Ethical Practice in Psychology

Ethics are the foundation of psychological care. When someone seeks the support of a psychologist, they bring with them vulnerability, courage, and trust. It is our responsibility to honour that trust through ethical, professional, transparent, and safe practice.

With the introduction of the new Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct, psychologists are guided by an updated framework that reinforces our commitment to honesty, professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and client-centred care. These principles help ensure that therapy remains a respectful, collaborative process that empowers clients and protects the community.

This article explores the values at the heart of ethical practice - honesty, integrity, transparency, informed consent, helpful feedback, boundaries, and ethical advocacy - and how they support meaningful therapeutic work at Excel Psychology.

Why Ethics Matter

Ethical practice protects clients, practitioners, and the broader community. It helps ensure that:

• clients are given accurate information
• consent is thoughtful and informed
• privacy and confidentiality are respected
• professional roles and boundaries are clear
• harm is minimised
• trust is maintained

Ethics help create the foundation for safe therapeutic and professional relationships. When psychologists uphold strong ethical standards, clients are better able to explore sensitive concerns, understand their options, and work collaboratively toward meaningful change.

The New Code of Conduct - A Refreshed Framework

The new Code, effective 1 December 2025, provides guidance on expectations for psychologists in Australia. It highlights the importance of:

practising safely, competently, and within scope

cultural awareness and responsiveness

maintaining professional boundaries

transparency in communication

managing conflicts of interest

maintaining public trust

advocating for ethical behaviour

prioritising clients’ wellbeing

While the Code offers structure, ethics themselves are lived values. They require reflection, humility, and a willingness to grow.

Honesty & Integrity

Honesty and integrity are central to psychological work. Clients deserve accurate information about:

what therapy involves, including expected fees and potential rebates

the limits of confidentiality

the psychologist’s role

the expected process of change

realistic outcomes

Practising with integrity means:

keeping commitments

acknowledging mistakes

correcting misunderstandings

being clear about one’s training and competencies

avoiding exaggeration of skills or outcomes

Integrity is not a performance - it is a way of being. It underpins trust, safety, and credible practice.

Professionalism

Professionalism is reflected not only in qualifications, training, and evidence-based practice, but also in communication, reliability, respect, and thoughtful boundaries.

Professional psychologists:

maintain appropriate roles and expectations

work within scope

seek supervision when needed

engage in ongoing education

respect differences in culture, identity, and lived experience

Professionalism reinforces that psychologists provide a service that is accountable, safe, and centred on the wellbeing of clients.

Professionalism also includes honesty and reliability in dealings with other professionals and institutions. This means honouring commitments, communicating respectfully, and providing timely, accurate information to referrers and colleagues. Strong professional relationships support continuity of care and help clients receive consistent, appropriate support.

Transparency

Transparency allows clients to make informed decisions. It includes:

clear communication about fees and policies

discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives

explaining methods and therapeutic reasoning

clarifying administrative processes

acknowledging limitations

Transparency is woven throughout the therapeutic journey. When clients understand their care, they are active participants rather than passive recipients.

Informed Consent - A Cornerstone of Ethical Practice

Informed consent is not simply a form - it is an ongoing conversation. It ensures clients have the information they need to meaningfully choose whether to engage in therapy.

Informed consent involves discussing:

what therapy entails

potential risks and benefits

confidentiality and limits

assessment or treatment options

referral pathways fees and cancellation policies

how information is stored and used

Revisiting consent is especially important when:

goals change

new interventions are introduced

risks evolve

others become involved in care

Respecting autonomy empowers clients and creates a collaborative foundation.

Professional Boundaries

Boundaries help protect clients and maintain trust. They ensure that therapy remains a space focused on the needs of the client, free from conflicting roles or personal agendas.

Clear boundaries include:

avoiding dual or competing relationships where possible

not exploiting professional relationships for personal gain

having transparent financial arrangements

communicating expectations around contact and availability

maintaining appropriate emotional and relational limits

Healthy boundaries keep therapy safe and focused, and help clients feel respected and contained.

Helpful Feedback - A Two-Way Dialogue

Ethical practice involves giving and receiving feedback.

Helpful professional feedback may include:

sharing observations that support insight

reflecting patterns that emerge

checking whether the current approach is helpful

adjusting when something isn’t working

Likewise, psychologists should welcome feedback from clients. Inviting honesty strengthens trust and models open communication.

Advocacy For Ethical Behaviour

Ethics don’t exist only in the therapy room - they are a professional stance.

Ethical advocacy might include:

modelling transparent, respectful practice

seeking consultation or supervision around dilemmas

raising and addressing ethical concerns

supporting colleagues to act ethically

engaging in reflective practice

Advocacy is not about judgement - it is about safeguarding the wellbeing of clients and strengthening the profession.

Moving Forward

The new Code of Conduct reinforces what many psychologists already hold dear: that ethical, transparent, respectful practice is the core of therapeutic work.

By upholding honesty, professionalism, integrity, informed consent, boundaries, and openness to feedback, psychologists cultivate relationships grounded in trust. These values help ensure clients feel safe, respected, and empowered in their therapeutic journey.

At Excel Psychology, all of our therapists are committed to thoughtful, ethical practice. If you are exploring mental health support, or a clinician seeking consultation, we welcome your enquiry. You can speak with your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or contact us directly to discuss your options.