This document discusses ethical guidelines for clinical psychotherapy. It outlines two components of ethical codes: aspirational principles that describe exemplary ethical conduct, and enforceable rules that can result in sanctions if violated. Effective informed consent forms must include details about therapy fees and confidentiality limits, as well as risks and the voluntary nature of treatment. Therapists must also be aware of boundary issues and avoid inappropriate multiple relationships with clients outside of therapy. Overall, adhering to ethical standards through informed consent protects both clients and therapists.

1. Running head: ETHICAL GUIDELINES 1
Proper Ethics in Clinical Psychotherapy
Marilyn Selfridge
Kaplan University
PS380-01

2. ETHICAL GUIDELINES 2
The fields of Clinical Psychology and that of psychotherapy are a very intense and
compelling industry of human services and professional resources of assistance to be involved in.
With attention placed solely on human assistance, well-being and functionality within oneself
and one’s community, professionals within this field take on substantial responsibilities in order
to succeed in these areas and be true to their ethical codes. These specified and relevant codes
emphasize two specific components within these codes of ethics which are the aspirational
section, and the enforceable section (Pomerantz, A., 2014), which will be further discussed and
described throughout this essay. In addition to overall ethical standards when it comes to
interactions between client and therapist, documents, and all other connections within this area,
there is the pivotal issue about consent forms and where ethical guidelines fit into this
administration.
To begin with discussing ethics in the professional world of psychotherapy, as mentioned
above, the two components included under the ethical codes, starting with aspirational; meaning
the general principles that describe an exemplary level of ethical functioning, or how
psychologists should venture to manage themselves (Pomerantz, A., 2014). The ethical
standards sections; enforceable rules of conduct, contrast this theory by introducing the concept
that if a psychologist is found guilty of any ethical violations it is a standard, as opposed to a
principle that has been breached (Pomerantz, A., 2014). Psychologists and psychotherapists
must be mindful and aware of these details in order to maintain their good status and reputation
with clients.
With the use of an effective informed consent form, there must be viable, comprehensible
and detailed information. Information provided under specific guidelines to protect both client
and therapist and their rights and confidentiality are issues such as outlining the foreseeable path

3. ETHICAL GUIDELINES 3
of therapy including the fees, other people’s involvement, reasons of breachment of
confidentiality and opportunity and importance of open communication between client and
therapist (APA, 2010). Clients also must be informed on this signed document that there are
potential risk factors, alternative treatments available, and the fact that their treatment
participation is voluntary (APA, 2010). Another issue that is imperative to be mindful of on both
the ethical side of professionalism when it comes to psychotherapy and your clients and the
personal and morally judgmental side and that is the boundary issue and multiple relationships;
outside of the clinical environment (Pomerantz, A., 2014). This issue falls under Ethical
Standard 3.05 in the APA, 2002. However, not every multiple relationship is unethical by
definition. This is why guidelines are stressed, outlined and required to be read and signed.
There needs to be understanding and agreements by the therapist in knowing the boundaries
within their client/therapist relationship.
In conclusion, we described the relevance to the agreement between client and therapist
and therapist and organization when it comes to ethical standards and principles to be
nonjudgmental and respectful of all. The elements of an effective informed consent form, to
summarize; stated disclosure of participants involvement, awareness of risks, voluntary
participation, along with the various other factors described and discussed in this essay have
been outlined for the protection and professional purposes to effectively serve our communities
in a human, empathetic and productive manner.

4. ETHICAL GUIDELINES 4
References
American Psychological Association. Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
(2010). Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx?item=1
Pomerantz, A. (2014). Clinical Psychology, 2nd Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publications, Inc.