Code of Ethics

1- Respect for Rights

Certified Listeners participate in only those practices which are respectful of the legal, civic, and moral rights of others, and act to safeguard the dignity and rights of those they support.

2 - Boundaries of Scope

Certified Listeners limit their support and services to those which are within their competence by virtue of their education and experience, and consistent with any requirements for provincial and national credentials.

3 - Supervision and Consultation

Certified Listeners take reasonable steps to obtain supervision and/or consultation with respect to, safety concerns, doubts or uncertainties which may arise during their interactions with participants.

4 - Representation of Professional Qualifications and Title Protection

Certified Listeners will not claim or imply any professional qualifications or protected titles which they do not possess, and are responsible for correcting any known misrepresentation of their qualifications by others.

5 - Sexual Harassment

Certified Listeners do not condone or engage in sexual harassment, which is defined as deliberate or repeated verbal or written comments, gestures, or physical contacts of a sexual nature.

6 - Sexual Intimacies

Certified Listeners avoid any type of sexual intimacies with clients and they do not counsel persons with whom they have had a sexual relationship. They will not seek any romantic relationship with any clients they come into contact with through the program.

7 - Diversity

Certified Listeners strive to understand and respect the diversity of their clients, including differences related to age, ethnicity, culture, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

8 - Dual Relationships

Certified Listeners make every effort to avoid dual relationships with clients that could impair supportive judgment or increase the risk of harm to clients. Examples of dual relationships include, but are not limited to, familial, social, financial, business, or close personal relationships.

9 - Conflict of Interest

Certified Listeners who engage in consultation avoid circumstances where the duality of relationships or the prior possession of information could lead to a conflict of interest.

10 - Confidentiality

Certified Listeners engage in supportive relationships and information resulting therefrom are kept confidential. However, there are the following exceptions to confidentiality:

  • (i) when disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client or others;
  • (ii) when legal requirements demand that confidential material be revealed;
  • (iii) when a child is in need of protection.