This ethical framework for Play, Creative Arts Therapies and Filial Play,
unifies and replaces the earlier Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK) Code
of Ethics, providing a number of
benefits for
practitioners. It is also applicable to therapy research, the use of
therapeutic play skills and the management of the delivery of these
services within organisations. It is intended to inform the practice of
each member of PTUK. - see
contents of the Ethical
Framework.
The framework is closely based upon the British Association for
Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework, adapted and extended by
PTUK for the special needs of working with children. In using much of
the text of the BACP Ethical Framework PTUK acknowledges BACP’s
authorship and copyright properties under the Berne Convention and
expresses thanks for BACP’s permission and help. The
framework has also been developed in conjunction with Play Therapy
International (PTI) to encourage unified standards of practice in all
countries.
The ethical framework is one component of PTUK's ethical system - the other
three being the PTUK Register of Certified Practitioners, the
Professional Conduct
Practice procedures (embodying a public complaints procedure) and
Clinical
Governance requirements.
The complete PTUK Ethical Framework may be
downloaded as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file or Word file. To view and print this
document you require a copy of the Acrobat Reader - obtainable free of
charge from:
Ethical Framework as a .pdf file
Ethical Framework as an MS Word file
- Recognises that ethical decisions often
have to be based on situations that are not always 'black and white'.
Avoids being bound by a rigid 'book of rules'.
- Takes account that therapeutic play and
play therapy are being used increasingly in complex, multi-agency
situations where there may be conflicting priorities and ethical
decision criteria.
- Provides greater flexibility of ethical
decision taking for therapists and clinical supervisors.
- Places greater responsibility upon the
therapist.
- Recognises that individuals may
legitimately come to different ethical decisions concerning the same
circumstances.
