At Touchstone Family Association, we are committed to providing services that are guided by the highest ethical standards. Our Code of Ethics ensures that clients are treated with respect, integrity, and professionalism at all times. It outlines the values and responsibilities that all Touchstone counsellors are expected to uphold and helps build the foundation of trust essential to a strong counselling relationship.
This Code is in place not only to guide our staff—but also to protect and inform the individuals and families we support.
Our Ethical Standards
Values
Our counsellors are guided by the core values of integrity, co-operation, and respect in all interactions.
Responsibility
Counsellors take all reasonable steps to ensure client safety during sessions. Regardless of the setting or service arrangement, they are committed to acting ethically and never using their role for personal gain.
Anti-Discriminatory Practice
We recognize that bias and stereotypes can cause harm. Touchstone counsellors actively reflect on their own attitudes and ensure that their practice is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is central to our work. Counsellors follow our Association’s confidentiality policy carefully to protect client privacy and to build the trust necessary for effective support.
Contracts
Clients will be informed of the terms and conditions of counselling before services begin. If any changes are made, they will be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Boundaries
Healthy boundaries are essential. Counsellors maintain appropriate professional boundaries and are mindful of any overlapping or prior relationships with clients that may influence the counselling dynamic.
Competence
Touchstone counsellors commit to ongoing professional development. They regularly monitor their own performance, stay within their scope of practice, and participate in clinical supervision to ensure they are providing the best possible care.
Our Commitment to You
Every Touchstone counsellor is expected to follow this Code of Ethics as part of their professional responsibility. If you ever have questions about how ethical guidelines apply to your service, please speak to your counsellor or program supervisor.
At Touchstone, we believe ethical care is compassionate care—and we’re here to support you with integrity, clarity, and respect every step of the way.
Thank you to our funders for their ongoing support for Touchstone Programs and Services
