As a European association, we are aware that the word “ethic” has slightly different meanings and implications in different languages and cultures. After numerous discussions between colleagues, we have arrived at a consensual meaning for the professional ethical code of the European Association of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Ethics refers to the spirit that animates the attitude and behaviour of persons we recognize as psychodynamic psychotherapists. The members of the EAPSYPP seek to embody the spirit of the Association's ethical guidelines in all internal and external dealings.

1.2. General ethical attitude of individual psychodynamic psychotherapists
Psychotherapists recognize that in all therapy, training, supervision and consultation, they are professionally involved in varying degrees of asymmetrical relationships.

They have the primary responsibility for appropriateness of content, context and boundaries. Their actions are therefore governed by their perception of the requirements of the relationship in question. They realize that their goals are influenced both by their overt actions and their state of being.

They accept responsibility for keeping up with new developments in psychotherapy, for improving and updating their skills and knowledge, for obtaining advice and support from their colleagues and supervisors - and when necessary for seeking therapy themselves to resolve personal problems. In providing services, body-psychotherapists seek to maintain the highest standards of their profession.

They accept the responsibility for the consequences of their acts and make every effort to ensure that their services are used appropriately.