The Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association

Code of Ethics and Practice for Counsellors (2021 version)

Table of Contents

(1) Preamble……………………………………………….…………………..…4
1.1 Background ……………………………………….…………….….……4

1.2 Major Revision……………………………………………………….…..5

1.3 Purpose……………………………………………………………..….....5

1.4 Applicability……………………………………………………………..5

(2) Definition of Key Terms……………………………………..………………5

2.1. Professional Member……………………………………………………5
2.2 Counsellor…………………………………………………………….…6
2.3 Client……………………………………………………………………6
2.4 Counselling……………………………………………….…………..…6

(3) Values and Principles………………………………………………..………6

3.1 Basic Values……………………………………………………………6
3.2 Principles………………………………………………………….….…7
Principle 1 : Interest of Clients…………………………………………7
Principle 2 : Responsibility…………………………..…………………7
Principle 3: Integrity……………………………………………………7
Principle 4 : Justice………………………………………………..……7
Principle 5 : Respect……………………………………………………7
Principle 6 : Confidentiality……………………………………………8

(4) Professional Practice……………………………………………………...…..…8

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 4.1 Mode of Service……………………………………………………..…..….8
4.1.1 Individual Counselling…………………………………………….….8
4.1.2 Group Counselling…………………………………………..……......8
4.1.3 Telephone Counselling……………………………………………….9
4.1.4 Online Counselling…………………………………………………...9
4.2 Counselling Process………………………………………….……………10
4.2.1 Intake and Informed Consent……………………………………….10
4.2.2 Assessment and Counselling Plan………………………….……….10
4.2.3 Record Keeping………………………………………………….….10
4.2.4 Review and Evaluation……………………………………………..11
4.2.5 Continuation, Transferral, Referral or Termination……………...…12
4.3 Counselling Relationship…………………………………………………..12
4.3.1 Roles of Counsellors………………………………………………..12
4.3.2 Multiple Relationships……………………………………..……….13
4.3.3 Multiple Clients…………………………………………………….13
4.3.4. Interests of Clients………………………………………….…..….13
4.3.5 Self-determination……………………………………………....….13
4.3.6 Confidentiality and Privacy……………………………………..….13
4.3.7 Limitations and Boundaries……………………………………..…14
4.4 Collaboration with Others………………………………..………………14
4.4.1 Collaboration with Colleagues……………………………….……14
4.4.2 Collaboration with Other Professionals……………………………14
4.4.3 Inter-disciplinary Teamwork………………………………..……...14
4.4.4 Supportive Network and Resources………………………….….…15

(5) Professional Competence and Development………………………….………15

5.1 Professional Standards……………………………………………….….15
5.2 Professional Competence……………………………………..………….15
5.3 Supervision and Training……………………………………………..….15
5.4 Continuing Professional Development……………………………………..15

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 (6) Conflict of Interest…………………………………………………..…………..16
6.1 Fee-charging and Billing Practice……………………………………..……16
6.2 Bartering……………………………………………………...………….…16
6.3 Receiving Gift…………………………………………….….………….…16

(7) Handling Ethical Issues…………………………………………………………16

7.1 Professional Integrity………………………………………………………17
7.2 Conflict between Ethics and Legal or Organizational Demand……………17
7.3 Reporting Ethical Violation………………………………………………...17
7.4 Dealing with Ethical Complaint……………………………………………17

References………………………………………………………………………………18

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(1) Preamble
1.1 Background
The Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (hereinafter referred as HKPCA)
was set up in 1995, in response to the need for an indigenous professional body in
developing professionalism in counselling, as well as in promoting the professional
standard of counselling practitioners in Hong Kong.
Being the first recognized organization representing professional counsellors in Hong
Kong, HKPCA’s mission is to gather local counselling practitioners in promoting the
standard of practice in counselling, to build professional networks, to advance research
including publication of research in the counselling field, to establish ethical standards
and provide guidance for counselling education, to enhance the understanding and
acceptance of counselling, as well as to develop and maintain counselling services for
the promotion of mental health in society.

