IAPT: Code of Ethics

Irish Play Therapy Association Code of Ethics

Introduction

The Irish Association for Play Therapy is an association of play therapists who are dedicated to establishing the highest possible standards of protection to the public and to promote the highest standards of personal and professional conduct within the play therapy profession. The Ethical basis for good practice in play therapy includes guidance
to all members of The Irish Association for Play Therapy on ethical principles, competence and all issues relating to good and safe practice. The Irish Association for Play Therapy has requested and been granted permission to adopt the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) code of ethics and complaints procedure, with slight adaptations in content and format to address an Irish context. The Irish Association for Play Therapy acknowledges (BAPT’s) authorship and copyright properties and wish’s to express our appreciation for their assistance.

The term play therapist generally refers to anyone who has underteaken a recognized course of specific and comprehensive training to become a” play therapist”, or who may be currently undergoing such training, and Supervisors, Trainers, Reseachers or Managers involved directly with providing play therapy services. The term “client” refers to any person who receives play therapy or related services from a member of The Irish
Association for Play Therapy.

The practice of play therapy requires the acceptance of responsible practioners who are capable of exercising professional judgement. The association’s Code of Ethics forms the ethical basis for good practice in play therapy has been produced to guide play therapists towards achieving the highest standards of practice and it also informs the Irish Association for Play Therapy complaints procedure.

The establishment of ethical principles for play therapist’s work related conduct, personal commitment and acceptance of responsibility to act ethically and to encourage ethical behaviour by students, supervisiors, supervisees, employees, colleagues and associates.

These ethical pinciples are intended to guide and inspire play therapists towards achieving and maintaining the ideals of the profession . All play therapists are obliged to consider their practice with direct reference to each of these Ethical Principles.

View full Irish Play Therapy Association Code of Ethics Document