All licensed sophrologists must adhere to a strict deontology, or code of ethics. This is often referred to as the sophrologist’s “therapeutic posture”. What does this mean? It means that sophrologists must follow certain ethical principles and always act with respect toward their client, whether it be in a one-to-one session, a group setting, or in a corporate environment.
The following are some general principles all sophrologists must follow:
Ethical
Respect for the dignity and integrity of each individual is the most basic principle that sophrologists must observe. In other words, the sophrologist is committed to respecting the person, respecting their independence, and to treat each person with dignity. A sophrologist is forbidden to discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, or political beliefs.
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Confidentiality
Sophrologists must respect the confidentiality of their clients, and of any information discussed or revealed during sessions. Any personal information relating to their clients must be stored in a secure and confidential manner. This confidentiality extends also to all individuals participating in a group session. This confidentiality can only be breached in cases of legal necessity or to protect the security of the client or of others.
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Professional standards
All sophrologists, by undergoing a required amount of training, have acquired certain skills enabling them to offer sophrology to their clients. This training encompasses methodological frameworks, theories, techniques and practices. The sophrologist must be competent and ensure that they offer only quality services to their clients.
Under no circumstance is the sophrologist competent to offer a diagnosis. The sophrologist is not permitted to steer a client in the direction of a particular treatment or service, nor are they to interfere or interpose themselves in any treatment that the client is pursuing. If the sophrologist does not have any expertise is a particular area, they are required to instead propose another professional more competent in the desired area. In certain situations, the sophrologist may be called upon to collaborate with another therapist or to outsource a portion of the work. Should this be the case, the sophrologist remains wholly responsible for the work carried out by collaborators.
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Integrity
One of the primary values in the exercise of sophrology is that of integrity, which is considered to encompass honesty, coherence and uprightness. A sophrologist with integrity will observe ethical norms and moral values while also demonstrating rectitude in their actions. Integrity also implies responsibility for one’s acts and one’s commitments. The sophrologist must demonstrate honesty in all of their professional interactions, with no conflict of interest, while observing the ethical code of their profession.
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Responsibility
As a health professional caring for the mental health of the client, the sophrologist has several responsibilities. The sophrologist is responsible for the well-being of the client during each session. This includes: ensuring that the therapeutic environment is safe and respectful and that the advice proffered and the techniques used be adapted to the needs of each, within the therapist’s individual limitations. The sophrologist must respect the laws and regulations applicable to the practice of sophrology, which include patient confidentiality and the respect of the patient’s rights. The sophrologist has the moral responsibility to act in the best interest of their clients, avoiding all prejudice and supporting the client’s overall well-being.
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