Code of Conduct for Guides
Template
[Company Name]
I. Introduction
A. Purpose and Scope
The [Company Name] Code of Ethics [add link] outlines ethical principles and approaches for all members of the [Company Name] community This Code of Conduct for Guides turns these principles into ethical standards through clear policies for guide conduct Guides are responsible for promoting safety and adhering to high ethical standards to protect the safety and welfare of clients, program participants, and apprentices
This Code of Conduct applies to all [Company Name]-employed and [Company Name]-certified guides Failure to adhere to this Code may result in employment termination or certification removal.
A separate Code of Conduct for [Company Name] Stakeholders [add link] will apply to Program Staff, Employees, the Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee, and others in the [Company Name] community and will require a signed agreement
This document includes sections on:
1 The ethical responsibilities and related policies supporting the ethical conduct of Guides to their Clients
2 The ethical responsibilities and related policies supporting the ethical conduct of Guides to Their Peers and the Field of Psychedelic Services
3. The ethical responsibilities and related policies supporting the ethical conduct of Guides to Themselves
4. An introduction to the Handling of an Ethical Breach, leading to the Grievance Reporting and Transformative Justice Policy and Protocol
Each area of responsibility provides an introduction and specific policies that support ethical conduct.
● Introduction: The context and essence of the ethical responsibility, providing a brief overview of its importance and key principles.
● Policies: Specific behaviors, practices, or protocols that a guide must follow These are explicit agreements and requirements that [Company Name]-certified guides are expected to adhere to in their work and in their professional conduct. If a policy is qualitative or not concrete, such as those related to self-development, the guide should use their best judgment to guide their actions in commitment to that policy Should an incident occur or breach be reported, it will be up to the Ethics Committee to review and determine whether the policy was followed
B. Ethical Foundations
Ethical conduct is rooted in one's worldview and principles and fostered through introspection, seeking guidance, engaging in meaningful discussions, and following best practices. To
practice ethically, one must first cultivate self-awareness and comprehend the social, cultural, and psychological factors at play within one's work. It also necessitates interpersonal skills, empathy, and respect for others
The foundational duty of [Company Name] guides is to uphold the welfare and safety of their clients throughout the entire course of care This involves prioritizing client safety, recognizing the profound nature of psychedelic experiences, maintaining ethical standards and boundaries, and fostering a robust guiding container
[Company Name] has established an ethical framework and clearly defined its ethical principles in its Code of Ethics [add link] These principles are:
● Safety and Ethics: We place the safety, well-being, and dignity of those we serve at the forefront of all our actions and decisions
● Transformational Justice and Accountability: We acknowledge that even with the best of intentions, harm can occur When it does, we are committed to addressing it with compassion, accountability, and a focus on healing and growth for all involved
● Systemic Awareness and Emergence: We embrace the potential for uncommon experiences, such as psychedelics, to transform limiting patterns and systems, both within the individual and within the culture, catalyzing growth and transformation
● Individuality and Affirming Cultural Experience: We recognize the inherent humanity in all individuals and honor the unique ways in which each person's journey unfolds, respecting the variety of identities, beliefs, cultures, and experiences that shape them.
● Honoring Indigenous Wisdom and Lineages: We acknowledge the immense debt of gratitude we owe to the Indigenous communities who have developed and stewarded the wisdom and practices of psychedelic ritual
● Confronting Systemic Injustices: Based on the principle of interconnectedness, we believe the individual's experience is not separable from the systemic and cultural injustices and privileges of their surroundings, cultural lineages, and the global cultural tides Likewise the culture, and systemic injustices, are formed by each individual, whether one is aware of their participation or not.
● Transparency and Public Engagement: We believe in the power of transparency and open dialogue to foster trust, collaboration, and collective wisdom. We recognize our responsibility to engage with our community and stakeholders in an honest, accessible, and responsive manner
● Social Responsibility and Collective Well-being: We recognize that our work is intimately interconnected with the well-being of the communities and the world around us We believe in the power of psychedelic healing modalities to catalyze not only individual healing but also social and ecological transformation.
● Humanness and Continuous Improvement: We recognize that we humans make mistakes and are in a continual and ongoing process of growth and change We believe in the importance of remaining open, curious, and responsive to new insights, changing one's practices when called for and extending grace to others who are engaging in processes of growth.
The Code of Conduct that follows is designed to align with and uphold these principles and support guides in their practices of providing ethical psychedelic care
C. Disclaimers
The "[Company Name] Code of Conduct for Guides" is a living document subject to ongoing refinement and enhancement to reflect best practices and evolving standards in the field of psychedelic guidance This Code does not and cannot address every potential situation or ethical dilemma that may arise Its application requires professional judgment and a commitment to ethical principles. The absence of explicit prohibitions or permissions within this document does not imply ethical endorsement or disapproval by [Company Name]
Guides are expected to use discernment and consult the Ethics Committee when uncertainties arise or when their situations are not explicitly covered by this Code Queries and concerns should be directed to [contact information].
This Code is designed to align with [Company Name]’s values and the specific operational and ethical standards expected of its certified guides and guides it employs. While many of the policies and practices described herein may be broadly applicable, guides affiliated with other organizations or holding different certifications are advised to adapt these guidelines judiciously, considering their own ethical frameworks and the specific expectations of their accrediting bodies
Guides who hold professional licenses or certifications outside of [Company Name] must also consider the legal and ethical standards set by the relevant licensing boards and regulatory authorities. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations within the guide's jurisdiction is paramount This Code is intended to complement but not supersede any legal obligations or professional standards imposed by such bodies
In all cases, this Code is intended as a resource to enhance safety, integrity, and professionalism in the practice of psychedelic guidance. It is the responsibility of each [Company Name] certified and/or employed guide to ensure their practice aligns with this Code.
II. Ethical Responsibilities of Guides to Their Clients
A. Scope of Practice
Introduction:
Scope of practice defines the boundaries within which guides operate based on their training, certification, and professional expertise It is ethically imperative for guides to prioritize the client's welfare by adhering to these boundaries. Practicing outside of one's scope risks delivering substandard care Accurately representing one's scope of knowledge and capabilities
supports the client in having all relevant information to make informed decisions about their care, empowering them to direct their own care processes. Psychedelic guides must maintain their professional certification, engage in ongoing education and professional development to stay current with best practices and enhance their ability to serve clients competently.
Policies:
1 Adherence to Scope of Practice: Guides must strictly work within the scope of practice as determined by their level of education, training, and certification, ensuring that they provide only those services for which they are qualified
2. Transparency about Qualifications: Guides should consistently be transparent with clients and colleagues about their certifications, the specific modalities and techniques they are trained in, and any limitations or boundaries of their expertise
3. Client Education: Guides should proactively educate clients about what the scope of practice means and why it is important for their safety and the efficacy of their care This helps clients understand the qualifications of the guide they are working with and sets realistic expectations about the services provided.
4 Referral of Clients to Appropriate Providers: If a client presents with needs or challenges outside of a guide's scope of practice during the course of care, it is the guide's ethical responsibility to refer the client to a more appropriate provider or resource, either instead of or in addition to their care
5. Professional Collaboration: Guides should make an effort to foster a collaborative network with other professionals or have a resource for referrals to facilitate appropriate referrals for comprehensive client care This network can support client referrals, mitigate any pressure to work outside of scope, and contribute to a holistic approach to client care
6 Maintenance of Certification: Certified [Company Name] guides must maintain their registration and certification with any regulatory body relevant to their professional status within the field of psychedelic care
7 Documentation of Qualifications: Guides should maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their certification status, training, and continuing education activities. They should be prepared to provide documentation of these qualifications upon request
8. Prohibition on Misrepresentation: Guides must not represent themselves as having qualifications, expertise, or abilities beyond those for which they have been officially certified or trained
9. Action on Lapsed Certification: If a guide's [Company Name]-issued certification lapses or is revoked for any reason, they must immediately cease representing themselves as a [Company Name]-certified psychedelic guide until and if their status is re-established.
10 Ongoing Education and Professional Development: Guides should actively pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities to deepen their skills, knowledge, and understanding of best practices in the field. Specific requirements for this are built into recertification for [Company Name]-certified guides, as described here [add link]. a Regular Competency Assessments: Guides should engage in regular self-assessments and peer evaluations to support them in maintaining the
standards of care within their scope of practice This helps identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
b Seek Supervision and Consultation: Regular supervision or consultation with experienced practitioners is essential, particularly when handling complex cases or areas near the edges of a guide’s scope of practice. This promotes ethical practice and supports informed decision-making and accountability
c. Targeted Training for Specific Needs: Guides should pursue targeted training focused on specific client populations, issues, or techniques as necessary This specialized training enhances their ability to address client needs and expand their scope of practice.
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
B. Diversity, Equity, and Socio-cultural Attunement
Introduction:
In recognizing the historical and ongoing marginalization and oppression faced by certain groups, [Company Name] guides should strive to create a socio-culturally attuned and equitable environment that actively challenges discrimination and promotes social justice values. Guides are expected to engage in ongoing self-reflection and explore their beliefs, values, biases, and assumptions This examination should consider how their cultural conditioning, social positionality, privileges, experiences of oppression, and varied lived experiences shape their worldview and influence their approach to psychedelic care. Cultivating cultural humility and actively working to create an environment that is culturally attuned and equitable are foundational to quality client care and vital in promoting values of equity, dignity, and a celebration of diversity within the field of psychedelic care.
