Policies and Documents

Constitution

The Constitution of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Title

The Australian and New Zealand Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (herein after referred to as “ANZACAT”).

Purpose

ANZACAT is a non-profit professional association organised for scientific and educational purposes and dedicated to furthering the study and application of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) as an approach to understanding and relieving psychological distress and changing behaviour.
The membership, concerns and activities of ANZACAT shall be inter-disciplinary and broadly based to promote the theoretical basis, methodology and ethical practice of Cognitive Analytic Therapy through the encouragement of research and study, the training and development of professional competencies, and the dissemination of relevant published information.

Aims

The aims of the ANZACAT shall be:

To promote the highest standards of clinical and ethical CAT practice.
To develop the training and support and accreditation of Therapists, Supervisors and Trainers in CAT.
To promote awareness and understanding of CAT amongst mental health practitioners and the general public through education, training and awareness raising activities.
The aims of ANZACAT shall embody the principles of equity (with regard to ability, age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, location, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status) and culturally sensitive practice with indigenous peoples, and those of other cultures. In New Zealand this shall be pursued within the context of partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi.
All business of ANZACATwill be conducted in accordance with the Rules of ANZACAT.

Rules of the Association (Australian and New Zealand Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy)

Title

The Australian and New Zealand Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (herein after referred to as “ANZACAT”).

Definitions

(1) In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears-

“Act” means the Associations Incorporation Act 1981;

“committee” or “executive committee” means the committee of management of ANZACAT;

“financial year” means the year ending on 30 June;

“general meeting” means a general meeting of members convened in accordance with rule 12.

“member” means a member of ANZACAT;

“ordinary member of the committee” means a member of the committee who is not an officer of ANZACAT under Rule 21;

“Regulations” means regulations under the Act;

“relevant documents” has the same meaning as in the Act.

(2) In these Rules, a reference to the Secretary of an Association is a reference–

(a) if a person holds office under these Rules as Secretary of ANZACAT–to that person; and

(b) in any other case, to the public officer of ANZACAT.

Alteration of the rules

These Rules and the statement of purposes of ANZACAT must not be altered except in accordance with the Act.

Membership

(1) Membership is open to individuals who support the aims and objectives of ANZACAT, who apply and are approved for membership as provided for in these rules and on payment of the annual subscription fee.

(2) The Executive committee shall delegate the responsibility of defining membership criteria and making decisions regarding membership to a sub-committee (the Clinical Standards and Training committee).

(3) The founding members Clinical Standards and Training committee must be registered as ‘CAT practitioners’ with ACAT, subsequent members must be ‘Practitioner Members’ of ANZACAT.

(4) The Clinical Standards and Training committee will consist of-

(a) at least four members,

(5) There are three categories of membership: Practitioner, Trainee and Associate.

(a) Practitioner: shall be individuals having significant commitment to CAT and having completed training allowing them to practice CAT competently (as defined by the Executive Committee or the body delegated to manage membership issues).

(b) Trainee: shall be individualswho have enrolled in or have completed a six month CAT Skills Training course and are in ongoing CAT supervision, but do not yet fulfil all the conditions for full membership. These individuals intend and expect to be able to fulfil all the conditions of Practitioner membership within four years of the commencement of trainee membership.

(c) Associate: shall be individuals with an interest in CAT or who have relevant links with CAT but who are not eligible for Trainee membership, or who are not wanting to work towards gaining Practitioner membership.

Application for membership of ANZACAT

(1) A person not a member of ANZACAT at the time of the incorporation of ANZACAT (or who is a member at that time, but has then ceased to be a member) must not be admitted to membership unless-

(a) he/she supports the purposes and aims of ANZACAT; and

(b) he/she agrees to follow the ANZACAT Ethical Guidelines and ANZACAT Rules; and

(2) An application of a person for membership of ANZACAT must-

(a) be made in writing using Application form Part A set out in Appendix 1;

(b) must detail all relevant training and experience in Application Part B; and

(b) be lodged with the Secretary.

