THE COLLEGE OF PSYCHOANALYSTS – UK

Code of Professional Conduct

Part I Interpretation

1.1 In this Code where the context so admits:
(a) ‘The College’ shall mean The College of Psychoanalysts – UK;
(b) ‘Member’ shall mean a person admitted to membership of The College;
(c) ‘Patient’ shall mean a person who is in psychoanalytic therapy with a member;
(d) ‘BoG’ shall mean the Board of Governors of The College;

1.2 The headings and Parts of this Code of Professional Conduct are descriptive and explanatory only and do not form part of the said Code.

Part 2 Mandatory Standards of Professional Conduct

2.1.1 A member shall owe their patient, or former patient, a duty of confidentiality. In exceptional circumstances where the analyst judges there is a real risk to the patient or others, they may choose to breach confidentiality without being in breach of this Code.

2.1.2 The use of patient material is customary in the course of psychoanalytic practice, including clinical training, supervision, teaching and clinical case discussion among colleagues. In all circumstances where a member intends to disclose material for such purposes relating to a patient or former patient that member shall take all necessary steps to ensure the identity of that patient is concealed.

2.1.3 A member shall, where required so to do by their patient, inform the patient of the exception to the duty of confidentiality specified in sub-paragraph 2.1.1 of this Part of the Code.

2.2 No member shall make false claims as to their training or skills nor use personal testimonials.

2.3 With due consideration to particular clinical circumstances, a member shall if requested disclose their qualifications to practise psychoanalysis to any prospective patient or to any person having a legitimate interest in such information and requesting the same.