Policies:
1 Cultivation of Cultural Humility: Guides make a reasonable good-faith effort to acknowledge the limitations of their knowledge and experiences, maintain an openness to learning from clients whose perspectives differ, and engage in ongoing self-critique and reflection
2 Understanding and Addressing Positionality: Guides must make a reasonable good-faith effort to develop a nuanced understanding of their own positionality, recognizing how it may shift depending on the context and how clients may perceive it This is especially true when a client is from a more marginalized or underrepresented community than the guides. Guides should be aware of how power dynamics related to their social positionality might impact the client/guide relationship
a. Contextual Shifts in Positionality: Guides should recognize that their positionality and its impact can vary depending on the context they are in and who they are relating to They may be perceived differently by clients based on the client's social positionality. Understanding these shifts helps maintain a respectful and empathetic approach toward each client's unique background and the nature of any dynamics between the client and guide
b. Impact of Power Dynamics: Guides must understand how power dynamics
related to their own social, cultural, and political identities might affect the client/guide relationship. This is particularly significant when a client is from a more marginalized or oppressed community than the guide This can influence the building of trust and communication.
c. Influence of Guide's Identities on Perception: Guides must be aware of how their own identities can color their perceptions of clients and influence the dynamics of the guide/client relationship. Reflecting on one’s biases and preconceptions is essential to providing as unbiased and efficacious care as possible
d. Cultural, Identity, and Social Influences on Healing: Guides should acknowledge the unique ways in which culture, identity, and social contexts shape individuals’ experiences, beliefs, and values regarding healing, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness. This recognition is vital for tailoring interventions that resonate with the client’s worldview and enhancing or creating a beneficial experience.
3 Challenge Implicit Biases: Guides should make a reasonable, good-faith effort to actively identify and challenge any implicit biases or assumptions they may hold to ensure they are not perpetuating stereotypes or engaging in microaggressions, even unintentionally
4 Culturally Responsive Care: Guides should make a reasonable, good-faith effort to create a relational space that is both physically and psychologically accessible and welcoming to clients with a range of needs and abilities Guides should provide culturally responsive care by adapting their approach, communication style, and interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of clients from various backgrounds while staying within the scope of their practice and staying authentic to who they are. This includes being aware of cultural differences in communication norms, family dynamics, spiritual beliefs, and attitudes toward mental health and healing
5. Client Support in Cultural Awareness: When supporting clients on their own journey towards awareness and celebration of cultural differences, maintain open and honest communication and avoid causing shame or blaming the client
6. Socio-cultural Discussions and Fit Evaluation: Guides must openly discuss any sociocultural differences between themselves and the client and prioritize the client's autonomy, agency, and self-determination throughout their care. They must continually evaluate whether the guide-client fit is appropriate in partnership with the client, whether further education on the client's sociocultural lived experience is needed, or whether another provider may be more beneficial.
7 Referral to Culturally Competent Providers: If a guide feels unable to provide culturally sensitive care to a client due to a lack of cultural competence or their personal biases, they must refer the client to a more appropriate provider to the best of their ability
8 Ongoing Training: Psychedelic guides of any identity must actively participate in ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion training and education at an organizational and community level Specific requirements are built into the recertification process for [Company Name]-certified guides. Beyond the requirements for maintaining
certification, guides are encouraged to continue their education on topics related to their practice and the clientele they serve. This includes participating in workshops, seminars, and training focused on cultural responsiveness, anti-oppression strategies, and social justice.
9. Engagement in Supervision and Peer Consultation: Guides at all stages of their cultural humility and competency development are encouraged to engage in regular supervision or peer consultation sessions focused on cultural humility to help them navigate complex socio-cultural dynamics within the client/guide relationship These sessions can provide valuable feedback and insights into improving practice and ethical care.
10 Ongoing Self-assessment and Professional Support: Guides should document efforts and outcomes related to cultural attunement and client interactions to continuously assess and improve practices. They should use this documentation to self-assess and bring it to supervision to reflect on and get advice on what is working and what needs adjustment, ensuring that their practices evolve and improve.
11 Non-discrimination Policy: Guides must not discriminate against or refuse services to clients based on race, ethnicity, nationality, language, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
C. Guide / Client Relationship Dynamics
Introduction:
The altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics create a complex and delicate relational dynamic between the guide and the client This dynamic is characterized by increased emotional openness, sensitivity, and suggestibility, making clients of psychedelic care particularly vulnerable. Guides must be acutely aware of the inherent power differential (their role as inherently holding power and influence with respect to clients) in the guide-client relationship and keep this in the forefront at all times during care Guides must openly discuss their positionality and the inherent power differential with clients and invite client concern around this dynamic Maintaining clear, consistent, and appropriate boundaries is crucial to protect the integrity of the relationship and promote client safety. Exploiting the client's vulnerability or altered state for personal gain, whether for financial, personal, or professional benefit, is considered unethical
Policies:
1 Avoiding Undue Influence: Guides must do their best to acknowledge their positional power and influence on the client and avoid pressuring clients into making decisions or participating in activities that are not in their best interests
2 Maintaining Client-Centric Focus: Guides should refrain from sharing personal information or experiences that redirect the focus from the client’s needs to the guide’s personal issues Sharing some personal information is permissible, but it should be to support the client's process.
3 Preventing Emotional Dependency: Guides must do their best to discern and avoid actions that encourage clients to become emotionally dependent on the guide or that foster feelings of helplessness or powerlessness within the client
4. Sensitive Handling of Trauma: Guides should not pressure clients to confront traumatic memories or intense emotions prematurely or without adequate emotional and psychological support in place
5. Non-Imposition of Beliefs: Guides must not impose their own spiritual, religious, or philosophical beliefs onto clients They should recognize that clients may not share their beliefs Guides should be prepared to encounter clients' beliefs and ideas that they may find incongruent with their own beliefs. Guides should facilitate an environment where clients can explore and develop their own insights and understandings
6 Upholding Respectful Communication: Guides must not use shaming, belittling, or dismissive language that could undermine a client’s self-esteem or sense of autonomy.
7 Professional Boundaries in Communication and Interaction: Guides must maintain clear boundaries regarding how they communicate with clients, exchange payment for services, and interact in accordance with the conduct and policies outlined in this code Consistency in maintaining these boundaries supports the client’s well-being and fosters a healthy relational dynamic.
8 Training in Relational Dynamics: Guides should receive training that helps them recognize and manage the unique relational dynamics that occur in psychedelic care Such training should emphasize skillful and ethical management of the power differential and client vulnerability
9 Cultivation of Professional Qualities: Guides should cultivate a high level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and humility to navigate the complex relational terrain of psychedelic care This includes being mindful of personal biases, growth edges, and needs, helping to ensure they do not interfere with the client’s process.
10 Responding to Client Attachment: Guides should be prepared to respond with compassion and clarity to any client's feelings of attachment, dependency, or idealization. It is important to reinforce boundaries while providing supportive guidance and empowering the client
11 Professionalism: While relating to the client with authenticity and warmth, guides must maintain a level of professionalism that prioritizes the client’s trust and confidence in the guide’s support
12.Continuous Assessment: Guides must evaluate the client/guide relational dynamics throughout the course of care and adapt the care plan as necessary, addressing any emerging concerns or changes
13.Supervision and Consultation: Guides must engage in regular supervision and consultation to help them reflect on their practice and navigate any challenges that arise within the guide-client relationship This is critical for maintaining ethical integrity and efficacious care. Specific requirements are built into the recertification process for [Company Name]-certified guides
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
D. Dual Relationships
Introduction:
Psychedelic guides must be vigilant in avoiding dual relationships with current and former clients that may impair their professional judgment or compromise the integrity of the relationship. Due to the intense and intimate nature of psychedelic experiences, clients may be particularly vulnerable to developing strong feelings of attachment, dependency, or idealization towards their guides Dual relationships, such as those of a romantic or sexual nature, friendships, close personal relationships, business relationships, or those involving substantial financial exchanges outside the professional contract, can lead to conflicts of interest, boundary violations, and potential harm to the client
Policies:
1. Prohibition of Dual Relationships: Guides must refrain from entering into dual relationships with current clients, including romantic, sexual, friendships, close personal relationships, business practices, bartering for services, or borrowing money
2. Sexual Relationships Forbidden: Sexual contact with a current client, their partners, or immediate family members is never acceptable and represents a severe breach of ethical standards More on boundaries around sexual relationships in section II E
3. Early Identification and Discussion: Guides should proactively identify and address potential dual relationships between guide and client early, establishing clear policies and agreements and discussing these issues with clients to set boundaries from the outset.
4 Disclosure of Pre-existing Relationships: Guides must disclose any pre-existing relationships or potential conflicts of interest with clients that they are aware of, such as shared social circles or professional connections, before the commencement of care This allows the client to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the relationship.
5 Management of Unforeseen Dual Relationships: If a dual relationship is discovered during the course of care (e g , mutual friends or acquaintances with the client), guides must promptly disclose this and discuss how to manage the situation, prioritizing the client's well-being
6. Financial Exploitation Prohibited: Guides must not engage in any form of financial exploitation of clients, such as soliciting investments or promoting products or services for personal financial gain
7. Restrictions on Gifts and Favors: Guides must not use their professional status to manipulate clients into providing favors, services, or special treatment and should be cautious about accepting gifts that may impact the relationship or the client’s well-being
8. Communication Boundaries: Guides must maintain clear and consistent boundaries around communication and contact with clients outside of scheduled sessions This includes establishing guidelines for appropriate use of email, text messaging, social media, and other forms of digital communication and setting limits on after-hours availability
9. Navigating Shared Spaces: If a guide anticipates being in a shared space with a client or former client (e g , workshops or events), they should discuss beforehand with the client about their comfort and preferences for interaction in that setting
Client Encounters in Public: Guides must respect the client’s privacy and confidentiality in public settings, allowing the client to lead in acknowledging the relationship and setting the tone for any interaction Guides should not disclose the nature of their relationship with the client to others without the client's explicit consent.
11 Seeking Supervision and Guidance: Guides are to be proactive in seeking guidance from colleagues or supervisors when navigating potential or actual dual relationships to help ensure they are handling these situations ethically.
12 Regular Self-Reflection and Supervision: Guides must remain vigilant about their own emotional responses to clients, including any feelings of attraction or pull toward benefiting their personal interests. Regular self-reflection and supervision are critical to managing these emotions and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
13 Consideration Post-Relationship: Even after the formal client/guide relationship has ended, guides should carefully consider the potential for harm to the former client before entering into any separate relationship with them, prioritizing the client's long-term health and safety above personal interests. Guides in these circumstances are strongly encouraged to get supervision
14 Managing Unavoidable Dual Relationships: In situations where dual relationships are unavoidable, such as in small communities or specialized settings, guides should take precautions to minimize potential harm and maintain transparency, setting clear boundaries and regularly assessing the impact on the client's well-being Guides in these circumstances should get supervision related to dual relationships.