(3) As soon as practicable after the receipt of an application, the Secretary must refer the application to the Clinical Standards and Training committee.

(4) The Clinical Standards and Training committee must determine whether to approve or reject the application.

(5) Membership will be approved only if agreed by a two-thirds majority of the committee.

(6) If the committee approves an application for membership, as soon as practicable-

(a) the applicant must be notified in writing of the approval for membership; and

(b) a request for the applicant to pay the annual subscription payable under these rules, within 28 days after receipt of the notification.

(7) The Secretary must, within 28 days after receipt of the amount referred to in sub-rule (6), enter the applicant’s name in the register of members.

(8) An applicant for membership becomes a member and is entitled to exercise the rights of membership when his or her name is entered in the register of members.

(9) If the Clinical Standards and Training committee rejects an application, the applicant must be notified in writing that the application has been rejected, as soon as practicable.

(10) The decision of the ANZACAT Executive Committee will be final. Individuals not admitted to membership may re-apply the following year, but not more than twice consecutively.

(11) A right, privilege, or obligation of a person by reason of membership of ANZACAT-

(a) is not capable of being transferred or transmitted to another person; and

(b) terminates upon the cessation of membership whether by death or resignation or otherwise.

(12) The annual subscription is the relevant amount set out in Appendix 4

Register of members

(1) The Secretary must keep and maintain a register of members containing-

(a) the name and address of each member; and

(b) the date on which each member’s name was entered in the register.

(2) The register is available for inspection free of charge by any member upon request.

(3) A member may make a copy of entries in the register.

Ceasing membership

(1) A member of ANZACAT who has paid all moneys due and payable by a member to ANZACAT may resign from ANZACAT by giving one month’s notice in writing to the Secretary of his or her intention to resign.

(2) After the expiry of the period referred to in sub-rule (1)–

(a) the member ceases to be a member; and

(b) the Secretary must record in the register of members the date on which the member ceased to be a member.

Discipline, suspension and expulsion of members

(1) Subject to these Rules, if the committee is of the opinion that a member has refused or neglected to comply with these Rules, or has been guilty of conduct unbecoming a member or prejudicial to the interests of ANZACAT, the committee may by resolution–

(a) fine that member an amount not exceeding $500; or

(b) suspend that member from membership of ANZACAT for a specified period; or

(2) A resolution of the committee under sub-rule (1) does not take effect unless–

(a) at a meeting held in accordance with sub-rule (3), the committee confirms the resolution; and

(b) if the member exercises a right of appeal to ANZACAT under this rule, ANZACAT confirms the resolution in accordance with this rule.

(3) A meeting of the committee to confirm or revoke a resolution passed under sub-rule (1) must be held not earlier than 14 days, and not later than 28 days, after notice has been given to the member in accordance with sub-rule (4).

(4) For the purposes of giving notice in accordance with sub-rule (3), the Secretary must, as soon as practicable, cause to be given to the member a written notice-

(a) setting out the resolution of the committee and the grounds on which it is based; and

(b) stating that the member, or his or her representative, may address the committee at a meeting to be held not earlier than 14 days and not later than 28 days after the notice has been given to that member; and

(d) informing the member that he or she may do one or both of the following-

(i) attend that meeting;

(ii) give to the committee before the date of that meeting a written statement seeking the revocation of the resolution;

(e) informing the member that, if at that meeting, the committee confirms the resolution, he or she may, not later than 48 hours after that meeting, give the Secretary a notice to the effect that he or she wishes to appeal to ANZACAT in general meeting against the resolution.

(5) At a meeting of the committee to confirm or revoke a resolution passed under sub-rule (1), the committee must-

(a) give the member, or his or her representative, an opportunity to be heard; and

(b) give due consideration to any written statement submitted by the member; and

(6) If at the meeting of the committee, the committee confirms the resolution, the member may, not later than 48 hours after that meeting, give the Secretary a notice to the effect that he or she wishes to appeal to ANZACAT in general meeting against the resolution.