Over the past decade, counselling in Hong Kong has been gradually developed as an
independent academic and professional discipline that has wide applications in
different sectors, including education, social welfare, medical and pastoral care. The
number of training programmes in counselling at Master degree level offered by local
tertiary institutes and accredited by HKPCA, as well as the number of practitioners in
the counselling profession, have increased significantly.

Henceforth, HKPCA’s Membership and Professional Standards Committee has been

entrusted by its Council to revamp the existing Code of Ethics first developed in 1996
and revised in 2011. The afore-said Code of Ethics has been renamed as Code of Ethics
and Practice for Counsellors (hereinafter referred as the Code) in this 2021 revised
version, so as to provide a set of updated and practical guidelines on the ethics, conduct,
and service delivery of professional counsellors in Hong Kong.

1.2 Major Revision

In line with the recent development of HKPCA as well as the counselling field in Hong
Kong, the Code has been re-structured into seven sections, namely, Preamble,
Definition of Key Terms, Values and Principles, Professional Practice, Professional
Competence and Development, Conflict of Interest, as well as Handling Ethical Issues.
Some sections in the 2011 version of the Code have been re-grouped, re-written or
removed. In particular, in this newly revised version,
(a) the applicability of the Code has been re-defined, in line with the new two-tier
membership system adopted by HKPCA since 2018;
(b) several key terms have been clearly defined;
(c) confidentiality has been singled out as a separate principle, so as to stress on the
importance of meeting the ethical as well as legal obligation on confidentiality, privacy,
and privileged communication in counselling;

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 (d) the section on Technology Applications has been replaced by a new section named
Online Counselling, in view of the recent trend in the increasingly use of information
and communications technology by counsellors in providing services to their clients;
(e) the mechanism and guidelines on handling ethical complaints against Professional
Members, which were developed and enforced by HKPCA in 2018, have been
incorporated into the section on Handling Ethical Issues; and
(f) the requirement on Continuous Professional Development for Professional
Members on renewal of their membership, which has been adopted and implemented
by phases since 2017, has been added as a new section.
1.3 Purpose
The Code is intended to provide guidelines and standards of behaviour for counsellors
to practice in an ethical and responsible manner. It also serves to protect clients from
hazard, harm or loss due to mal-practice, misconduct, or abuse by counsellors in their
work.
1.4 Applicability
The Code applies to all Professional Members of HKPCA, providing direct counselling
services for individuals and groups, as well as indirect services such as consultation,
supervision, and training. It is applicable to counselling and related activities across a
wide variety of setting (such as school and medical setting), context (such as
government departments, non-government organizations and private practice) and
mode of service (such as face-to-face counselling and online counselling).

(2) Definition of Key Terms

2.1 Professional Member
HKPCA has developed and adopted a two-tier membership system since 2008, namely
General Membership and Professional Membership, as a milestone of advancement
towards professional accreditation in Hong Kong.
General Membership of HKPCA comprises Fellow, Associate Fellow, Member,
Associate Member, Student Member and Affiliate, in accordance with the academic
qualification in counselling or related field of the applicants, coupled with their
experiences in counselling work.
Professional Membership of HKPCA, as a form of voluntary society-based
certification for professional counsellors, is composed of Certified Counsellor and
Approved Counselling Supervisor. Applicants for Certified Counsellor membership
have to complete training in counselling programmes accredited by HKPCA, as well
as meet specified requirement on their practicum during the afore-said training and
post-qualification supervised practice. Applicants for Approved Counselling
Supervisor have to meet stated requirement on post-qualification experience in
providing counselling supervision as well.

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 Application and renewal of Professional Membership is subject to strict scrutiny
conducted by HKPCA Membership and Professional Standards Committee.
2.2 Counsellor
The term Counsellor used in the Code refers to Professional Members, including both
Certified Counsellors and Approved Counselling Supervisors. They may be performing
different roles, such as practitioners, trainers, educators, supervisors and consultants,
in the course of their work related to counselling.
2.3 Client
The term Client is used in a broad sense in the Code. It refers to those who are receiving
counselling services involving professional practice, supervision and teaching. Clients
may be individuals, couples, families, groups of people, communities or organizations.
2.4 Counselling
Counselling is an applied discipline with theories and methods of practice that are
grounded on diverse scholarly literature from a number of academic disciplines. It is a
practice based on moral values and professional ethical standard.
Counselling service refers to any service provided by a counsellor to a client, including
but not confined to counselling activities, supervision, and training. It is an
interpersonal and interactive process in which the counsellor builds up a helping
relationship with the client, conducts purposeful and professional activities, so as to
help the client grow and resolve problems.