15 Familiarity with Legal and Professional Standards: Guides should ensure they are well informed about the relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards related to dual relationships in their practice setting and jurisdiction.
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
E. Sexual Relationships
Introduction:
Psychedelic guides must uphold clear professional boundaries and refrain from any behavior that could be perceived as sexual They should prioritize the client’s safety, trust, and well-being above all else. The power differential inherent in the guide-client relationship can magnify the potential for harm if sexual interactions occur. At [Company Name], a guide having sexual interactions with a client is impermissible and considered unethical This extends to interactions with people close to the client, as these relationships can also be influenced by and influence the client's work and have the potential to cause harm to the guide/client relationship Boundaries must persist to varying degrees even after the formal client/guide relationship has concluded due to the significant power imbalance that remains, which can complicate the possibility of a mutually consensual relationship and may result in harm to the client and negatively affect the benefits of the work completed during the guiding process
Policies:
1. Prohibition of Sexual Contact: Sexual contact, intimacy, or intercourse with current
clients, their partners, or immediate family members is strictly prohibited, regardless of the circumstances, any perceived consent, or if sexual contact is purportedly part of a spiritual or cultural tradition associated with the use of particular psychedelic substances Sexual contact, intimacy, or intercourse with current clients, their partners, or immediate family members is considered a significant breach of [Company Name]s's ethical standards, regardless of the context This prohibition extends beyond the termination of the client/guide relationship as follows:
a Client: [Company Name] proposes 5+ years after service termination and only with specific supervision session prior to any formation of romantic or sexual relationship and reported to GW HR for certified guide file. OR make unacceptable into perpetuity For the Ethics Committee to discuss further and define ]
b. Client’s Immediate Network: [Defined as close relatives, former spouses, or other key people in the client's life) For the Ethics Committee to discuss further and define.]
2 Handling Client Attraction: If a client expresses sexual feelings or attraction toward the guide, the guide must respond with compassion and clarity, reaffirming the boundaries firmly and discussing the context of these feelings with the client while making it clear that any sexual contact is not permissible Guides are encouraged to bring this to supervision It may be necessary to refer clients following a thoughtful discussion with the client about what may best support their well-being.
3 Managing Guide Attraction: If a guide experiences sexual feelings or attraction toward a client, they must not act on these feelings and should seek immediate supervision to ensure appropriate boundaries are maintained. Referring the client to another practitioner may be required to avoid potential harm
4. Disclosure and Consent for Physical Contact: Any potential physical contact (non-sexual) used during sessions must be thoroughly explained, discussed, and consented prior to any work in expanded states of consciousness The rationale, nature, and boundaries of such contact should be clearly documented in the client’s records as described in section II H on Informed Consent
5 Avoiding Sexualized Behavior: Guides must refrain from engaging in any behavior or actions that could be perceived as sexual. Guides must be attentive in monitoring their own behavior, language, and appearance to help ensure they are not unintentionally sending mixed messages or creating an inappropriately sexualized atmosphere. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
a Touching of genital areas or other erogenous zones (such as breasts or chest, waist/hip area, buttocks).
b Any form of sexualized or erotically charged contact or verbal exchange
c Prolonged hugging, holding, or cuddling
d. Prolonged eye contact may be used as an intentional technique in certain circumstances, but only with explicit consent, sound judgment, and a clear rationale related to the client's goals and intentions for care
e. Flirtatious comments, suggestive remarks, or the sharing of information about the guide's sexual behavior or activities
f. Any form of sexual harassment. This includes but is not limited to making jokes of
a sexual nature, commenting inappropriately on the client's body or appearance, or engaging in other behavior that could be perceived as sexually inappropriate or demeaning
6. Transparency with Pre-existing Relationships: If a guide has a pre-existing sexual or romantic history with an individual who later becomes a client, this information must be disclosed to a supervisor or Ethics Committee before commencing services to determine the appropriateness of establishing the care relationship.
7 Special Considerations for Clients with Sexual Trauma: Clients who have experienced sexual trauma or abuse may be particularly vulnerable in the context of psychedelic care. Guides must be especially attentive to any signs of discomfort, dissociation, or re-traumatization in these clients The guide's approach and way of relating should be adapted accordingly, which may include minimizing or not engaging in any physical contact and conducting themselves with the utmost sensitivity to the client's past traumas
8. Client Sexual Expression in Sessions: Sexual and sensual feelings and expression are a natural part of life, and a client may self-express around themes of sexuality in a psychedelic session This can look like erotic sounds, movements, or words The informed consent phase includes setting boundaries with the guide, yet gray areas or unpredictable instances can arise Guides should maintain professionalism and attempt not to shame or “shut down” the client's expression while addressing the safety and well-being of themselves and anyone else present.
9 Familiarity with Relevant Laws and Regulations: Guides should be familiar with relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards related to sexual misconduct in their jurisdiction and practice setting.
10 Reporting Misconduct: Guides who become aware of sexual misconduct or boundary violations by [Company Name] colleagues have an ethical obligation to report such behaviors to the [Company Name] Ethics Committee Reporting misconduct is an ethical responsibility and is critical to the well-being of all involved Neglecting to report misconduct is an ethical breach in itself.
11 Handling Sexual Boundary Violations: In the event that a guide breaches the ethical code related to sexual boundaries, they must immediately terminate services with the affected client, consult with a supervisor, and notify the Ethics Committee to determine the appropriate course of action
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
F. Confidentiality
Introduction:
Confidentiality is fundamental in building and maintaining relational trust. It is especially critical in the context of psychedelic care, where clients may express themselves differently due to being in altered states of consciousness Given that psychedelic care is an emerging field with varying degrees of regulation, [Company Name] commits to adhering to confidentiality standards comparable to those of regulated professional licenses This ensures that clients feel secure in the confidentiality of their disclosures, fostering a safe space for profound personal
Policies:
1. Non-Disclosure of Identifying Information: Guides must not disclose any identifying information of client disclosures, except under specific circumstances permitted by law or by the client, such as:
a. Receipt of written authorization from the client allowing the release of information.
b A court order requiring the guide to release information or testify
c Situations where there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or others, suspected abuse, or illicit activities such as accessing child pornography, or where the guide is obligated as a mandated reporter
2 Informing Clients of Confidentiality Limits: Guides must clearly inform clients of the parameters and legal limits of confidentiality, including reporting obligations, record-keeping practices, and situations under which information may legally need to be disclosed (see section on Informed Consent)
3 Record-Keeping and Security: Guides are required to maintain accurate and timely session notes All client records must be securely stored in compliance with relevant laws and regulations to protect client information.
4 Disclosure Process and Consent for Recordings: Clients must be informed of and consent to any recordings of sessions that occur At [Company Name], sessions involving a single guide will be recorded to protect both the client and the guide. Clients must provide written consent for these recordings and understand how they will be stored and used
5. Disclosure in Supervision and Consultation: Clients must be informed that details about their care may be discussed in the context of supervision or consultation with other professionals who are also bound by confidentiality. Such discussions will not reveal identifying information, helping to ensure that client anonymity is maintained
6 Education on Confidentiality in Groups: When working in group settings, guides should educate participants about the importance of maintaining confidentiality and secure a written agreement from each participant to respect the privacy of others
7 Handling Conflicts of Interest: Guides should be vigilant about confidentiality and potential conflicts of interest, especially when providing concurrent or sequential care to members of the same family or relationship system It's important to manage these situations with clear boundaries and confidentiality to maintain trust.
8. Continuity of Care Protocols: In the event of a guide's incapacitation or death, a designated colleague or service should be prepared to handle the secure transfer or disposal of client records, helping ensure continuity of care and protecting client confidentiality
9 Protocol for Confidentiality Breaches: Any breaches of confidentiality must be promptly reported to the [Company Name] Ethics Committee, and affected clients must be notified immediately
10 Ongoing Training: Guides are encouraged to seek ongoing training and consultation to understand and effectively navigate the unique confidentiality considerations in psychedelic care This includes staying updated on legal requirements and best practices for confidentiality in this evolving field.
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
G. Client Assessment and Screening
Introduction:
Comprehensive client screening and assessment are crucial to ensuring that individuals are suitable candidates for psychedelic care, taking into account their medical, psychological, and situational conditions. This detailed evaluation process involves analyzing the client's physical, mental, and spiritual health, trauma history, current life circumstances, and overall readiness for psychedelic experiences Guides are tasked with utilizing validated assessment tools and gathering input to prioritize safety and well-being at every step.