(7) If the Secretary receives a notice under sub-rule (6), he or she must notify the committee and the committee must convene a general meeting of ANZACAT to be held within 21 days after the date on which the Secretary received the notice.

(8) At a general meeting of ANZACAT convened under sub-rule (7)–

(a) no business other than the question of the appeal may be conducted; and

(b) the committee may place before the meeting details of the grounds for the resolution and the reasons for the passing of the resolution; and

(d) the members present must vote by secret ballot on the question whether the resolution should be confirmed or revoked.

(9) A resolution is confirmed if, at the general meeting, not less than two-thirds of the members vote in person, or by proxy, in favour of the resolution. In any other case, the resolution is revoked.

Disputes and mediation

(1) The grievance procedure set out in this rule applies to disputes under these Rulesbetween-

(a) a member and another member; or

(b) a member and ANZACAT.

(2) The parties to the dispute must meet and discuss the matter in dispute, and, if possible, resolve the dispute within 14 days after the dispute comes to the attention of all of the parties.

(3) If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute at the meeting, or if a party fails to attend that meeting, then the parties must, within 10 days, hold a meeting in the presence of a mediator.

(4) The mediator must be-

(a) a person chosen by agreement between the parties; or

(b) in the absence of agreement-

(i) in the case of a dispute between a member and another member, a person appointed by the committee of ANZACAT; or

(ii) in the case of a dispute between a member and ANZACAT, a person who is a mediator appointed or employed by the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (Department of Justice).

(5) A member of ANZACAT can be a mediator.

(6) The mediator cannot be a member who is a party to the dispute.

(7) The parties to the dispute must, in good faith, attempt to settle the dispute by mediation.

(8) The mediator, in conducting the mediation, must–

(a) give the parties to the mediation process every opportunity to be heard; and

(b) allow due consideration by all parties of any written statement submitted by any party; and

(9) The mediator must not determine the dispute.

(10) If the mediation process does not result in the dispute being resolved, the parties may seek to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Act or otherwise at law.

Annual General Meeting

(1) One general meeting each year shall be the Annual General Meeting and this shall take place within I5 months of the previous Annual General Meeting. The date time and place of the annual general meeting will be set by the Executive committee.

(2) The notice convening the annual general meeting must specify that the meeting is an annual general meeting.

(3) The ordinary business of the annual general meeting shall be-

(a) to confirm the minutes of the previous annual general meeting and any other general meetings held since that meeting; and

to receive reports from committee members (eg. the President and the Treasurer) for the past financial year; and

(d) to receive and consider the statement submitted by ANZACAT in accordance with section 30(3) of the Act.

to set the level of subscriptions to ANZACAT, and other changes where necessary.

Special general meetings

(1) In addition to the annual general meeting, any other general meetings may be held in the same year.

(2) All general meetings other than the annual general meeting are special general meetings.

(3) The committee may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a special general meeting of ANZACAT.

(4) If, but for this sub-rule, more than 15 months would elapse between annual general meetings, the committee must convene a special general meeting before the expiration of that period.

(5) The committee must, on the request in writing of members representing not less than 5 per cent of the total number of members, convene a special general meeting of ANZACAT.

(6) The request for a special general meeting must–

(a) state the objects of the meeting; and

(b) be signed by the members requesting the meeting; and

(7) If the committee does not cause a special general meeting to be held within one month after the date on which the request is sent to the address of the Secretary, the members making the request, or any of them, may convene a special general meeting to be held not later than 3 months after that date.

(8) If a special general meeting is convened by members in accordance with this rule, it must be convened in the same manner so far as possible as a meeting convened by the committee and all reasonable expenses incurred in convening the special general meeting must be refunded by ANZACAT to the persons incurring the expenses.

Special business

All business that is conducted at a special general meeting and all business that is conducted at the annual general meeting, except for business conducted under the rules as ordinary business of the annual general meeting, is deemed to be special business.