(3) Values and Principles

3.1 Basic Values
As helping professionals, counsellors :
(a) are committed to draw on their values, knowledge and skills in helping people in
need;
(b) strive to address and attain the well-being of those seeking help from them, with
due regard to the interest of others concerned;
(c) acknowledge the inherent dignity and self-worth of all persons;
(d) recognize and respect diversity as well as individual differences among people;
(e) believe that individuals have their own potentials to change and develop in pursuing
self-fulfillment; and
(f) recognize their responsibility to practice within their areas of competence, as well
as the need for continuing personal and professional development.
In line with the above basic values, the following general principles have been
delineated to guide and inspire counsellors toward high ethical ideals of the counselling
profession.
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3.2 Principles
Principle 1 : Interest of Clients
Counsellors should seek to safeguard the interest and well-being of their clients, and
be alert to guard against personal, financial, social, organizational or political factors
that might lead to misuse of their influence. They are expected to take reasonable
precautions to protect their clients from physical, emotional, or psychological trauma.
Counsellors should be aware of the possible undesirable effect of their own physical
and mental health on their competence to help their clients. They are also expected to
consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to serve the
best interests of their clients.
Principle 2 : Responsibility
Counsellors should be aware of their professional responsibilities to society and to the
specific communities in which they work, as they establish trustful working
relationship with their clients. They should uphold professional standards of conduct,
clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for
their behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of interest that could lead to exploitation
or harm. They are obliged to receive regular and adequate supervision so as to ensure
their professional performance and accountability.
Principle 3 : Integrity
Counsellors should promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science,
teaching and practice of counselling. They should strive to maximize benefits and
minimize harm in all situations. They should also ensure themselves, as well as their
clients, understanding of the purpose, process and boundaries of their counselling
relationship.
Principle 4 : Justice
Counsellors should recognize that all persons are entitled to fairness and justice when
benefiting from the contributions of counselling. They should exercise reasonable
judgment and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the boundaries of
their competence, and the limitations of their expertise do not lead to or condone unjust
practices. Justice should also be maintained in the counselling process, procedures and
services being conducted by counsellors.
Principle 5 : Respect
Counsellors should respect the dignity, worth, self-determination and rights of their
clients. Special safeguards may be necessary to protect the interest and well-being of
persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making.
They should provide professional service non-judgmentally and non-discriminatively,
showing full awareness of and genuine respect to their clients’ individual differences
arising from age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disabilities, socio-
economic status, ethnicity, religion and political stances.

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 Principle 6 : Confidentiality
Counsellors should strive to protect the privacy of their clients as well as other persons
concerned in accordance with the existing Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance in Hong
Kong. They should take all precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality in the
course of counselling. The information disclosed by clients to their counsellors should
be kept strictly confidential by counsellors, unless there are ethical or legal concerns
such as in the case of a suicidal attempt. Counsellors should let their clients know the
limitations to confidentiality rising from within the counselling process.

(4) Professional Practice

4.1 Mode of Service
Conventionally, counsellors conduct on-site face-to-face interviews with their clients,
either individually or as a group, throughout the counselling process. This is still the
most widely adopted and preferred mode.
Over the past decades, with the development of information and communications
technology, technology-assisted distance counselling services such as telephone and
online counselling have been developed and used.
In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic has restricted the services rendered by counsellors.
Counsellors may work from home; clients may not be able to attend schools.
Counsellors have increasingly used online or a mixed mode of counselling in providing
service to their clients, so as to protect themselves as well as their clients from the risk
of being infected.
It is understandable and acceptable for counsellors to provide telephone and online
counselling services to their clients, especially in crisis situation or under circumstance
in which face-to-face interviews are not feasible or advisable. Nevertheless, no matter
which mode of counselling service is used, the counsellor should duly observe the basic
requirements as stated in the Code.
4.1.1 Individual Counselling
As the basic mode of providing counselling service, individual counselling is
conducted by a counsellor with a client, through face-to-face interviews and activities,
inside an interviewing room or enclosed area to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
This mode could facilitate the counsellor to pick up non-verbal cues, to show empathy
and reassurance, as well as to build up trustful working relationship with the client.
4.1.2 Group Counselling
Group counselling is another common mode used by counsellors, as a means for
helping their clients to make changes in their attitude towards themselves and others,
as well as their feelings and behaviours. Counsellors conduct conjoint interviews with
two or more of their clients, in which group dynamics among them could be identified