Policies:
1 Comprehensive Intake Forms: Guides must use detailed intake forms to collect essential information about the client's medical and psychiatric history, current medications, psychological background, substance use, suicidality, trauma history, current life stressors, key relationships, past psychedelic experiences, and their intentions and expectations for seeking psychedelic care The intake forms are crucial to determining the client’s readiness and capacity for deep psychedelic work. [Company Name] will provide graduates with a template
These forms must collect the following:
a Medical and Psychiatric History: Detailed information on the client's medical and psychiatric history, including any current health issues and both current and historically significant medications or treatments
b Psychological Background: Comprehensive details on the client's psychological history, including themes and areas previously or currently addressed in therapy, coaching, group dynamics work, spiritual guidance, etc Information should specify whether the client found these engagements beneficial.
c Substance Use History: A thorough account of both historical and current substance use or addiction, if applicable.
d. Suicidality: An exploration of any past or present thoughts or actions related to suicidality
e. Trauma History: A complete history of emotional, physical, sexual, family, cultural, and systemic trauma It should also include any current circumstances that may be causing or have the potential to cause trauma Clients should be offered the option to discuss their trauma history or current traumatic experiences either in person or via video call to ensure adequate support during this part of the intake
f. Current Life Circumstances and Stressors: An assessment of current life challenges and stressors that might impact the client's well-being or the guiding process.
g Key Relationships and Support Systems: Information on the client’s key relationships, support systems, and self-care practices that help them manage their overall well-being
h. Past Psychedelic Experiences: Details of past experiences with psychedelics or other state-altering techniques of healing, such as breathwork, including the specific substances or methods used, context or settings of these experiences, benefits, and any adverse effects encountered.
i Intentions and Expectations for Care: The client's motivations for seeking psychedelic care and their expectations for the outcomes
j. Collect Emergency Contact Information: Intake forms should collect the information of two emergency contacts for the client in the event of an emergency
k. Use of Validated Tools: Guides must employ validated assessment tools such as questionnaires and forms, preparation meetings, interviews, and professional measures to support a thorough and standardized evaluation of the client and inform care planning
2 Timely Assessments: All intake and assessment forms must be completed and reviewed at least [45] days before the psychedelic session to allow adequate time for any necessary additional consultation to support client safety and to adjust the care plan
3. Medication and Health Review: For clients with medical or psychiatric considerations, guides who are not licensed medical providers must consult with appropriately licensed professionals. These consultations should occur at least [one month] prior to the session, and findings should be openly discussed with the client. The client may also need to seek direct medical advice from their own provider
4. Trauma and Suitability Assessment: If the intake forms indicate recent trauma or conditions such as, but not limited to, addiction, self-harm, or eating disorders, guides must consult with a supervisor or relevant expert well before the session to assess the suitability and safety of the psychedelic intervention and the appropriateness of the guide match
5 Redirecting Care When Necessary: If the screening process determines that the client’s current state, life circumstances, or needs are outside the guide's scope of practice, the guide should discuss alternative care options and provide appropriate referrals, prioritizing client safety and well-being above all else.
6. Cultural Competence: Guides should actively engage in understanding their own cultural competence and take proactive measures to learn about the client’s cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds to tailor the assessment process appropriately.
7 Holistic Screening Approach: Guides should incorporate questions about the client’s personal beliefs, spiritual or religious backgrounds, and overall life philosophy into the assessment process to promote a holistic understanding of the client’s needs and expectations
8 Early Engagement with Client’s Support System: Guides should determine if engaging with the client's support system during the assessment phase could provide additional insights, support the safety and efficacy of the care plan, and pursue engagement with the client's permission.
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
H. Informed Consent
Introduction:
Obtaining informed consent is a critical ethical duty for psychedelic guides, helping ensure that clients are aware of the details of the psychedelic sessions and support sessions, including the techniques used, potential risks and benefits, and the parameters around the client and guide interactions and behaviors to promote safety and wellbeing. Psychedelic care induces non-ordinary states of consciousness, which are distinct from more conventional therapy techniques and are often not well understood by those new to psychedelics Thus, it is especially crucial to ensure clients have comprehensive information and to assess if the client is understanding it enough to make an informed decision about their care involving psychedelics Guides should use clear, non-technical language to explain complex concepts. Adequate time must be allowed for clients to absorb and reflect on this information before proceeding Guides should actively involve clients in the decision-making process about their care Ultimately, clients should provide informed consent for their care and the specific techniques employed.
Policies:
1 Obtaining and Documenting Consent: [Company Name] proposes an informed consent process that involves 3 distinct forms in addition to discussions about key aspects, as outlined below. Forms will be signed by all parties present during a psychedelics session [Company Name] will provide its guides, clients, and graduates with a template.
1) An Informational Document. This is to be provided to prospective clients before any money is exchanged The client should sign it in acknowledgment of having read it and send it to the guide before beginning preparation. In instances of repeated sessions, this form should be resigned if the guide changes their services
2) A Consent to Services Form. This form should be signed during the preparatory phase, after there has been opportunity for discussion on any matters the clients need to give their consent to services. In instances of repeated sessions, this form should be re-signed before each psychedelic session
3) A Touch Consent and Agreements Form. This form is focused on touch within the psychedelic session It should be signed after there has been an opportunity for discussion on any matters the client needs to make clear and consensual agreements about how touch is engaged during a psychedelic session The signing of this form should happen no more than [3 weeks] before the psychedelic session to ensure agreements are current for the client In instances of repeated sessions, this form should be re-signed before each psychedelic session
The Informational Document must include:
a. Service Description: A detailed description of the services provided, including:
i preparatory and integration structure and expectations for engagement
ii. structure of the psychedelic session day
iii specific modalities and/or techniques employed during psychedelic sessions
iv. substances used, dosage ranges or practices, and any approaches to layering substances or multiple dosing instances within one session
v Service fees and policies
b. Nature of Services: A statement clarifying how these services differ from traditional medical treatments or psychotherapy, highlighting the unique nature of psychedelic care
c. Legal Status and Risks: Information on the legal status of any substances used and related risks
d. Potential Side Effects: A comprehensive list of common physical and psychological side effects that clients might experience during or after the sessions
e. Healthcare Consultation: A recommendation for clients to consult with their primary healthcare provider before participating, especially if they have pre-existing conditions, are on medication, or have allergies or sensitivities
f. Mental Health Risks: A warning about the increased risk of adverse effects for individuals with certain mental health conditions or other known factors, advising careful consideration and consultation with a mental health provider.
g. Effects During Pregnancy: A statement on the unknown effects of the substances or techniques used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including potential risks to pregnant individuals and their unborn children.
h Mandatory Reporting: A disclosure of the guide's legal duty to report any information indicating a risk of harm to self or others or any instances of abuse or neglect, as required by law or professional licensure, if applicable.
i Stay Within Designated Area: The requirement for clients to remain within the designated service area during the session for safety and to minimize risks
j. Activity Restrictions Post-Session: A requirement that clients will avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities requiring sharp mental focus for a specified period after the session.
k. Voluntary Participation: A statement affirming that participation is voluntary and clients have the right to withdraw consent or discontinue care at any time
l. Confidentiality of Data: Information on how client data and information about their experience will be handled, ensuring they give permission for any sharing of their information
m. Facilitator Qualifications: A clear statement detailing the facilitator’s qualifications, training, and experience, along with any relevant affiliations
n Audio/Video Recording Disclosure: Descriptions of any audio or video recording that may occur during the sessions, their purposes, how they will be stored and used, and options for client consent
o. Grievance Reporting: A statement about the client's right to file a complaint or
grievance if they believe they have experienced unethical care or if they are dissatisfied with the services received, including contact information for [Company Name]’s Ethics Committee and any appropriate regulatory or oversight bodies related to the guide’s certifications or licensures. A copy or link to the [Company Name] Code of Conduct for Guides must be provided
3 Discussion Supporting Consent: During the preparation meetings, the guide and/or designated professional must conduct a discussion or series of discussions that describe and educate on key aspects of services and allow for an in-depth understanding of the client's perceptions, preferences, and boundaries on certain key aspects of care These discussions are also required to fill out the consent to touch forms that outline clear agreements.
Discussions required for informed consent must include:
a Questions from Informational Form: An opportunity for the client to ask questions about any of the information in the informational form previously provided. Within the discussion, it should be affirmed that the client feels they have had the opportunity to ask questions and have been informed of the known benefits and risks associated with the services
b. Managing Expectation/Prior Experience with Psychedelics: Discuss the client's prior experience with psychedelics The guide should provide information to align expectations for how the client's experience in their care may be similar to or differ from prior experiences and address any concerns they have. It should be made clear that individual variability in outcomes is possible
c. Dosage: Discussion or opportunity for the client to ask questions about the substance(s) being consumed, dosage amount, and any approaches to layering substances or multiple dosing instances within one session Within this discussion, the guide or designated professional should write down the client’s agreements about substance, dosage, etc These agreements will be attached or included in the Consent to Services form
d. Socio-cultural Differences: A discussion about any cultural differences related to race, class, gender, sexual orientation, or other social positionalities between the guide and client should be initiated by the guide. The client should be able to ask questions and assess whether the guide can provide the quality of care they seek when considering their cultural and positional experience or education If necessary, and if possible, the guide should help the client find another practitioner that can meet their needs
e Consent: During this discussion, guides should:
i. Review consent process: Go over the process steps by which informed consent will be obtained and recorded through the informational document, current discussions(s), and the opportunity to have their questions answered and to sign the required forms that accurately represent their consent to the terms of services and to the parameters they have regarding touch.
ii Review of touch techniques in the informational form: A detailed discussion to review any of the techniques related to touch listed on the informational form related to touch specifically (section II K) The client should be prompted to ask questions about said techniques and clearly understand what they may experience through that technique
iii Past relationship consent and touch: Ask about and discuss clients' past and current relationships regarding consent to care and kinds of touch, exploring how familiar they are with the concept
iv Unique aspects to psychedelic care: Explain how psychedelic care may be similar or different from other contexts where touch occursmedical, psychotherapeutic, bodywork, relational, intimate, and others
v Writing Down Agreements: Clear agreements about touch need to be written down. It should record what the client permits of the guide- what kind of touch or contact and where on their body The client should be provided a copy of said agreements and allowed to review them and ask for any changes to be made before signing the touch consent agreement form All agreements should be filed for record
vi. Withdrawing consent: It must be restated that clients are allowed to withdraw consent to touch at any time
vii No extending consent on the day of the session: Clients must be clearly informed that once consent is given in writing, it can not be further extended or further allowances made for the parameters of touch on the day of the session (even before the dose is administered). Any changes to consent parameters must be made before the session day, adequately written down, signed by all parties, and filed for record
viii. Establishing simple communication for in-session consent: Work with clients to establish clear communication methods for indicating consent to touch allowed within agreements or withdrawal of consent during the session, using simple, unambiguous signals that can be easily remembered and executed even in an altered state of consciousness
ix Validity of boundaries: Clients should be assured their unique parameters for consent to touch are valid and welcome without judgment.
