Ethics in Counselling and Psycho-Therapy: What We Need to Learn—South Asian Perspective

Abstract

Ethical codes of practice in Psychotherapy and counselling are unique in that they bind together practitioners of varying backgrounds. In contemporary society, differences in clients’ abilities, needs and culture as well as variations between settings and service specialisations lead to ethical diversity. Defining core values and principles is crucial in bridging diverse approaches. The values engender respect for the human condition and a total commitment to the welfare of the client. The four principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and fairness are universally accepted as central to practice. A culture-centred approach is advocated in contemporary therapeutic work, and this can be a complex task for a practitioner. Contemporary literature emphasises the difficulties inherent in practicing psychoanalytic psychotherapy in India as compared to more eclectic approaches. Therapeutic paradigms in South Asia differ from those in the West, and the idea of a ‘guru-chela relationship’ between practitioner and client is an example. Our text addresses some of the intricacies of interpreting universal ethical values and principles in a South Asian setting. In this context we note the contrast between an individualistic worldview in Western society and the collectivist, eastern one. There is a lack of well-designed research studies that examine psychotherapy process and outcomes. The practitioner is confronted regularly by ethical dilemmas and formal supervision is difficult to access. The absence of Regulatory bodies in this context highlights the need for locally agreed ethical guidelines. We identify the issues that need to be addressed in formulating such a universal ethical framework for practice.