​​By Shobhana Soni, Counselling Psychologist

​

As a counselling psychologist working with children, adolescents, and families, I adhere to ethical principles that protect the therapeutic relationship and promote the psychological well-being of my clients. These guidelines help ensure safety, trust, and professionalism throughout the therapeutic process.

Step 1: Uphold Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

My first responsibility is to act in the best interest of every client.

• I prioritise emotional safety, growth, and healing.

• I avoid any actions that may cause harm, discomfort, or retraumatization.

• All interventions are intentional, respectful, and aimed at empowering the client.

Step 2: Informed Consent

Before therapy begins, I ensure that clients and their caregivers understand:

• The nature and purpose of therapy

• Session structure, duration, and frequency

• Confidentiality and its limits

• Their rights and responsibilities as participants

• Any potential risks or limitations

A clear, written consent form is signed to affirm understanding and agreement. With minors, I obtain guardian consent and age-appropriate assent from the child.

Step 3: Maintain Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality is the foundation of trust. I respect and safeguard all personal information shared by the client.

• Session notes and records are stored securely.

• Information is disclosed only with appropriate written consent or when legally required.

Exceptions to confidentiality include:

• Risk of harm to self or others

• Suspected abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults

• Legal mandates or court orders

These exceptions are always explained transparently.

Step 4: Avoid Dual Relationships

I maintain professional clarity by avoiding any relationships outside the therapeutic role.

• I do not enter into personal, financial, social, or sexual relationships with clients.

• I remain aware of power dynamics and protect the therapeutic space from conflicts of interest or boundary confusion.

Step 5: Practice with Integrity and Honesty

My communication and conduct reflect honesty and transparency.

• I discuss therapy goals and processes realistically and clarify any misunderstandings promptly.

• Fees, duration, and services are discussed clearly and openly.

Step 6: Ensure Cultural and Individual Sensitivity

Every client is unique, shaped by their culture, identity, and lived experience.

• I work to understand and respect differences in race, religion, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more.

• I challenge personal biases and provide therapy that is culturally responsive and inclusive.

• My therapeutic techniques are modified as needed to suit the developmental, emotional, and cultural needs of the client.

Step 7: Set and Maintain Professional Boundaries

Boundaries protect the therapeutic process and support emotional safety.

• I maintain clear limits regarding time, space, communication, and the therapeutic relationship.

• I do not engage in social conversations or emotional overinvolvement beyond the therapeutic purpose.

• Boundaries are explained and modelled to support emotional learning, especially for young clients.

Step 8: Maintain Accurate Documentation

Good record-keeping ensures continuity of care and accountability.

• I document all sessions, client progress, informed consent, assessment details, and referrals.

• Records are maintained with accuracy, clarity, and confidentiality.

Step 9: Address Termination and Referrals Ethically

Therapy does not continue indefinitely—it must be closed with thoughtfulness and care.

• I prepare clients for termination as goals are met or when therapy is no longer beneficial.

• If needed, I refer clients to other professionals with appropriate guidance and documentation.

• Termination is never abrupt or avoidant; it is part of the healing journey.

​

My Professional Guidelines for Counselling Children and Pre-Teens

1. My First Priority: Building Trust and Emotional Safety

Children and pre-teens often enter therapy unsure, nervous, or even resistant. I don’t rush this process. My first goal is always to create a warm, predictable space where the child feels emotionally safe, respected, and gently understood. Only then can true healing begin.

2. Informed Consent from Parents – Assent from the Child

Before I begin any therapeutic work, I take time to explain the process to the parents or guardians—laying out the purpose of therapy, how confidentiality works, how often we’ll meet, and how they will be involved.

But equally important is gaining the child’s assent—their willing participation. I use age-appropriate language to help them understand:

• Why are they here

• What therapy is (and isn’t)

• That they have the right to ask questions anytime

This helps them feel respected and in control, right from the start.

3. Respecting Confidentiality—And Explaining Its Limits

I explain to both parents and children what will stay private in therapy and what might need to be shared.
If I ever sense that the child is in danger (self-harm, abuse, or harm to others), I am legally and ethically bound to report it to ensure their safety. I communicate this openly and compassionately to avoid any betrayal of trust.

4. Partnering with Parents—While Protecting the Child’s Emotional Space

Therapy is most effective when parents are engaged—but not intrusive. I keep parents in the loop about progress, and we regularly align on goals. I also coach them on how to support the child’s emotional regulation and behavior at home.

At the same time, I safeguard the child’s autonomy. What they share in confidence stays protected, unless it directly affects their well-being. When needed—especially in cases involving trauma or family conflict—I may hold separate sessions with parents.

5. Communicating at the Child’s Developmental Level

Children don’t always talk directly about feelings—they express them through play, drawing, storytelling, or behaviour. I use tools like:

• Stories and metaphors to make sense of difficult experiences

• Using simple words instead of clinical jargon

I validate their emotions and help them name and understand what they feel.

6. Maintaining Ethical and Legal Documentation

I carefully document every part of the process: parental consent, the child’s assent, therapeutic interventions, session summaries, risk factors, and conversations with caregivers. This isn’t just for compliance—it helps ensure the quality and safety of the child’s care.

7. Being Culturally and Family Sensitive

Every child comes with their unique background—shaped by culture, family values, religion, and social norms. I make it a point to ask about:

• Family structure and discipline practices

• Religious beliefs and community expectations

• Cultural perspectives on behaviour and emotion

I then adapt my therapeutic strategies to respect these values—while always prioritising the emotional needs of the child.

8. Upholding Strong Professional Boundaries

As a psychologist, I maintain a delicate balance—being warm and supportive, while keeping clear therapeutic boundaries. I do not:

• Share personal stories that take the focus away from the child

• Act as a surrogate parent or "rescuer"

Instead, I focus on being:

• Reliable

• Emotionally attuned

• Purposefully structured

Children feel secure when their therapist is clear, caring, and consistent.

9. Ending Therapy with Care and Closure

When it’s time to end therapy, I don’t rush the process. I help the child and family prepare emotionally for closure. Together, we:

• Reflect on the journey and celebrate growth

• Review skills learned and progress made

• Create a written summary and provide referrals or additional resources if needed

A respectful, meaningful ending helps the child carry their progress forward with confidence.

​

“Therapy with children is sacred work.”

Every session is a chance to rebuild trust, repair emotional wounds, and empower a child to understand and express themselves more freely.

As a psychologist, I carry this responsibility with deep care, clear boundaries, and wholehearted commitment.