f Client Agreeing to Guide’s Boundaries: A discussion about any boundaries or parameters the guide has and wants the client to understand before signing their agreement to these boundaries in the Consent to Services form. The client should be made to understand that, while in a non-ordinary state, they may not be able to act in accordance with the agreements, and normalize this to mitigate concern of the client Assure them that the guide will do their best per their training to help the client maintain these agreements or take proper measures to promote the safety of all people and property. Should the client be unable to maintain agreements, no judgment of character will be held against them, though future care may need to be reconsidered depending on the circumstances This discussion should include the guide’s boundaries on:
i Not leaving the designated space: Make clear the recommendation to remain in the designated service area for the duration of the session for
the client's safety and the safety of others and to minimize potential risks
ii. Respect guides touch boundaries: Ask the client to agree to do their best within their non-ordinary state to respect the guide’s boundaries around touch. It is not uncommon for clients to ask for various kinds of touch, and they may be used to different kinds of touch from other healing modalities or psychedelic service providers The guide should explain they will maintain boundaries on the kinds of touch they employ based on their written agreements, the guide’s scope of practice in providing touch, and the guide's comfort levels with being touched or engaging in mutual physical contact. The guide should explain their boundaries beforehand to mitigate feelings of rejection or shame on the part of the client while they are in an altered state and to avoid the need for the guide to extensively explain these boundaries while the psychedelic session is underway. Ultimately, it will be the guide's responsibility to uphold their boundaries
iii. Not harm self, others, or property: The client agrees not to behave in ways that could physically harm themselves, the guide, others, or property
4. Consent to Services Form:
This form must include:
a. Consent to Participate: Clients should explicitly consent to participate in the psychedelic session, acknowledging the terms and conditions outlined in the informational form provided.
b. Client Inquiries and Clarifications: A section confirming that clients have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about the known benefits, risks, and potential complications of the services.
c Assumption of Risk: An acknowledgment that the client assumes a level of inherent risk by participating in the services and agrees to take responsibility for their choices and actions.
d. Dosage: A section on dosage capturing the agreements as discussed It should include or have attached to this form the consent to which substance(s) is being used, dosage amount, and any approaches to layering substances or multiple dosing instances within one session
e. Consent to Presence in Room: Include a provision for clients to consent to who is present during the session. If any changes to the present personnel are made after the consent form is signed, these must be disclosed to the client, and reaffirmation of consent must be obtained in writing and properly documented.
f Client Rights to Withdraw Consent: The form must also inform clients of their right to withdraw consent at any point before or during the session and outline the procedures for doing so.
g Confidentiality: Clients must be made aware of the confidentiality of the data or personal information collected, how it may be used, and any procedures regarding information sharing.
h Disclosures on Discontinuing Care: Guides must disclose any circumstances under which care might be discontinued, such as when the client is not
benefiting, when the guide's competence is exceeded, or when an ethical conflict arises. In such cases, appropriate referrals must be provided to support continuity of care When care termination is appropriate, guides must handle the process with care, providing adequate time for processing and closure. Abandonment or neglect of clients is never acceptable
i Timeliness and Clarity of Consent: Informed consent to services should be obtained within a timeframe that is close enough to the session (no more than [x] days prior) to ensure the information is relevant Guides must also ensure that all policies are communicated clearly and understood before sessions begin
j. Safety and Boundary Agreements: Any boundaries or safety parameters that the guide sets to support the safety of the client, guide, others, and the property where sessions occur This includes an understanding that clients in an altered state may not always be able to adhere to these agreements, and the guide will take all necessary measures to maintain safety It should be noted that if a client is unable to maintain these agreements, no punitive consequences will follow; however, the need for future care may be reassessed based on the circumstances These agreements must be documented in writing before the consent form is signed.
k. Emergency Contact Information: The intake forms should have collected the information of two emergency contacts for the client in the event of an emergency. The client should affirm that the contacts know they are designated as such and will be informed of the date of the session
l. Transparent Business Practices: Clearly outline in writing all business practices related to fees, payment methods, cancellation policies, and handling of unpaid balances Discuss financial assistance options, such as sliding scale fees and pro bono services, when available.
m Guide Code of Conduct and Ethical Grievance Reporting: Confirmation that clients have received a copy of this Code and information on how to report any ethical grievances to [Company Name] or other appropriate oversight bodies.
5 Touch Consent and Agreements Form
This form must include:
n Confirmation of Discussion: Include that the client has had the opportunity to discuss the guide’s techniques regarding touch in detail.
o. Consent to Touch Agreements: The specific agreements made during discussions with the guide or designated professional related to touch must be included or attached to this form. The agreements must include specific information about what kind of touch or contact is permitted and where on the body it may occur
p. Review of Touch Agreements: Acknowledgement that they have reviewed the written agreements as discussed regarding touch prior to signing the form The form should not be signed the same day it is filled out and sent to them for review. They should be provided adequate time to review and reflect on the agreements before signing them and provided with an opportunity to change them before signing.
q Withdrawing Consent: It must be clear that clients may withdraw their consent to touch at any time before and during the session. Any withdrawal of consent must be documented in writing
r. Fixed Parameters of Consent: Clients must be informed that once consent is given in writing, the parameters of touch cannot be extended on the day of the session Any modifications to the consent parameters must be agreed upon and documented prior to the session day.
s Guide’s Boundaries and Client Compliance: Consent forms should include an agreement that clients will respect the guide’s boundaries regarding touch, as discussed and documented. Clients should agree to adhere to these boundaries to the best of their ability
t Emergency Adjustments to Touch: An acknowledgment should be included that, in an emergency, the guide may use their discretion in touching the client to promote safety for the client, guide, and others and to prevent property damage
u. Reference to Additional Touch and Sexual Relationship Policies: Mention that more detailed policies regarding boundaries related to touch and sexual relationships are available in specific sections of the guide Code of Conduct (See section II.K for more on boundaries related to touch and section II.E for more on boundaries related to sexual relationships)
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
I. Proper Preparation and Integration
Introduction:
Proper preparation and integration are critical phases in psychedelic care, both serving crucial roles in optimizing the experience and helping to promote client safety
Preparation:
This phase focuses on readying the client to explore desired themes and supporting their sense of stability and readiness for the psychedelic session Efficacious preparation enhances client safety and contributes to more positive outcomes by creating conditions that can mitigate potential risks or harms At [Company Name], equal emphasis is placed on preparation as on the psychedelic session itself and the integration of the experience. The mindset and readiness with which a client enters a session significantly impact both the experience itself and its long-term effects Guides are responsible for ensuring that clients have the proper information, support, and resources to be adequately prepared in a way that optimizes the forthcoming experience and subsequent integration
Integration:
This phase supports the client in applying insights and experiences from the psychedelic session into actionable practices that lead to meaningful, long-lasting, and tangible improvements in their life and well-being. Proper integration support, especially following challenging sessions, is crucial for achieving positive long-term outcomes and evaluating for and addressing any adverse experiences or instability following the session. [Company Name]
underscores the importance of post-session evaluations to promote client well-being and safety, which we view as an ethical responsibility. Guides are responsible for gauging that clients have the appropriate information and provide support and resources to integrate their psychedelic experiences.
Policies:
1. Timely and Thorough Preparation and Integration Discussions: Guides must provide logistical instructions and conduct discussions in a timely manner, allowing the client ample time and opportunity to ask questions, seek guidance, and adequately prepare for or integrate the psychedelic session.
2 Mandatory Screening and Assessment: A client who has not been thoroughly screened via assessment and intake and prepared to the standards outlined in this Code must not be provided psychedelics.
3 Scheduled and Current Preparation and Integration Meetings: Preparation meetings should be spaced appropriately and include at least one meeting within the week before the psychedelic session to ensure current preparedness The first integration meeting should occur within the first week following the psychedelic session
4. Differentiation Between Required and Optional Instructions: Preparation and integration include practical or logistical instructions, recommendations, and concrete practices Because approaches to preparation and integration vary, the guide must clarify to the client which instructions are mandatory for safety and well-being and which are optional for enhancing the session or integration process
5. Client-Driven Preparation and Integration Practices: Emphasize that clients should primarily devise their preparation and integration practices with the support of their guide or other trained practitioners rather than have them designed for them by the guide Practices can include engaging in routine changes, contemplative practices, creative activities, journaling, and spending time in nature tailored to their needs and circumstances
6. Client Autonomy and Personal Circumstances: All instructions and support must respect the client's autonomy and take into account their circumstances, such as cultural background, financial means, and availability of other resources and time
7. Client Expectations: Guides should support client expectations around practices. successfully Practices should be reasonable, empowering, and within their means to engage successfully without causing hardship or distress.