Notice of general meetings

(1) The Secretary of ANZACAT, at least 14 days, or if a special resolution has been proposed at least 21 days, before the date fixed for holding a general meeting of ANZACAT, must cause to be sent to each member of ANZACAT, a notice stating the place, date and time of the meeting and the nature of the business to be conducted at the meeting. Where appropriate a general meeting can include members by telephone conference.

(2) Notice may be sent–

(a) by prepaid post to the address appearing in the register of members; or

(b) if the member requests, by facsimile transmission or electronic transmission.

(3) No business other than that set out in the notice convening the meeting may be conducted at the meeting.

(4) A member intending to bring any business before a meeting may notify in writing, or by electronic transmission, the Secretary of that business, who must include that business in the notice calling the next general meeting.

Quorum at general meetings

(1) No item of business may be conducted at a general meeting unless a quorum of members entitled under these Rules to vote is present at the time when the meeting is considering that item.

(2) Five members personally present (being members entitled under these Rules to vote at a general meeting) constitute a quorum for the conduct of the business of a general meeting.

(3) If, within half an hour after the appointed time for the commencement of a general meeting, a quorum is not present-

(a) in the case of a meeting convened upon the request of members–the meeting must be dissolved; and

(b) in any other case–the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and (unless another place is specified by the President at the time of the adjournment or by written notice to members given before the day to which the meeting is adjourned) at the same place.

(4) If at the adjourned meeting the quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting, the members personally present (being not less than 3) shall be a quorum.

Presiding at general meetings

(1) The President, or in the President’s absence, the Vice-President, shall preside as President at each general meeting of ANZACAT.

(2) If the President and the Vice-President are absent from a general meeting, or are unable to preside, the members present must select one of their number to preside as President.

Adjournment of meetings

(1) The person presiding may, with the consent of a majority of members present at the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and place to place.

(2) No business may be conducted at an adjourned meeting other than the unfinished business from the meeting that was adjourned.

(3) If a meeting is adjourned for 14 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given in accordance with rule 12. (4) Except as provided in sub-rule (3), it is not necessary to give notice of an adjournment or of the business to be conducted at an adjourned meeting.

Voting rights and procedures

(1) Voting rights on any question arising at a general meeting of ANZACAT will be reserved for members (Practitioner, Trainee and Associate) on the basis of one vote for each member.

(2) All votes must be given personally or by proxy.

(3) In the case of an equality of voting on a question, the President of the meeting is entitled to exercise a second or casting vote.

(4) A member is not entitled to vote at a general meeting unless all moneys due and payable by the member to ANZACAT have been paid, other than the amount of the annual subscription payable in respect of the current financial year.

(5) Trainee and Associate members will have participant voting rights but cannot occupy more than 50% of positions on the Executive Committee, the Committees or Offices of ANZACAT.

Poll at general meetings

(1) If at a meeting a poll on any question is demanded by not less than 3 members, it must be taken at that meeting in such manner as the President may direct and the resolution of the poll shall be deemed to be a resolution of the meeting on that question.

(2) A poll that is demanded on the election of a President or on a question of an adjournment must be taken immediately and a poll that is demanded on any other question must be taken at such time before the close of the meeting as the President may direct.

Manner of determining whether resolution carried

If a question arising at a general meeting of ANZACAT is determined on a show of hands-

(a) a declaration by the President that a resolution has been-

(i) carried; or

(ii) carried unanimously; or

(iii) carried by a particular majority; or

(iv) lost; and

(b) an entry to that effect in the minute book of ANZACAT-

is evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of, or against, that resolution.

Proxies

(1) Each member is entitled to appoint another member as a proxy by notice given to the Secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting in respect of which the proxy is appointed.

(2) The notice appointing the proxy must be–

(a) for a meeting of ANZACAT convened under rule 8(7),in the form set out in Appendix 2; or

(b) in any other case, in the form set out in Appendix 3.

