The International Association of Psychosexual Therapists (IAPST) is pleased to announce the adoption of its official Code of Ethics for psychosexual therapists, following a member vote during the Virtual Member's Meeting held on November 20, 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement in establishing ethical standards specifically tailored to the unique challenges and responsibilities within the field of psychosexual therapy.
Since its first meeting on December 4, 2023, and its formal founding shortly thereafter, IAPST has prioritized the development of a Code of Ethics that addresses the complexities of psychosexual therapy. An Ethics Committee was established early on to draft a comprehensive document that would serve as an addendum to the ethical guidelines clinicians are already bound to by their licensing boards or regulatory agencies.
The finalized Code of Ethics is the result of extensive work by the Ethics Committee and the Executive Committee. During the vote, members also approved the addition of an opening paragraph that clarifies the Code as a supplement to existing ethical standards, alongside two amendments:
Onward Referrals: Language was added to Section 3.8 emphasizing the importance of referrals when a therapist is outside their scope of competency.
Use of Interpreters: Section 3.9 was amended to remove the word “children,” ensuring that family members or interpreters are used only as permitted by law and best practices in their jurisdiction.
“The adoption of this Code of Ethics is a defining moment for IAPST and for psychosexual therapists worldwide,” said [Spokesperson's Name/Title]. “It reflects our commitment to promoting ethical and professional excellence in this vital field.”
The IAPST Code of Ethics is now available for public review. To access the full document, please visit [insert link to Code of Ethics].
For further inquiries, please contact:[Name/Title][Email Address][Phone Number]
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