Code of ethics
The standards under which every member operates.
Signed by every practitioner on certification, reviewed every two years, and the basis on which any complaint to the Institute is heard.
01 · Basic principles
- ·We work to maintain a non-judgmental environment for and with participants and clients — language that brings precision without pathology.
- ·As a general rule, we do not direct the work. We allow the participant to choose which pattern to work with, and how far to go.
- ·We hold archetypes as living patterns, never as fixed categories. We do not label people; we help them recognise what is at play and choose.
- ·When working with groups, we facilitate with a partner wherever the depth of the work requires it.
- ·We work in accordance with our own competence and the participant's needs.
02 · The limits of our work
- ·We do not work with a participant who is considering suicide. We refer to professional support.
- ·As a general rule we do not work with someone in active addiction. We recommend they seek specialist support first.
- ·We are not trained as trauma therapists. We refer to specialists when that is what the work requires.
- ·Archetypal coaching is not therapy, and we say so plainly whenever a client may be confusing the two.
03 · Professional standards
- ·We renew our licensing agreement with the Institute every year.
- ·We continue our own personal work. At a minimum, every two years, every certified practitioner is themselves mentored by another certified Understand Your Shadow practitioner.
- ·Regular external supervision is highly recommended, and most practitioners use one.
- ·If a complaint is received, we consult the Institute's mentors and trainers and abide by their disciplinary process.
- ·We maintain adequate professional insurance in the countries where we practise.
04 · Relationships with clients and participants
- ·We do not use the relationship for our own advantage or benefit beyond the agreed services.
- ·We respect the client's right to terminate the work at any point.
- ·We maintain consciousness of the power differential and of transference patterns, and take responsibility for our part.
- ·We do not begin a new romantic or sexual relationship with a client — or discuss the possibility of one — for a minimum of six months after the work has concluded. After six months, we first discuss the situation with another certified Understand Your Shadow practitioner and, if appropriate, with a supervisor.
- ·We maintain confidentiality around a client's identity, issues, and work. Disclosure without consent occurs only where the law requires it or where it is necessary to prevent crime or serious harm — and only what is relevant.
05 · Relationships with colleagues
- ·We deal with our own interpersonal issues with colleagues directly.
- ·We respect a client's former practitioners and facilitators. We do not undermine trust in prior archetypal work undertaken with others.
- ·We maintain transparent and clear professional relationships within the Understand Your Shadow community.
This Code is the working document under which every Institute member practises. To raise a concern about a practitioner — or to ask any question about the Code itself — please contact the Institute directly.