The ANZACAT Executive Committee

(1) The affairs of ANZACAT shall be managed by the ANZACAT Executive committee.

(2) The committee-

(a) shall control and manage the business and affairs of ANZACAT; and

(b) may, subject to these Rules, the Act and the Regulations, exercise all such powers and functions as may be exercised by ANZACAT other than those powers and functions that are required by these Rules to be exercised by general meetings of the members of ANZACAT; and

(c) subject to these Rules, the Act and the Regulations, has power to perform all such acts and things as appear to the committee to be essential for the proper management of the business and affairs of ANZACAT.

(3) Subject to section 23 of the Act, the committee shall consist of-

(a) the officers of ANZACAT; and

(b) two ordinary members-

each of whom shall be elected at the annual general meeting of ANZACAT in each year.

Office holders

(1) The officers of ANZACAT shall be–

(a) a President;

(b) a Vice-President;

(d) a Secretary.

(2) The members of the Executive committee must be drawn from the general membership of ANZACAT in such a way that

(a) at least half (50%) of the Executive committee must be Practitioner members; and

(b) the President must always be a Practitioner member; and

(3) The provisions of rule 25, so far as they are applicable and with the necessary modifications, apply to and in relation to the election of persons to any of the offices referred to in sub-rule (1).

(4) Each officer of ANZACAT shall hold office until the annual general meeting next after the date of his or her election but is eligible for re-election.

(5) In the event of a casual vacancy in any office referred to in sub-rule (1), the committee may appoint one of its members to the vacant office and the member appointed may continue in office up to and including the conclusion of the annual general meeting next following the date of the appointment.

Ordinary members of the committee

(1) Subject to these Rules, each ordinary member of the committee shall hold office until the annual general meeting next after the date of election but is eligible for re-election.

(2) In the event of a casual vacancy occurring in the office of an ordinary member of the committee, the committee may appoint a member of the Association to fill the vacancy and the member appointed shall hold office, subject to these Rules, until the conclusion of the annual general meeting next following the date of the appointment.

Duties of the ANZACAT Executive Committee

The ANZACAT Executive Committee shall carry out the decisions and policies agreed at the Annual General meeting.

(1) A quorum of the Executive Committee shall be four people including three officers of ANZACAT.

(2) The Executive Committee may co-opt up to three persons either for a specific task or to fill a casual vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting.

(3) The Executive Committee shall meet regularly at least 4 times per year. It shall liaise by teleconference, e-mail or other appropriate means during the year. The Executive Committee shall convene the Annual General Meeting and such other meetings as are required.

(4) The Executive Committee may appoint from among its members such other Officers as it deems appropriate such as Administrator, Minutes Secretary, Public Relations Officer, etc, in order to carry out its business. The elected and appointed officers of the Executive Committee shall be responsible for the executive processes of the ANZACAT.

(5) The Executive Committee may appoint such sub-committees, working parties or other groups as are needed to further the aims and objectives of the ANZACAT, provided always that such bodies report back their actions and proceedings to the Executive Committee promptly. At each meeting of the ANZACAT Executive Committee it shall review the proceedings of any working parties so appointed.

(6) The Executive Committee shall have the power to adopt and issue standing orders and/or rules of procedure which shall be subject to review by the Annual General Meeting and which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution.

(7) Tenure of office of the Executive officers of the Executive Committee:

Elected officers shall resign each year and may offer themselves for re-election except that no person may serve on the Executive for more than six years consecutively.

Ceasing Membership

(2) After the expiry of the period referred to in sub-rule (1)–

(a) the member ceases to be a member; and

(b) the Secretary must record in the register of members the date on which the member ceased to be a member.

Withdrawal of Membership

(1) Any complaint about a member made in writing to the President of ANZACAT shall be notified to the next ANZACAT Executive Committee. The complaint may also be reviewed by the Clinical Training & Standards committee, who will report back to the Executive Committee.

