Ethical code of Ama Dablam Institute
1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
Article 1.
This Ethical Code is based on the principles of the Ethical Code of the Croatian Chamber of Psychotherapists and is supplemented by the specificities of the organization and the chosen psychotherapeutic approach.
Article 2.
The purpose of the Code is to ensure professional, responsible, and ethical behavior of all participants in the education process – trainers, supervisors, students, and other staff.
Article 3.
The Code applies to all forms of educational work: theoretical lectures, experiential workshops, supervision, practice, as well as interpersonal relationships within the educational process.
2. FUNDAMENTAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Article 4.
– All members of the organization are obliged to adhere to the following ethical principles:
– Respect for the dignity of every person, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, identity, race, ethnicity, religion, or worldview.
– Confidentiality of all personal and professional information shared in the educational context.
– Professional responsibility toward clients, colleagues, and institutions.
– Protection of the best interests of children and young people in all forms of therapeutic, supervisory, and educational work.
– Non-maleficence – the obligation not to cause harm to others.
– Autonomy and informed consent in working with clients and throughout education.
3. ETHICS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
Article 5.
Educators and supervisors:
– Ensure a safe, supportive, and professional environment for all students.
– Set clear boundaries in relationships with students (no emotional, sexual, or financial exploitation).
– Address conflicts of interest openly and report possible ethical dilemmas.
Article 6.
Students:
– Respect confidentiality and the personal space of other students, educators, and clients.
– Do not use the educational relationship for personal gain or manipulation.
– Are obliged to report unethical behavior while maintaining the dignity and integrity of all involved.
4. WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Article 7.
In working with children and youth, additional ethical standards apply:
– Work with minors is possible only with informed consent from parents/guardians and in accordance with applicable laws.
– Psychotherapy is carried out in the best interest of the child, respecting their developmental needs and rights.
– Information about children is shared only when justified and with protection of their privacy.
– Psychotherapy students are obliged to react in cases of suspected neglect, abuse, or other forms of child endangerment, in accordance with the law.
5. RESPONSIBILITY, OVERSIGHT, AND HANDLING ETHICAL BREACHES
Article 8.
When an ethical breach occurs, the organization establishes an Ethics Committee that oversees implementation of the Code, provides advice in ethical dilemmas, and makes decisions regarding reported violations.
Article 9.
Every member of the organization has the right to report unethical behavior, anonymously or openly, without fear of repercussions.
Article 10.
In the event of a confirmed breach of the ethical code, the following measures may be imposed:
– Oral or written warning
– Additional education and/or supervision
– Temporary or permanent suspension from participation in education
– Notification of relevant bodies such as professional Chambers
6. FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 11.
This Ethical Code is publicly available to all members of the organization, and its acceptance is a condition for participation in education.
Article 12.
The Code is regularly reviewed and, if necessary, supplemented in accordance with changes in legislation, ethical standards, and the development of psychotherapeutic practice.
Procedure for counseling in psychotherapy education
Introductory information
At the beginning of the education, all psychotherapy students will receive clear information about ethical principles, student rights, support mechanisms, and procedures for resolving difficulties.
This information will be available in written form (education manual, education contract, and the organization’s ethical code).
Confidential counseling
If a psychotherapy student experiences discomfort, confusion, conflicts, or personal challenges related to the education, they may request individual counseling with an educator, supervisor, or another designated person.
Counseling is confidential and focused on the well-being of the psychotherapy student, while respecting professional boundaries and safety.
Mentorship support
A psychotherapy student may be assigned a mentor (or contact person) who they can approach for guidance throughout the educational process and for personal development within the framework of education.
Record and monitoring
If necessary, a counseling record may be created to track agreed steps (with the informed consent of the student).
The goal is the timely recognition and prevention of greater difficulties.
Procedure for submitting a complaint in psychotherapy education
Informal resolution
If a student has a complaint (e.g., about an educator, colleague, supervision, or organization of work), it is recommended to first attempt resolution through direct, nonviolent, and assertive conversation – if emotionally and professionally safe.
Formal complaint
If the informal approach is not possible or unsuccessful, the psychotherapy student may submit a written complaint to the organization’s Ethics Committee or responsible person.
The complaint should include: a description of the situation, time and circumstances, people involved, and the expected outcome. The complaint is sent to the official organization email: info@adtraininginstitute.com.
Acknowledgment and protection
The psychotherapy student will receive confirmation of receipt of the complaint within 5 working days. During the procedure, a neutral and supportive atmosphere is ensured, without consequences for the psychotherapy student (e.g., retaliation, stigmatization, or discrimination).
Investigation and review
The Committee or responsible person conducts an objective review of the complaint (including interviews with involved parties, review of evidence, and ethical principles).
The process aims to be completed within 15 to 30 working days.
Decision and measures
The psychotherapy student receives a written decision and any recommendations, protective measures, or changes in the organization of work (e.g., change of supervisor, additional support, educational intervention for an educator).
Right to appeal
If the student believes the complaint was not adequately addressed, they may submit an appeal within 7 working days.
Disciplinary responsibility for breaches of the Ethical Code
1. Minor breach of the Ethical Code
A minor breach represents behavior that does not cause serious harm to the client, colleagues, or the organization but deviates from professional standards and requires corrective action.
Examples of minor breaches:
– Being late to educational activities or obligations without justification
– Occasional violation of agreed rules of work in the educational group
– Inappropriate comments or tone in communication with colleagues or educators
– Occasional non-compliance with procedures for reporting supervision, practice, or documentation
– Breach of confidentiality in the educational group without harmful consequences
Possible measures for minor breaches:
– Oral warning from the educator or head of education
– Written warning with an explanation of unacceptable behavior
– Obligation to write a reflection and/or complete an additional educational task
2. Serious breach of the Ethical Code
A serious breach represents a grave and/or repeated violation of ethical norms that endangers the psychological, emotional, physical, or professional safety of clients, colleagues, or the institution itself.
Examples of serious breaches:
– Breach of client or colleague confidentiality with serious consequences
– Sexual, emotional, or physical abuse in the context of education, practice, or supervision
– Misrepresentation of educational status or qualifications
– Labeling, humiliating, or discriminatory behavior toward clients, colleagues, or educators
– Continuous disruption of other students’ educational process
– Repeated minor breaches without change in behavior
– Refusal to cooperate in the ethical oversight procedure
Possible measures for serious breaches:
– Written warning with a deadline for behavior change
– Temporary suspension from education with a condition for reevaluation
– Mandatory psychotherapy or supervision (if indicated)
– Expulsion from the educational program without the right to a refund of paid fees
– Reporting to the relevant professional chamber or institution if the violation is of a legal nature
3. Procedure for determining a breach
A report may be submitted by any student, educator, supervisor, or client involved in practice.
The Ethics Committee of the organization decides on the breach within 30 working days.
The person against whom the procedure is initiated is given the opportunity to respond and present their case.
The decision is made by majority vote and delivered in written form.
Last updated: August 30, 2025