1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Code of Professional Practice is to define responsible standards of professional conduct for Dance Movement Therapists. The code is binding upon all practising and registered members of ADMT UK and student members training in Dance Movement Therapy. Senior Dance Movement Therapists who contract to give supervision are likewise bound by the Code of Professional Practice.
The guiding principle of this code is that the Dance Movement Therapist shall always act in the best interests of the client or supervisee.
2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
The criteria and procedures for admission to the professional register of ADMT UK are as set out in the document Criteria for Registration as a Practitioner with ADMT UK.
The Register of Practitioners consists of names and addresses of individuals recognised by the association as competent to practice as professional Dance Movement Therapists. There are three tiers of registration.
Members admitted to the first tier are newly qualified practitioners known as Basic Registered Dance Movement Therapists (BRDMT). In order to become fully registered (RDMT), the practitioner must submit evidence of required supervised clinical experience. Members admitted to the third tier are known as Senior Dance Movement Therapists (SnrDMT) and are considered competent to work in private practice, as clinical supervisors and educators.
Dance Movement Therapists should be aware of the limitations of their particular training and competence, and restrict their work accordingly. Therapists have a responsibility to arrange adequate supervision for all aspects of their work. In addition to this, specialist advice should be sought where necessary.
3. CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All Registered Dance Movement Therapists must comply with ADMT UK Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements. It is important that practitioners keep informed of current developments in Dance Movement Therapy and related fields. A CPD log will be required to be submitted on each annual renewal of registration.
Therapists must not practise when their therapeutic effectiveness is significantly impaired by mental or physical health problems. This includes refraining from practice when under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, which affect performance.
4. ACTUAL PROCEDURE
The Dance Movement Therapist is responsible for ensuring that a verbal or written client/therapist contract is in place. This is also recognised as good practice between Supervisor and Supervisee.
A therapeutic contract should specify the frequency and duration of sessions, arrangements for holidays, missed appointments, payment of fees (where applicable), the manner and timing of termination of therapy, as well as other relevant issues particular to the individual client.
5. CONDUCT OF THE THERAPIST
The boundaries of the therapeutic relationship must be respected at all times. The Dance Movement Therapist complies with moral, ethical and legal standards of behaviour; refuses to participate in activities that are illegal or inhumane, that result in discrimination or violates another's legal or civil rights; respects regulations concerning the conduct of research with individuals.
Dance Movement Therapists should be especially aware of the possible difficulties inherent in the use of physical contact within the context of Dance Movement Therapy.
6. EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
All registered Dance Movement Therapists are required to adhere to the Policy of the ADMT UK on Equal Opportunities.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
All registered Dance Movement Therapists are required to adhere to the ADMT UK Policy on Confidentiality.
N.B. All updated policies can be found on the ADMT UK web site: www.admt.org.uk
8. INSURANCE
Dance Movement Therapists must ensure that they are covered by indemnity arrangements against possible claims for damages arising from their work either in their private practice, or in work they undertake for an employer. Dance Movement Therapists relying on employer's indemnity arrangements would be wise to verify that their work is adequately covered.
9. CLINICAL NOTES
All Registered Dance Movement Therapists are required to make and keep clinical and/or session notes, which must be kept in a secure and confidential place.
10. RECORD KEEPING
Dance Movement Therapists shall follow the requirement of the ADMT UK and keep records of attendance and clinical notes for a minimum of 7 years following termination of therapy.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
The ADMT UK requires all registered Dance Movement Therapists to abide by this Code of Practice. It is the intention of the ADMT UK to maintain conscientious and ethical practice by Dance Movement Therapists. Members with any doubts or difficulties concerning professional practice or ethical issues are encouraged to seek advice by contacting the Chairperson of the ADMT UK who shall, at his / her discretion meet with an Ethics Sub-committee, as appointed by the Executive Council, for further discussion.
In the event of any member being threatened with legal action, that member is required to inform the Chairperson of the Association immediately.
Any complainant contacting the ADMT UK will be sent a copy of the Complaints Procedure and the complaint should be written on the attached form. This should be forwarded to the Chairperson of the Association, who will subsequently refer it to an Ethics Sub-committee. The therapist concerned will be informed of any such complaint and invited to comment on the allegations.
The Ethics Sub-committee shall maintain confidentiality over any pending proceedings.
The Executive Council of the ADMT UK, at the recommendation of the Ethics Sub-committee, shall have recourse to the following disciplinary actions: reprimand, require supervision, suspend or withdraw registration and/or membership.
The Code of Professional Practice is subject to regular review and revision by the Executive Council of the Association for Dance Movement Therapy UK.
Date of last review: October 2003
Reviewed and accepted: ADMTUK Limited
Registered Company #01646790
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