(2) If the ANZACAT Executive Committee has reasonable cause to believe that a member has ceased to meet the criteria of membership of ANZACAT, it shall require the member to discuss the matter with the ANZACAT Executive Committee or one or more members of the ANZACAT Executive Committee appointed for that purpose.

(3) If the ANZACAT Executive Committee comes to the opinion that the criteria for the relevant category of membership are no longer met, it shall draw this to the attention of the member either to take action to meet the criteria or to withdraw from ANZACAT.

(4) If the member shall not satisfy the ANZACAT Executive Committee and shall not resign, the ANZACAT Executive Committee will propose a motion at the next General Meeting (which may be called for the purpose) that the membership be withdrawn. The motion shall be carried if it receives a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast. The President of ANZACAT may suspend the membership of the member until the time of the next General Meeting. During the time of suspension the suspended member will not be entitled to the rights of a member

(5) No individual may be deemed to be a member of ANZACAT unless he or she has been granted membership at a General Meeting, nor may individuals whose membership has been terminated by a vote at a General meeting continue to claim membership of ANZACAT. In such a case the matter will be reported to ANZACAT.

(6) If a member fails to pay his or her annual membership fee by the decreed time and is thus not a fully paid up member, then the ANZACAT Executive Committee may declare that the member has forfeited his or her right to vote at the next Annual General Meeting. If he or she continues to be in arrears of his or her membership fees after such an Annual General Meeting, then the ANZACAT Executive Committee will propose at the next Annual General Meeting that the membership of the individual be withdrawn.

Review of Membership Criteria

The ANZACAT Clinical Standards and Training committee and Executive committee shall review the grounds for membership of ANZACAT as defined by the Rules of ANZACAT not less than once every five years, and report the outcome of such reviews to the Annual General meeting within the five year period.

Amendment to the Rules

All changes to the constitution shall be notified to, and approved by a General Meeting. Amendment to the Rules of ANZACAT can be made only if the motion proposing it shall receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast at a General Meeting.

Winding up

(1) In the event of the winding up or the cancellation of the incorporation of ANZACAT, the assets of ANZACAT must be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

(2) This can occur after a vote at a General Meeting only if the motion proposing it shall receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.

(3) Following such a decision any money, goods or property owned by ANZACAT shall, after the satisfaction of all proper debts and liabilities, be transferred to an organization with similar aims. If a suitable organisation cannot be identified then assets will be transferred to the World Health Organization or other charity voted on at the General Meeting.

Custody and inspection of books and records

(1) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the Secretary must keep in his or her custody or under his or her control all books, documents and securities of ANZACAT.

(2) All accounts, books, securities and any other relevant documents of ANZACAT must be available for inspection free of charge by any member upon request.

(3) A member may make a copy of any accounts, books, securities and any other relevant documents of ANZACAT.

__________________

APPENDIX 4

SCHEDULE OF FEES

Fee	Amount (AUD)
Entrance fee
Annual subscription fee
Practitioner	$80.00
Trainee	$40.00
Associate	$40.00

NOTES

“SCHEDULE 1

PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY PRESCRIBED

ASSOCIATIONS–AUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

*Australian Accounting Standard Number*	*Name of Australian Accounting Standard*	*Issued*
AASB 1018 (replaces AAS 1)	Statement of Financial Performance	June 2002
AAS 4	Depreciation	August 1997
AAS 5	Materiality	September 1995
AAS 6	Accounting Policies	March 1999
AAS 8	Events Occurring After Reporting Date	October 1997
AAS 15	Revenue	June 1998
AAS 17	Leases	October 1998
AAS 28	Statement of Cash Flows	October 1997
AAS 36	Statement of Financial Position	October 1999
AASB 1041 (replaces AAS 38)	Revaluation of Non-Current Assets	July 2001

Code of Ethics

The following guidelines have been developed in line with the Ethical Guidelines of the International Cognitive Analytic Therapy Association (ICATA). It is a publicly available document that is intended as a source of reference for anyone interested in practicing or in the practice of Cognitive Analytic Therapy.