8. Adaptation to Guide's Expertise: The particular instructions and way a guide provides support for preparation or integration practices may vary based on the guide's design of their care, education, lineage of practice, or unique skills they bring to their guiding practice Guides should provide support that aligns with their background and scope of knowledge
9. Assessment and Duration of Integration Support: The parameters of integration support must be carefully assessed before the psychedelic session (based on information from the intake and preparation phase) and during the integration phase itself. Clear communication and agreements must be made in avdance about the number and timing of integration sessions
10.Post-Session Crisis Monitoring Policies: Guides should monitor for any signs of
distress within the period following a psychedelic session and address them immediately, utilizing appropriate mental health and emergency services as needed. In cases of clients being in crisis following a psychedelic session, integration support should continue for as long as necessary to promote client stability, provided by the same guide or through a referral for continued support and services In the case of a referral, the initial guide must follow up for confirmation of continued care Clients requiring support during a crisis should not be abandoned even if the initial contract for integration services has ended
11 Coordination in Multi-Provider Scenarios: In cases where different individuals provide screening, preparation, integration, or the psychedelic session itself, the primary guide must assess that the support infrastructure provided by others meets the ethical and quality standards necessary for harm prevention This includes verifying other providers' policies, maintaining open communication for client care, and ensuring client consent for information sharing In more detail, this includes:
a. Client Authorization for Information Sharing: Guides must ensure that the client provides written authorization for sharing their information or paperwork between different care providers The guide must obtain and file proof of this permission.
b Maintaining Communication with Other Providers: Maintain open channels of communication with other care providers involved in the client's care to promote cohesive and comprehensive support.
c Documentation and Policy Review from Other Providers: Guides must obtain and review a copy of other providers' policies or any signed agreements related to the client's care. All such documentation must be properly filed and accessible for review
d. Assessment of Other Providers' Standards: Guides are responsible for assessing whether other providers' practices and policies meet the standards outlined in this code If discrepancies are identified, guides should work with the other provider to resolve these issues. If improvement of standards is not feasible due to time constraints or if it is outside the other provider's scope, the guide should address the discrepancy in standards of care themselves or address it by engaging other professionals. If it is not addressable, a client should not be admitted to the psychedelic session Guides must provide the client with clear reasons for this decision to promote transparency and understanding. While a guide is not liable for services they don’t provide, they are responsible for accepting or denying someone for the services they do provide and would thus be responsible for any negative outcomes of accepting to work with someone who was not properly screened and vetted
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
J. Ethical Procedures for Psychedelic Administration Sessions
Introduction: The psychedelic session should be conducted with the best interest of the client
as the priority The client is empowered to make decisions about their care, even when in a non-ordinary state, within the bounds of protocols that are designed for their safety. The client may experience a wide range of emotions or sensations and express themselves in various ways. The guide should be prepared, lean on their training, follow protocols, and use their best judgment Guides must do what's in their power to prioritize their clients' physical and psychological safety, do their best to establish a safe and benefit-promoting environment, and be prepared to intervene skillfully in case of any concerns arising during sessions.
1 Dosage: The dosage must follow what was agreed to in the informed consent to services forms signed during the preparation phase. It is unethical to provide different substances than what has been consented to or to give the client a dose (a starter dose or a second dose) that the client did not agree to before the session
2. Quality of Interactions: The guide must not speak harshly or abruptly to the client. During the session, the guide should only speak with the client about the client's experience. They should not speak about themselves or other matters unrelated to the client's care In cases of emergency, firm and directive speech may be reasonable
3 Presence: The guide should not be distracted or disruptive to the client during the session, such as by making unnecessary noise. Clients should feel that the guide is present, available, and tuned into their experience Guides should not use technology that is not necessary for the session
4. Music: Often, music is played in psychedelic sessions. In this case, music should: a Be free of derogatory or discriminatory language
b. Be responsive to the client's state. If a client asks for the music to be changed due to distress, the guide must follow the client’s directive.
c If a guide plays music explicitly intended to cause unease or disorientation in the client's experience in order to guide the experience in an intentional direction, a technique called “chaos music,” the guide must have obtained explicit consent for this technique during the preparatory phase
5. Sobriety Requirement: Guides are prohibited from being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a psychedelic session, except for in a group ceremonial context, during which it is traditional practice for a guide to microdose psilocybin mushrooms Microdoses should be sub-perceptible or under the threshold of perceptibility. The guide should still have their full faculties to support the session and fulfill their professional responsibilities. In these circumstances, one of the staff in the room must remain completely sober and, should an emergency arise, direct protocols.
6 Only People Agreed to: It is unethical to invite or allow people into the room during the session that the client did not consent to prior to the session. Cases of medical need or emergency are an exception
7 Staying with Client: Guides are not to leave clients unattended at any point during the session, except for very brief restroom breaks, and only at moments that will not cause a significant disruption to the client's experience The client may still feel light effects at the end of the session when the guide leaves to get food or other needs In group settings, the client-to-guide ratio should be considered if a guide steps out of the room.
8 Safety of Session Space: The environment where the session is conducted should be set up to maintain safety and promote a beneficial experience. The space must:
a Have appropriate access to basic needs such as water, food, and blankets for warmth.
b Be free from interruptions by other people
c. Not pose obvious conditions for potential injury
d Be free of weapons
e Guides must have quick access to a working phone with service in an emergency.
9 Environment Monitoring: Guides should continuously monitor the session environment and interactions to ensure that they are arranged and conducted to minimize the risk of physical and psychological harm to clients.
10.Emergency Contact Information: The intake forms should have collected the information of two emergency contacts for the client in the event of an emergency Depending on the setting and context of the session, emergency contacts should be contacted as outlined below or in accordance with other regulatory emergency protocols. The clients should affirm that the contacts are designated as such and know the date of the session
11 Emergency Response: Should a medical emergency arise, guides must follow protocols within the regulatory framework, if applicable, and follow all laws to protect client welfare
If a guide is working outside a context with established emergency protocols, the guide should follow these policies:
a. Being prepared for an emergency:
i. Have a charged cell phone nearby.
ii Have emergency contacts nearby
iii. Have discussed with the client what constitutes an emergency and the ways you will respond
iv Have them give their car keys to you or a designated staff person
v. Be CPR certified as required for certification or have a medical professional on-site
b Emergency related to temporary psychosis presenting unsafe conditions for client, guide, and property.
i In rare cases, and even with adequate screening measures, a client can experience what looks like temporary psychosis, meaning they are unable to acknowledge consensus reality. In these cases, sometimes, this does not pose a concern if the client is not under duress This state and presentation will likely fade as the dosing session comes to a close. If the temporary psychosis continues in an acute way after the normal time frame of a dosing session, the client should not be left unattended until this presentation has passed. In other cases, “temporary psychosis” can cause extreme agitation and/or the client becoming unresponsive or resistant to directives for redirecting behavior for their own safety, the safety of the guide, others around them, or property.
ii In the latter case, a series of steps can be taken to address the situation:
1) First, remind the client they have taken a substance and that the effects will pass. You are there to support them and to help them be comfortable
2) If this agitates them further, they may become paranoid toward the guide or people around them or verbally threaten them Try to allow the session to progress while causing as little agitation to the client as possible. Lean on your training. Prioritize promoting safe conditions, waiting for the effects to diminish Don’t leave them alone at any time for their own safety.
3) If they want to or try to leave the room, do what you can to dissuade them Depending on the environment, and if they insist, it may be safe to allow them to go outside with you closely supervising them, but it is highly preferable to have them stay contained in the room In urban environments or where there are obvious unsafe environmental factors, firmly remind them of their agreement to not leave for the safety of all involved Do not leave them unattended for any reason unless they are actively trying to harm you.
4) Do not allow them to operate a vehicle Car keys should have been collected prior to the session beginning For the safety of all involved, keep them from interacting with strangers as much as possible
5) If they are putting themselves or others in harm's way, or you discern they are likely to put themselves or others in harm's way, this is an emergency. Call 911 immediately Do not leave them unattended for any reason unless they are actively trying to harm you
c. Medical emergency
In the event of a possible emergency, evaluate as follows:
i Some out-of-the-ordinary physiological presentations while in a substance-induced expanded state of consciousness may be a response to a psycho-emotional process Some are indications of physical distress that may become or indicate a current medical emergency. Discernment should be employed, but err on the side of caution and prioritizing client safety and well-being
ii. Each situation should be evaluated according to a guide's training and taking into account the client's overall personal process and underlying physical health (age, fitness, pre-existing conditions, etc )
iii. Evaluate sudden, extreme, or prolonged (>40 mins) physical distress. Examples of distress may be:
1 Persistent loss of coordination beyond a normal range for the substances consumed
2. Extreme or sudden bowel evacuation
3. Breathing difficulties- gasping for or stopping breathing - apnea
4 Onset of migraine, especially if uncharacteristic for the client
5. Notable temperature dysregulation for a prolonged period (>40 mins)
6. Extreme sweating (>40 mins)
7. Extreme color changes to the skin
8. Shaking, as interpreted as seizures or loss of physical control
d. In the event of an emergency, follow these steps:
1. Call 911 Describe the client's condition, presentation, and substance consumed. Example: Please send paramedics. I am with someone who has consumed XYZ, and they have (explain symptoms and/or behavior) Follow any instructions they give you
2. When medics arrive, tell them the substance consumed and the dose taken, and stay out of their way so they can do their work
3. Reach out to the client's emergency contact and inform them of where they can reach or meet the client For example, if they are being taken to a hospital, which hospital?
4. After the event, contact your supervisor, and the event should be documented in detail
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
K. Touch
Introduction:
The use of touch in psychedelic care is a sensitive and complex issue that requires careful consideration, clear communication, and informed consent Given the heightened emotional openness associated with psychedelic states, it is critical that guides discuss the potential role of touch in the psychedelic session during intake and preparatory sessions, obtain a thorough history of the client's experiences with touch, and establish explicit informed consent before any psychedelic session (see section II.H on the informed consent process). The decision to incorporate touch must always be based on professional judgment for the client's benefit, grounded in principles of respect and safety.
Policies:
1. Documentation of Consent: Guides must document the client’s informed consent to touch, specifying the types of touch and body areas involved Following any session where touch is used, guides must document the specific interventions, the rationale for their use, and the client’s response, noting any changes in consent during the sessions.
2 History of Touch: Guides should engage the client in discussions about the client's experiences with both consensual and non-consensual touch to inform decisions about the appropriateness and safety of using touch during the sessions.
3 Reaffirmation of Consent: Consent to touch must be reaffirmed immediately before initiating touch during the psychedelic session.
4 Maintaining Consent Boundaries: Consent parameters and boundaries established before the psychedelic session cannot be expanded during the session once the client's state of consciousness is altered
5. Empowerment to Withdraw Consent: It must be clearly communicated to clients that they are empowered to change their minds and withdraw consent to touch at any time, both before and during the psychedelic session
6. Appropriate Use of Touch: Although touch is recognized as a modality that may be appropriately deployed as part of a care approach, touch must be used judiciously, with constant attention to the client’s verbal and nonverbal cues, ensuring it meets the client's needs and is not motivated by the guide’s needs or preferences.
7 Professional Training for Touch: Guides providing touch beyond basic contact (such as a hand on the shoulder) must have received sufficient professional training in the specific touch technique (e.g., bodywork, acupressure). When appropriate, guides should refer clients to practitioners with specialized training in somatic therapies or bodywork.
