Code of Ethics 

To be applied by the  Ethics Committee as defined in the Household Rules (Huishoudelijk Reglement) section 4.2

Basic principles

The analytic relationship is a special type of relationship in which the analyst offers a framework within which the symbolic content of the analysand can be made conscious, experienced, contained, and analyzed (without it being acted-out).

Analytic work can be accompanied by a strong regressive tendency for those involved. It is the analyst’s task to guard the boundaries of the framework of the analytical process. Any other form of relationship than the analytical one can violate the setting, which can in turn damage the analysand.

During the analytical work, the analyst will not act as the representative of reality, the knowledge of what is true, or present him or herself as the norm of what distinguishes good from bad, or of what is ‘normal’.

The following list of behavioral rules is not exhaustive. It is meant to maintain an atmosphere which is favorable for the analysand and not disadvantageous. For each ethical query the primary concern should be in the interest of the analysand.

1. The analyst-analysand  relationship

1.1 Clarity and maintenance of the setting.

1.1.A. It is the task of the analyst, in cooperation with the analysand, to clarify the setting and conditions of their work and to maintain the boundaries of this ‘container’ firmly. The setting and conditions include the frequency, time and place of the sessions, as well as, the fees and the manner of payment. Alterations require negotiation within the analysis.

1.1.B. Any alteration of the setting or conditions should be agreed upon in advance within the analysis, and any breach of the setting or conditions that is either disturbing to the analysand or that is, or appears to be, a violation of this code of ethics should be brought to supervision by the analyst.

1.2 The exclusive character of the analytical relationship
The analytical relationship rules out all other forms of relationship between analyst and analysand and his or her relatives. The analyst should avoid exercising any function other than the analytical one in relation to the analysand. Of course, there may be special circumstances if the analysand is a child or is an adult who is in a training program in which the analyst teaches.

1.3 Professional ethics
The analyst needs to maintain and develop his or her professional competency. He or she will refrain from any form of ‘acting-out’ (sexually, violently, financially, etc.), and any form of abuse of power.

1.4 Confidential character
The content of the sessions are strictly confidential. Supervision is not an exception to this rule since the supervising analyst is subject to this rule as well. Neither an analyst nor a supervisor may use any clinical material for didactic or scientific purposes without first obtaining the permission of the analysand and without securing the anonymity of the analysand.

1.5 Mental and physical fitness
The analyst shall not practice while impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol or by a physical or psychological illness that adversely impacts the analysis.

2. Training and supervision relationships

The supervisor or control/training analyst shall not take advantage of the greater authority implicit in this relationship. Although there are differences between the analytic relationship and the supervisory or training relationship, the analyst should remember the professional nature of the relationship and not abuse the inherent difference in the relative power of teacher and student or of supervisor and supervisee.

3. Collegial relationships

3.1. Members are responsible for maintaining the required standards of professional ability, honesty and integrity within the society and in relation to other professionals.

3.2. Members treat their colleagues with respect.

3.3. When a member of the NAAP is concerned about the unethical conduct of another member or training candidate, he will enter into a dialogue with the person in question. The aim here is to discuss the behavior and to try to resolve and conclude the matter and in cases where required to motivate the person to look for further consultation, supervision or treatment/analysis. In case the person concerned does not follow up on this immediately or confidentiality has to be taken into account, contact with the Ethics Committee can be established. When a member of the NAAP has clear evidence of inappropriate behavior about a member or training candidate, then it is the member’s responsibility to inform the Ethics Committee, except in cases where the confidentiality in relationship to clients is being breached.

3.3.A. If an analyst or candidate has agreed to perform actions to fulfill a decision by the Ethics Committee, and another member has evidence that he has not fulfilled this action, then it is that member’s responsibility to inform the Ethics Committee. For example, if an analyst has been found to have behaved unethically and the Ethics Committee hands down a sanction requiring the analyst to apologize for his actions, another member is responsible for informing the Ethics Committee when he has evidence that the analyst has not made the apology.

3.3.B. In situations where the reporting of suspected unethical conduct may compromise the confidentiality of an analysand:

If a member learns from an analysand of unethical conduct by an analyst, he may suggest that the analysand inform a member of the Ethics Committee of the violation. The Ethics Committee member would then inform the analysand of all of his options, which include bringing a formal complaint against the analyst. If the analysand does not chose to inform the Ethics Committee or to bring a complaint, the member who knew of the violation may do so, but only if the analysand agrees to this step. At all stages, the confidentiality and the wishes of the analysand have priority.

4. Reationship with the outside world

In relationship to the outside world, such as in cases of presentations, publications or contact with the media, a member shall do nothing that harms or brings disrepute to NAAP or to an analysand or colleague of the member. If the member has a question in such a case, she/he is advised to consult with the Ethics Committee in advance.