CPCA Code of Ethics
This term describes the counsellor’s obligation to be honest and truthful in professional practice.
What is veracity?
This must be obtained before counselling begins and includes risks, benefits, and limits of confidentiality.
What is informed consent?
Confidentiality may be broken when a client poses this type of risk to themselves or others.
What is imminent danger?
A dual relationship occurs when a counsellor has more than one of these with a client.
What are roles?
When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, counsellors must first assess this.
What is level of risk?
This principle requires counsellors to act in the best interest of the client and promote their well‑being.
What is beneficence?
This type of consent is required when working with minors and typically involves a parent or guardian.
What is parental/guardian consent?
This legal obligation requires counsellors to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
What is the duty to report?
This type of dual relationship is strictly prohibited because it exploits the client.
What is a sexual or romantic relationship?
This type of plan outlines steps to keep a suicidal client safe.
What is a safety plan?
This ethical concept refers to keeping promises and maintaining trust with clients.
What is fidelity?
This term describes a client’s right to freely choose counselling without pressure or coercion.
What is freedom of consent?
This ethical requirement obligates counsellors to disclose information when a client threatens serious harm to an identifiable person.
What is the duty to warn?
In small communities, counsellors must manage unavoidable dual relationships using this ethical tool.
What is transparency and boundary management?
Counsellors must consult with these individuals when managing high‑risk clients.
Who are supervisors or clinical consultants?
This principle requires counsellors to respect a client’s right to make their own choices.
What is autonomy?
When a minor is mature enough to understand the nature and consequences of counselling, they may provide this.
What is assent?
Counsellors must inform clients of confidentiality limits during this stage of the counselling relationship.
What is the informed consent process?
This principle requires counsellors to avoid relationships that impair professional judgment.
What is non‑maleficence?
When a client is at imminent risk, counsellors may need to contact these services.
What are emergency services or crisis teams?
These six overarching values guide all CPCA ethical decision‑making.
What are the Six Guiding Principles? Autonomy, Non‑maleficence, Beneficence, Justice, Fidelity, Societal Interest
Counsellors must revisit informed consent under these circumstances, such as changes in services or risks.
What are changes in treatment conditions requiring renewed consent?
These three conditions typically justify breaking confidentiality under CPCA standards.
What are: risk of harm, legal requirements, and court orders/subpoenas?
When a dual relationship cannot be avoided, counsellors must document this process to ensure ethical practice.
What is a risk–benefit analysis and consultation?
CPCA standards require counsellors to document these three elements when working with suicidal clients.
What are assessment, interventions, and consultation?