8 Trauma-Informed Education: Guides who provide touch should have at least basic training in trauma-informed care
9. Prohibition of Sexual and Punitive Touch: Sexual or punitive touch between a guide and client is never acceptable, regardless of the circumstances or any perceived consent (See section II E on the code of conduct related to sexual interactions)
10.Restrictions on Restraining Kinds of Touch: Touch or physical contact must not be used to restrain or control a client, except in cases of imminent risk of harm to self or others, following established emergency protocols and thoroughly documenting the incident.
11 Addressing Discomfort or Distress Related to Touch: If a client expresses discomfort, confusion, or distress related to touch during or after a session, the guide must prioritize the client's safety and well-being, discontinuing the use of touch if appropriate It is crucial for the guide to bring up this experience during the first integration meeting to provide an opportunity for discussion and to mend any impacted relational dynamics The client should also be reminded of their options to report a grievance to [Company Name]’s Ethics Committee The guide should discuss this immediately in their supervision.
12 Cultural, Religious, and Personal Respect: Guides must be aware of and respect cultural, religious, and personal differences in attitudes towards touch, honoring any boundaries set by the client and exploring alternative approaches.
13 Equitable Use of Touch in Groups: When possible, the use of touch should be equitable in group settings, avoiding the perception of favoritism.
14 Ongoing Consultation and Supervision: Guides who incorporate touch into their practice should seek ongoing consultation and supervision to stay current with evolving best practices and ethical standards in the use of touch in psychedelic care.
15 Continual Reassessment: The use of touch should be regularly reassessed throughout the course of care, considering the client’s evolving needs, preferences, and progress
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L. Ethics of Engagement within an Indigenous Practice
Informed Approach
Introduction:
There are a variety of approaches and philosophies about psychedelic care in the Western industrialized parts of society, ranging from formats inspired by or evolved from indigenous contexts to the psychotherapeutic application of psychedelics to research study and pharmaceutical-based approaches [Company Name], and its lineage of practice has developed out of a combination of an indigenous practice-informed framework and a western talk therapy or counseling framework. Guides certified by [Company Name] have an ethical responsibility to approach their relationship to indigenous frameworks with respect and in consideration of the thousands of years of stewardship, wisdom, and protection of expanded state practices, particularly with naturally occurring “medicines”; plant, animal or fungal, and the risks and harms experienced by these cultures The framework [Company Name] teaches and its lineage of practice is largely informed by the Mazatec peoples of Huatula de Jimenz, Mexico, where it is held that plants and fungi are considered to have innate wisdom and also act as instruments of communication between humans and the wisdom of the earth and unseen or spiritual realms While some of this section of the code and related policies may be more specific to [Company Name] philosophies and practices, we encourage consideration by other practitioners as well
1. Contextualizing: Plant and fungi medicines should be spoken of with respect and not be referred to as or grouped with pharmaceutical medication
2. Handling: Handle and treat substances with care and return plant or fungi materials that would otherwise be discarded back to the earth when possible The handling, growing, or discarding of these substances should fall within applicable regulations and laws
3. Cultivating Relationship: Guides should continue cultivating their personal relationships with the plants, fungi, or animal compounds they provide their clients
4 Acknowledging the Wisdom of Medicines: Guides should, in a way appropriate and authentic to them, acknowledge the wisdom of these medicines when they are interacting with their material bodies, whether through a prayer (silent or vocalized), acknowledgment, or a ritualized practice
5. Indigenous Knowledge as Valid: Guides should consider the well-documented indigenous wisdom associated with these plants, fungi, animal compounds, and surrounding practices, even within contexts that are heavily focused on scientific evidence frameworks
6 Spiritual, Transpersonal, or Mystical Experiences: Guides should respect and not disregard the potential for psychedelic care to inspire spiritual, transpersonal, or mystical experiences Client experiences of this nature should be respected and treated as valid, not disregarded or unattended to, even if they are outside the guide's belief system or scope of support. In these cases, the client may be supported by a different integration guide or spiritual counselor
7. Avoid Cultural Misappropriation: When incorporating spiritual or cultural practices into psychedelic care (such as the use of sacred medicines, rituals, or symbols), guides must take great care to avoid cultural misappropriation or misrepresentation This involves educating themselves about the origins, meanings, and protocols
associated with these practices, seeking guidance from knowledgeable cultural healers or elders, and helping to ensure that any adaptations or interpretations are done in a respectful and responsible manner
8. Client Opting in and Referral: Guides incorporating spiritual or cultural practices into psychedelic care (such as the use of herbs, sacred objects, rituals, or symbols) should make their practices transparent to the client during preparation Clients should be able to opt in or out of ritual practices. If a guide's spiritual or ritual practices are a fundamental part of their methods and the client is not comfortable with participating, the client should be referred to another guide
9. Accurate Affiliation Representation: Guides should accurately represent, not overrepresent, their affiliation with an indigenous healer or culture They should also ask and receive permission to practice any traditional rituals in their own lives, psychedelic sessions, and client care.
10 Proper Credit: Guides should credit, verbally and/or in writing, the indigenous culture or spiritual tradition from which their rituals or practices originate.
11. Reciprocity/reparations: We highly encourage those engaged in psychedelics services receiving financial gains to donate to nonprofits and initiatives that are uplifting indigenous communities related to either the kind of practice they engage in and/or the location in which they live Additionally, or alternatively, one may volunteer their time to benefit indigenous communities We recognize that reciprocity and reparations between Western and indigenous cultures are a big topic, and they are greater than simply providing time or funds Some resources can be found on the [Company Name] website (forthcoming).
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M. Public Representation and Advertising
Introduction:
Psychedelic guides bear an ethical responsibility to accurately represent their qualifications, services, and the broader field of psychedelic-assisted services to the public. Guides should make reasonable efforts to prioritize education, accuracy, and harm reduction over sensationalism or self-promotion, ensuring that marketing materials are truthful and accurately informative to prospective clients. By adhering to high standards of integrity and transparency in public communications, guides contribute to building trust and credibility in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted services.
Policies:
1. Accurate Representation of Qualifications and Services: Guides must ensure that all public communications accurately reflect their qualifications and services, avoiding misrepresentations or exaggerations
2. Transparency of Affiliations and Interests: Guides should be transparent about any financial interests, sponsorships, or professional affiliations that might influence their public communications or create potential conflicts of interest.
3
Responsible Use of Claims and Evidence: In all written materials and conversations, guides must avoid making false or exaggerated claims about the efficacy, safety, or benefits of psychedelic-assisted care They should clearly distinguish between benefits supported by scientific evidence, traditional or indigenous use, and anecdotal evidence. In all public communications, guides should strive to promote balanced, responsible, and well-informed perspectives on psychedelic-assisted care, acknowledging both the potential benefits and the risks and limitations of these approaches.
4 Consent and Privacy in Client Testimonials: Guides must obtain explicit written permission when using client testimonials or endorsements, ensuring these materials protect clients' confidentiality and privacy. Guides should exercise caution and be mindful of power dynamics and potential vulnerabilities that may influence clients' decisions to participate in marketing materials
5. Protection of Client Confidentiality with Media: When interacting with the media, guides must safeguard clients' confidentiality and prioritize their well-being
6. No Guarantees of Outcomes: Guides must not make guarantees or promises about the outcomes of psychedelic-assisted care, acknowledging the variability in individual experiences and results They should emphasize that psychedelic-assisted care is not a panacea or a cure-all but rather an approach that can be helpful for some individuals.
7 Accuracy and Integrity in Public Communication: Guides should strive to stay current with the latest research and developments in the field so that their marketing materials and communications are accurate and up-to-date. They should avoid selectively promoting or omitting critical information or misrepresenting data to support their claims. In written materials, they must cite research claims properly. They should avoid the use of technical jargon as much as possible and provide information that is accessible to a broad audience
8. Ethical Marketing Practices: Guides must refrain from using manipulative, coercive, or high-pressure tactics in marketing their services Potential clients should be treated with respect for their autonomy and provided with accurate, unbiased information to support their informed engagement with a guide's services.
9 Fair and Respectful Advertising: Guides should avoid comparative advertising or making unsubstantiated claims about the superiority of their services over others Instead, they should focus on providing factual and balanced information about their services’ unique features and benefits
10.Avoiding Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusivity: Marketing materials should not reinforce stereotypes, stigmatize certain groups, or perpetuate harmful myths about psychedelic use or mental health conditions
11. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Guides must not misrepresent or appropriate Indigenous or traditional cultural practices related to psychedelic use in their marketing materials They should respect these practices' cultural and historical contexts and avoid falsely portraying themselves as "shamans," "medicine people," or other similar titles unless they have been formally recognized or initiated into these roles within the relevant cultural tradition
12.Get Feedback: Guides are encouraged to solicit and incorporate feedback from colleagues about how they perceive the marketing materials and public communications This feedback can provide valuable insights into how effectively the information is being
communicated and received
13.Seeking Professional Guidance: Guides are encouraged to seek advice from professional organizations, ethics committees, or legal counsel when navigating an issue related to public representation and advertising that is not included in this code.
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N. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Introduction:
Psychedelic guides have a responsibility to stay informed about and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines governing the use of psychedelics in their jurisdiction and practice settings. As the legal and regulatory landscape around psychedelics continues to evolve, guides must proactively stay abreast of changes and updates that impact their work [Company Name]-certified guides are explicitly informed that they are not educated or supervised in conducting services in illegal contexts or “underground” operations
Policies:
1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Psychedelic guides must stay informed and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the use of psychedelics in their jurisdiction and practice settings.
2 Licensure and Certification: Guides must obtain and maintain any necessary licenses, permits, and certifications required to legally provide psychedelic-assisted services in their jurisdiction. This may include registering with state or local regulatory bodies, completing specialized training or education requirements, and passing background checks or other screening processes
3. Transparency with Clients: Guides must be transparent with clients about the legal status of psychedelics, clearly communicating any potential risks or consequences of participating in psychedelic-assisted services, including the legal ramifications of using scheduled substances and any applicable protections or exemptions for religious, medical, or research use Clients should be further informed of possible ramifications based on their life circumstances. Areas requiring specific attention include but are not limited to non-US citizens residing in the US or those in the process of applying for citizenship, possible effects on employment status, particularly government employees or employees that are drug tested, and effects on child custody disputes.