Purpose of Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a broad, integrative, and relational approach to psychological help and psychological therapies and psychotherapy. It aims to relieve psychological distress by enabling clients to develop a shared understanding of the patterns of experience, thought, feeling, and activity which maintains that distress about self and others. Where self-limiting patterns can be identified the possibility of alternative new patterns opens up. The open and collaborative quality of the therapeutic relationship established between therapist and client is fundamental to the building up of a shared understanding.

Guiding principle

The primary guiding principle is that the psychotherapist’s central professional concern is the client’s well-being. In her work, the therapist acts impartially, putting aside personal considerations and demonstrating respect for the client’s autonomy. The psychotherapist should be guided in her work by an awareness of equality and respect for difference and diversity.

The guidelines point to additional protection to that offered by the legal structure to the citizens of any particular country and assume that the psychotherapist will be acting lawfully towards her client. The guidelines aim to provide a framework for addressing the complex issues arising out of the psychotherapeutic relationship. They aim to protect the client from harm and also to provide standards of what constitutes harm. They also aim to offer protection to the psychotherapist from unjust allegations of harm.

Additional obligations

Psychotherapists have obligations not only to their clients but also to their profession both nationally and internationally. These guidelines address the relationship between the psychotherapist and her colleagues, her profession, and the other helping and mental health professions. The Guidelines give consideration to issues to do with the advertising of services, research, and publication.

Structure, purpose, and limits of the guidelines

The guidelines embody the multi-national experience of the profession in establishing areas where harm to the client is possible or where conflicts between principles make an assessment of the most advantageous course of action complex. This experience is distilled in an interconnected system of distinct principles. Each principle is followed by a more detailed description of some of its practical consequences.

The practical consequences outlined cannot be comprehensive and address all situations but are intended as guidance to help practitioners of CAT in a variety of roles, settings, and professions to balance out competing demands. It should not be interpreted as a restrictive rule book but rather as a method for establishing a safe and effective place for creative psychological therapies to take place.

Breaches of a Code based on these guidelines

Members of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy have an obligation to be acquainted with and to act by these ethical guidelines. Procedures for handling complaints are outlined in the ANZACAT rules and should also be managed by these guidelines. These should be clear, independent, and transparent and include grounds for appeal to the international association.

To Whom the Code Applies

Codes based on these guidelines will apply to all members of ANZACAT, including clinical, trainee, and associate members.

Terminology

Where the feminine pronoun is used, it is intended to cover both male and female. The term “Psychotherapist” is used in this instance to cover all kinds of practitioner of psychological therapy using CAT. The word “client” stands for the patient, client, or consumer.

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE

1. The well-being of the client

The first and most basic principle of this Guideline is that the well-being of the client is the central concern of the psychotherapist.

The psychotherapist should not exploit her client sexually, financially, or emotionally or cause physical harm.

2. Boundaries

It is essential to be aware of the boundaries of therapy and to limit relationships with clients to the therapeutic setting.

Social contact with clients should be avoided wherever possible. The psychotherapist should not take on as clients members of her own family, friends, or colleagues.

The psychotherapist should never enter into a sexual relationship with her current client or past clients.

3. Contractual arrangements

Psychotherapists should ensure as far as is possible that the client is aware of the contractual boundaries of the relationship.

a) This includes day and times of meetings, arrangements for holidays, method of termination of therapy. The right of the client and of the therapist to terminate, subject to contractual arrangements, should be acknowledged.

Where the client is paying for the service, financial arrangements need to be clearly established.

4. Confidentiality

The therapist-client relationship is one in which the client should feel confident that both the fact of the meeting and the content of that meeting is private and confidential.

