Principles of Ethics
for the Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies
Preamble
These principles are intended to aid psychoanalysts who are members of CIPS to maintain a high level of ethical conduct. They are not laws, but standards by which the group that CIPS represents may determine the propriety of a psychoanalyst’s conduct, and the organization of CIPS’ conduct, with relationship to patients, colleagues, and students, as well as with the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA), other mental health organizations, allied professions, and the public.
Objectives for CIPS and CIPS psychoanalysts.
The principle objective of the profession of psychoanalysis is to offer a particular contribution to humanity, with full respect for enhancing the dignity of man. As an organization of psychoanalytic organizations CIPS expects each analyst to uphold the ethics code of their individual societies, the IPA code of ethics, their professional license, and their state’s laws. CIPS is not an organization that itself takes corrective action. However, if a member of a CIPS society violates any of these individual codes, then CIPS would uphold the decision of that society. In addition, if an individual society would like to consult other CIPS societies about an ethical question, CIPS would be available to assist in forming a committee to render an opinion.
Psychoanalysis is a method of treating children, adolescents, and adults with emotional and mental disorders that attempts to reduce suffering and disability and enhance growth and autonomy. The profession is predicated on respecting human dignity and at the same time necessarily involves a power differential between psychoanalyst, patient, and at times the patient’s family. Constant self -examination, reflection and consultation safeguard the analytic treatment relationship.
Professional relationships
Personal
A psychoanalyst would be expected to be courteous, considerate, professional, and ethical in all relationships. A psychoanalyst would be expected uphold the dignity and honor of the profession and accord members of allied professions respect in their areas of competence. Likewise, psychoanalysts charged with representing their society, institute, or region is held to the same ethical standards.
Research and publishing
CIPS psychoanalysts engaged in national research projects through CIPS accept responsibility for the selection of research topics, the methods used for investigation, and analysis and reporting. They plan their research to minimize the possibility that their findings will be misleading. They provide thorough discussion of the limitations of their data, especially where their work touches on social policy or might be construed to the detriment of persons in specific age, sex, ethnic, socioeconomic, or other social groups. In publishing their work, they do not suppress disconfirming data, and acknowledge the existence of alternative hypotheses and explanations of their findings. They take credit only for the work they have actually done.
Sexual conduct
Sexual relationships between analyst and patient are antithetical to treatment and unacceptable under any circumstances. Any sexual activity with a patient constitutes a violation of this principle of ethics.
Supervision
CIPS does not engage in supervision as an organization. Each society follows it own guidelines and rules for supervision arrangements. Teleconference seminars and Clinical Conferences are meant for professional development only. Any legal or supervision issues that might arise must remain within the society and State of the individual psychoanalysts’ practice.
Confidentiality
Except as required by law, a psychoanalyst may not reveal the confidences entrusted to him or her in the course of professional work or the particularities observed in the characters of patients.
For the purpose of professional development, consultation, and supervision, including clinical conferences, CIPS psychoanalysts may present material for review by disguising all identifying markers of the case. All those listening to case material face to face, on the phone, or by video conference are bound by the ethic of confidentiality to refrain from discussing any information about a presented case. Any written material that is electronically transmitted is to be encrypted and then destroyed after use to safeguard patient confidentiality. Any written material presented in person is to be destroyed after presentation to safeguard patient confidentiality.
Safeguarding the Profession
CIPS respects each of its component societies to uphold and adjudicate its own code of ethics and conduct. CIPS can support any component society in its decision to sanction a member if such action takes place. Adjudication of any inappropriate behavior is to remain within a society unless the society feels the need to inform CIPS and needs support.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
CIPS is responsible to use its dues for CIPS governance and CIPS functioning. The Board of CIPS is responsible to CIPS members for transparency regarding use of funds.
