.1. Respect and Dignity – treats the client with respect for their rights, values, and autonomy.

3.2. Safety and Client Well-being – the priority is to limit harm and enhance safety.

3.3. Honesty and Transparency – communicates the scope of support, terms of cooperation, fees, confidentiality rules, and competence limits.

3.4. Responsibility – takes responsibility for professional decisions, uses supervision and consultation.

3.5. Justice and Equality – counteracts discrimination, ensures equal access and respect.

3.6. Confidentiality – protects client information, disclosing it only in accordance with the law and the Code's principles.

4. Scope of Work and Service Communication

4.1. A PCA member describes their service as: psychosocial counselling, psychoeducation, developmental/educational support, crisis intervention, skills training (e.g., communication, emotion regulation, social competence) – according to competencies.

4.2. A member avoids utilizing in marketing communication and documents phrases that could be misleading regarding the possession of credentials for regulated professions (specifically: titles, licenses, state registers), if they do not possess them.

4.3. A member does not promise results and does not offer guarantees of effectiveness.

4.4. A member uses language understandable to the client and culturally adequate.

5. Client Safety and High-Risk Situations

5.1. A member assesses risk proportionally to the situation (e.g., threat to life, violence, abuse, neglect, severe crisis).

5.2. In situations requiring medical intervention or involvement of emergency services – the member prioritizes referral to appropriate institutions and documents the actions taken.

5.3. A member possesses basic knowledge regarding: safety planning, crisis procedures, referral rules, working with a person in high arousal.

5.4. A member does not work outside their scope of competence; consultations or referrals are made when necessary.

6. Confidentiality and Privacy Protection

6.1. Client information is confidential.

6.2. Disclosure of information requires client consent, unless the law requires or permits disclosure (e.g., immediate threat to life/health, reporting obligations).

6.3. A member minimizes the scope of disclosed data to the necessary minimum.

6.4. A member secures data technically and organizationally (passwords, encryption, limited access, backups, retention policy).

6.5. A member informs the client about confidentiality rules and exceptions before starting cooperation.

7. Informed Consent and Collaboration Rules

7.1. A member obtains the client's informed consent for cooperation – in written or electronic form, with the possibility of confirmation.

7.2. Consent includes: goal and scope of support, timeframes, confidentiality rules, fees, cancellation policy, communication channels, crisis procedures, and data policy.

7.3. The client may end cooperation at any time.

7.4. For minors, the member adheres to guardian consent rules and legal requirements of the jurisdiction.

8. Boundaries, Professional Relationships and Abuse Prevention

8.1. A member maintains a professional relationship based on trust, without exploiting advantage.

8.2. A member avoids dual relationships (e.g., private, business) with the client, which could impair impartiality or increase the risk of abuse.

8.3. Unacceptable behaviors include: violence, threats, manipulation, sexual relations, extortion of benefits, financial pressure, violating confidentiality for personal gain.

8.4. A member clearly establishes rules for contact outside sessions (e.g., email, SMS, social media).

8.5. Gifts and gratuities: accepting gifts requires caution and risk assessment (preferred: refusal or symbolic, transparent rules).

8.6. A member does not conduct marketing communication in a way that violates relationship boundaries (e.g., pressuring for reviews, publishing client stories, even anonymized, without consent).

9. Competence, Responsibility and Professional Development

9.1. A member works freely only within their competence (education, practice, training, supervision).

9.2. A member constantly improves qualifications and updates knowledge.

9.3. A member cares for their own condition and practice safety (work hygiene, burnout prevention, using consultations).

9.4. A member does not present themselves in a misleading way (titles, degrees, specializations).

10. Supervision

10.1. Supervision is mandatory for all practicing members.

10.2. Acceptable forms: individual, group (2–6), peer (for senior practitioners – according to PCA regulations).

10.3. A member keeps supervision documentation and makes it available for PCA audit upon request, within the scope consistent with confidentiality and law.

10.4. Supervision must not violate client confidentiality – minimal data and anonymization are applied.

11. CPD – Continuing Professional Development

11.1. A member meets minimum CPD requirements defined by PCA (CPD-A and CPD-B).

11.2. A member maintains an activity log and submits documentation within deadlines required by PCA.

11.3. Falsifying CPD documentation is a serious violation of the Code.

12. Documentation and Data Storage

12.1. A member maintains documentation accurately, proportionally, and minimally (as much as needed for quality and safety).

12.2. Documentation must not contain humiliating, stigmatizing, or inadequate content.

12.3. Data is stored securely and in accordance with the law (GDPR/equivalents).

12.4. The client has the right to information about documentation and processing rules – in accordance with the law.

13. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Referrals

13.1. A member collaborates with other specialists respecting roles, competencies, and confidentiality.

13.2. Client consent is required for contact with other persons/institutions, unless legal exceptions apply.

13.3. A member refers the client to appropriate services when needs exceed the scope of psychosocial support or the member's details.

14. Honesty, Advertising and Image

14.1. Information about services must be true, verifiable, and not misleading.

14.2. A member does not use titles and terms suggesting regulated permissions if they do not possess them.

14.3. Client testimonials: may be presented only in accordance with the law and principles of integrity, and without pressure.

14.4. PCA Image: A member cares for the Association's reputation, avoids behaviors violating public trust.

15. Equality, Inclusivity and Culture

15.1. A member does not discriminate based on: origin, nationality, gender, identity, orientation, age, disability, social status, religion, beliefs.

15.2. A member considers cultural and linguistic context and ensures support accessibility.

16. Research, Publications and Education

16.1. A member conducts research and publications effectively, respecting participant rights and consent rules.

16.2. Research participant data is protected, and risk is minimized.

16.3. A member avoids plagiarism, data falsification, and concealing conflicts of interest.

16.4. In education and training, a member acts responsibly, clearly distinguishing facts from opinions, and cares for participant safety.

17. Conflict of Interest

17.1. A member identifies and discloses potential conflicts of interest (e.g., family, business, dependency relationships).

17.2. In case of a conflict of interest, the member takes steps to limit risk: consultation, changing the provider, referral.

18. Complaints, Violations and Disciplinary Proceedings

18.1. A member is obliged to cooperate in the explanatory process regarding a complaint or audit.

18.2. Reporting violations: open or anonymous reporting is possible according to PCA procedure.

18.3. The ethics committee conducts proceedings fairly, impartially, and with respect for parties.

18.4. Sanctions may include: corrective recommendations, additional supervision/training, reprimand, suspension, revocation of register status, and if necessary – referral to appropriate authorities.

19. Registration Standards (Summary)

19.1. A member maintains current documents required by PCA.

19.2. Required standards include at minimum:

• proof of identity,
• criminal history check (according to policy),
• current first aid certificate (for practitioners),
• supervision,
• CPD,
• compliance with the Code of Ethics.

19.3. PCA may conduct register audits and require supplements.

20. Final Provisions

20.1. The Code is effective from the date of publication and applies to all members and candidates in the registration process.

20.2. PCA reserves the right to update the Code in response to legal changes, industry standards, and quality needs.

20.3. In matters not regulated by the Code, PCA regulations and appropriate laws apply.