In general, and subject to the requirements of the law, the psychotherapist must take care to prevent the identity of individuals being revealed deliberately or inadvertently, without their expressed permission. The client should be informed at the outset of therapy of the limits of and exceptions to confidentiality.
Psychotherapists should take all reasonable steps to ensure that colleagues, staff, and trainees with whom they work understand and respect the need for confidentiality regarding any information obtained.
In exceptional circumstances, where there is sufficient evidence to raise serious concern about the safety or interests of clients, or about others who may be threatened by the client’s behaviour, the psychotherapist may take such steps as are judged necessary to inform appropriate third parties without prior consent – although wherever possible prior consent should be sought – after first consulting an experienced and disinterested colleague, unless the delay caused by seeking this advice would involve a significant risk to life or healthThe client should be informed of this action.
This confidentiality is further limited by the requirements stated elsewhere in this Guideline for the need for the psychotherapist to have supervision and to liaise appropriately with other helping professionals. Discussion of the client in these contexts is subject to the same rules of confidentiality.
Research and Publication: the psychotherapist is required to safeguard the welfare and anonymity of clients when any form of publication of clinical material is being considered and to obtain their consent. Any written or verbal presentation of clinical material must preserve the anonymity of the client.

5. Supervision

The psychotherapist should arrange for supervision or consultation on her clinical work as appropriate.

The purpose of supervision – amongst others – is to ensure the efficacy of the work with the client and that the high standards of CAT are maintained.
Knowledge gained in the course of giving supervision or professional support is subject to the same rules of confidentiality.

6. Limitations on effectiveness

The psychotherapist should be aware of the limitations on her ability to offer an effective service.

This includes:

a)The scope of psychotherapy as a method of relieving distress – where there are clear grounds that other interventions would be of benefit to the client the therapist should normally discuss this with the client;

b) The extent of her professional competence – a psychotherapist, should be involved in regular practice, in training and should ensure that she maintains awareness of developments in the field and has periodic refresher training.

c) The psychotherapist must not make false claims as to her competence or training. The psychotherapist should not claim qualifications she does not possess.

d)The level of her personal functioning – the psychotherapist, must actively monitor her functioning and, if in doubt, seek help in assessing where the balance between the demands/needs of the client for a service conflict with her day to day capacity to deliver that service.

7. Appropriate environment

Psychotherapists have a responsibility to ensure that they are working within an appropriate environment.

a)Clients should be seen in appropriate surroundings providing privacy, security, and comfort.

b)Psychotherapists must satisfy themselves that they are covered by indemnity arrangements against claims for damages from alleged negligence or accidental injury, whether in her private practice or in the work which they undertake for an employer.

8. Professional relationships

Psychotherapists act within a network of services and need to act with respect for these services.

Psychotherapists should discuss with the client what contact the clients have had with other helping professions. Psychotherapists need to consider where the service they offer may conflict with the help offered by other professionals. Permission should be sought to contact other professionals where appropriate and the psychotherapist should then proceed to make such contact.

9. Research

Psychotherapists are required to clarify with clients the nature purpose and conditions of any research in which the clients are to be involved and to ensure that informed and verifiable consent is given before commencement.

It is good practice to have this in writing

10. Obligations to the profession

Psychotherapists have an obligation to act by an awareness of the standing of their profession.

a) The psychotherapist should not have been refused membership or have been struck off the register of the appropriate body of her core profession.

b) The psychotherapist should not behave within her therapy-related activities in ways that undermine public confidence in either her role as a therapist or in the work of other therapists.

c) Where a psychotherapist perceives a colleague is acting in breach of this Guideline, she must raise the matter with the person and notify the appropriate professional body.

11. Publicity

In making her services publicly known, the psychotherapist should not make unwarranted claims

Advertising should be confined to a statement of the name, relevant qualifications, address, hours available, fees, etc. Descriptions of the service offered should be brief and should not be evaluative as to their quality or uniqueness. The psychotherapist shall refrain from making exaggerated, sensational and unjustifiable claims for the effectiveness of her methods, from advertising services in a way likely to encourage unrealistic expectations about the effectiveness of the services offered, or from misleading those to whom services are offered about the nature and likely consequences of any interventions to be undertaken.