4 Compliance with Professional Licensure: Guides must also adhere to any laws or regulations related to any other professional licenses they hold, such as mandated reporting requirements, consent protocols, record-keeping standards, and scope of practice limitations
5. Detailed Record Keeping: Guides should maintain detailed records of their training, certification, continuing education activities, and client interactions to demonstrate compliance with legal and ethical standards in the event of an investigation
6. Prohibition Against Illegal Activities: Guides must not engage in any activities related to the illegal manufacture, distribution, or diversion of controlled substances, including
psychedelics This includes refraining from assisting clients in obtaining or transporting illegal substances.
7 Consider Legal Alternatives: In areas where psychedelics are not available within a legal or regulatory framework, guides may consider working with recognized religious or spiritual organizations with active exemptions or focusing their practice on non-drug alternatives like breathwork or meditation [Company Name]-certified guides must ensure all activities occur within a legal framework.
8 Legal Consultation and Insurance: Guides should seek guidance from legal experts and professional liability insurance providers for available protection and for compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
9 Ongoing Legal Education: Guides should proactively stay updated on any changes or updates in the laws affecting their work This may involve consulting legal experts, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies.
By initialing, I attest to having read this section of this Code of Conduct for Guides:
III. Ethical Responsibilities of Guides to Their Peers and the Field of Psychedelic Services.
A. Collaboration and Field Development
Introduction:
Psychedelic guides have a responsibility to engage in the development of the field of psychedelic-assisted services in an ethical and positively impactful way By maintaining open communication, respect for different perspectives, and a commitment to best practices, guides can contribute to the continuous improvement of the quality and efficacy of psychedelic care Guides should generally act in an ethical manner in all aspects of their lives and consider the impact of their words and actions on the general public's perceptions of the field of psychedelic-assisted services
1. Interdisciplinary Engagement: Guides are encouraged to engage in opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing and to foster interdisciplinary dialogue with professionals from various disciplines, such as medical professionals, mental health providers, spiritual advisors, traditional or indigenous practitioners, and researchers, to improve their practices and contribute to innovation, advocacy, practitioner education, public education initiatives, and support accessibility and equity in the field.
2 Vetting Collaborators: Guides should carefully assess what efforts they contribute to, vetting for values alignment and ethics
3. Supporting Accessibility and Equity: Guides are encouraged to support initiatives and organizations that aim to increase access and equity within psychedelic care, such as those that provide funding, training, or culturally responsive services to underserved or marginalized communities.
4 Share Expertise and Experience: Guides are encouraged to share their insights
based on their expertise, case studies, and lessons learned through writing, presenting at conferences, or contributing to educational resources for the psychedelic-assisted services community
5. Accurate and Respectful Representation of Others' Work Product: Guides must respect the intellectual property rights of their colleagues and must not engage in plagiarism or unauthorized use of others' work in their own presentations, publications, or training materials. Guides must obtain proper permission before using or adapting any materials, techniques, or research uniquely developed by others in the field When given permission, guides should cite and credit others' work and are encouraged to credit lineages or schools of practice where applicable.
6 Misrepresentation of Others' Activities and Values: In public and private spheres, guides will not misrepresent the activities or values of peers, organizations, or client populations. Guides may only speak with authority on related matters if they are a formal representative empowered to speak for that person, people, or entity
7. Impact on Stigmatization: Guides should generally act ethically. They should consider their words and actions carefully in their professional activities and those that are peripheral to them as impactful to the perception and stigmatization of psychedelic healing modalities.
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B. Peer Support and Accountability
Introduction:
Cultivating a strong, supportive, and accountable professional community is essential for the healthy development of the field of psychedelic-assisted care Guides are responsible for fostering a culture of openness, humility, and lifelong learning within the professional community, encouraging their peers to engage in ongoing personal and professional development, acknowledge mistakes when they are made, and holding each other compassionately accountable to a high standard of ethical conduct
1 Consultation and Supervision: Guides should not work in isolation and must actively participate in peer consultation and supervision groups to discuss challenging cases, receive feedback and guidance, and provide mutual support and accountability, no matter their seniority in their field Specific supervision requirements are part of maintaining a [Company Name] certification as described here [add link].
2 Colleague Dual Relationships: Guides must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with their peers and colleagues, avoiding dual relationships or conflicts of interest that could impair their objectivity, judgment, or ability to provide efficacious support and accountability
3 Reporting Ethical Concerns: Guides must report any suspected ethical violations or misconduct by other [Company Name] certified or employed guides in accordance with established reporting protocols, legal requirements, and [Company Name]’s grievance reporting protocol [add link].
4 Feedback: Guides should provide constructive, compassionate, and timely feedback to their peers when concerns arise regarding their work, professional conduct, or personal well-being, with the aim of promoting growth and ethical integrity
5. Colleague Confidentiality: Guides must respect the privacy and confidentiality of their peers, including any personal or sensitive information shared in the context of consultation, supervision, peer support, or non-professional settings
6. Offering Supervision: Guides who have adequate experience are highly encouraged to serve as mentors for less experienced practitioners in the field, offering guidance, support, and opportunities for professional development
7. Consider Impact to Colleagues: Guides should consider how their actions, words, and decisions impact colleagues and organizations that they are affiliated with and seek peer or supervisory consultation before engaging in activity or speech that could put others' reputations and services at risk.
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IV. Ethical Responsibilities of Guides to Themselves
A. Personal Growth, Self-Care, and Resilience
Introduction:
Taking on the responsibility of guiding involves being able to make sound judgments from a place within oneself that is stable, wise, and, ideally, thriving The work of a psychedelic guide can be emotionally and energetically demanding, and it is crucial for guides to prioritize their own self-care and cultivate resilience to prevent burnout, maintain their own well-being, and provide their services from a place of ethical clarity and purpose Psychedelic guides are responsible for cultivating a deep understanding of themselves, their own psychological and spiritual development, and how their personal experiences, beliefs, and biases may impact their work with clients
Policies:
1. Self-Awareness Practices: Guides should maintain a personalized self-care plan that includes a range of practices and activities that promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, such as embodiment and contemplative practices, time in nature, creative expression, and social connection to cultivate greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence
2 Personal Growth Opportunities: Guides should seek out and engage in personal growth opportunities, such as workshops, retreats, or experiential learning, to deepen their own healing, insight, and capacity
3. Maintaining Professional Growth Mindset: Guides should prioritize their own ongoing learning and professional development, seeking out opportunities for training, skill-building, and staying current with best practices in the field to maintain inspiration,
purpose, curiosity, and a growth mindset
4. Personal Support System: Guides should cultivate a strong support system of peers, mentors, and personal relationships to provide a nurturing space for processing personal challenges, receiving feedback, and maintaining accountability for their own well-being, as a guide's state of mind can impact their work with clients.
5 Seeking Professional Consultation: Guides should seek consultation and support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals when faced with particularly challenging or emotionally taxing cases or when their own personal issues or stress levels are impacting their ability to provide efficacious care
6. Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Guides must establish and maintain clear boundaries between their personal and professional lives, which should include setting limits on work hours, taking regular time off, and creating a supportive and nourishing personal environment.
7 Self-Monitoring: Guides should be proactive in monitoring their own signs of stress, fatigue, or burnout and taking appropriate measures to address these issues before they impact the quality of care provided to clients Activities to proactively manage stress may include regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, or relaxation practices to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
8 Prioritizing Client Welfare: If guides become imbalanced in their personal life, or a stressful life circumstance is taking place that impacts them to the degree they cannot provide a standard of care that follows this code, the guide must suspend their practices until they can receive help and find stability again They must immediately notify clients of service suspension, as well as their supervisor and/or peer consultant and certifying organization ([Company Name]). Instances that may warrant suspension include but are limited to acute psychological or psychiatric symptoms of stress or trauma, addiction relapse, grief following a significant loss, or displacement due to a natural disaster.
● Transparency: Guides should be open and transparent with clients and colleagues about any personal experiences or identities that may be relevant to the care process They should maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid self-disclosure that may be burdensome or inappropriate for the client
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V. Handling an Ethical Breach
[Company Name] is committed to promoting a safe, ethical, and accountable environment for its community members. The Grievance and Transformative Justice Policy and Protocol (GTJPP) [add link] outlines the process for addressing conflicts, harms, and ethical breaches through a transformational approach that prioritizes healing, accountability, reconciliation where desired, and personal and systemic transformation. All [Company Name] guides are required to acknowledge and abide by the principles and protocols set forth in the GTJPP, which includes reporting ethical violations, participating in investigations and transformative justice processes when applicable, and undertaking appropriate corrective actions
Signature form on the next page
Code of Conduct for Guides Acknowledgment and Agreement
As a [Company Name] Certified Guide, I acknowledge that I have carefully read, understand, and agree to abide by the principles, policies, guidelines, and standards outlined in this Code of Conduct for guides
By affixing my signature below, I commit to:
1. Prioritize the safety, well-being, and autonomy of all clients, participants, and colleagues with whom I interact in my role as a [Company Name] guide or community member
2. Maintain integrity, honesty, and professionalism standards in all aspects of my work, including my relationships with clients, colleagues, and the wider community
3 Engage in ongoing self-reflection, personal growth, and professional development to enhance my skills, knowledge, and ethical awareness as a practitioner in the field of psychedelic healing
4 Respect and uphold the principles of confidentiality, informed consent, and appropriate boundaries in all interactions with clients and colleagues.
5 Work to create a welcoming, affirmative, and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or belief system.
6. Collaborate openly and constructively with colleagues, supervisors, and the [Company Name] organization to promote accountability, support collective learning, and maintain the integrity of our shared work.
7 Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards that govern the practice of psychedelic healing and report any suspected breaches of this code of conduct through appropriate channels as outlined.
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