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and intervened. The clients involved are normally in close relationship such as a couple,
or have common problems such as stress and loss.
Group counselling could be conducted to meet the needs of special populations such as
children, college students and elderly persons. To the extent possible, counsellors select
members whose needs and goals are compatible with the goals of the group, who will
not impede the group process, and whose well-being will not be jeopardized by the
group experience.
4.1.3 Telephone Counselling
Telephone or hotline counselling service has been pilot run and gradually developed
by various organizations in Hong Kong since the early 1970s. Counselling is rendered
over the phone in certain settings, such as territory-wide crisis centres, at certain time
such as mid-night, and for certain clientele such as youth at risk.
There are unique advantages in using telephone counselling. Basically, it could
facilitate persons with needs or problems to seek help and counselling, as it is more
convenient, easily accessible, and free from stigma.
Yet, there are also limitations and undesirable effects in telephone counselling,
especially when the client is unwilling to disclose his/her identity and/or contact means.
It is not uncommon that counsellors receive fraud help-seeking and indecent calls.
Difficulties in maintaining privacy and confidentiality is another familiar challenge to
counsellors. Prior consent from the client has to be sought before the counselor records
electronically the conversation with the client.
4.1.4 Online Counselling
Online counselling refers to the use of information and communications technology by
counsellors to render professional services to their clients, in written, audio or video
forms, through internet platforms and the social media. This could be a useful way for
counsellors to give useful information and consultation to their clients, as well as to
help them deal with less complicated psychological problems.
However, there are certain limitations on this new mode of service. Firstly, online
counselling may or may not be appropriate for some clients who need more
comprehensive assessment, such as new intakes and those at unstable emotional or
mental state. Secondly, counsellors might not be able to make an accurate assessment
through non-verbal communication, and have difficulties in providing in-depth
intervention in helping clients deal with more complicated emotional or mental health
problems. Lastly, counsellors might encounter difficulties in engaging and helping
clients through electronic media and disembodied process in which counsellors could
not have adequate control.
There are also certain potential risks in online counselling. Technical problems and
system failure could occur unexpectedly at any time during the online counselling
process, thus causing disruption or misunderstanding in communication. The dialogue
between counsellors and clients might possibly be accessed, interrupted or misplaced
by unauthorized persons. Counsellors should take precaution to ensure the access to

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stable internet connection as well as normal functioning of the hardware, software, and
security system being used, and have a contingency plan such as stopping and re-
scheduling the session.

4.2 Counselling Process

4.2.1 Intake and Informed Consent
At the beginning of the first counselling session, counsellors should brief their clients
clearly and develop a written contract with clients. Counsellors also explicitly explain
to clients the nature of all services provided. Counsellors inform clients about issues
such as, but not limited to, the following: the purposes, goals, techniques, procedures,
limitations, potential risks and benefits of services, as well as their qualifications,
credentials, and relevant experience. Counsellors take steps to ensure that clients
understand the implications of diagnosis, the intended use of tests and reports, fees, and
billing arrangements.
Clients should have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a
counselling relationship, and need adequate information on the counselling process and
their counsellors. Counsellors have an obligation to review, in writing and verbally with
their clients, the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Informed consent is an
ongoing part of the counselling process, and counsellors appropriately document
discussion of informed consent throughout the counselling process.
When counselling minors or persons are unable or incapable to give voluntary consent
to receive services, counselors should seek the consent of their guardian and include
them in decision making as appropriate. Counsellors recognize the need to balance the
ethical rights of clients to make choices, their capacity to give consent or assent to
receive services, and parental or familial legal rights and responsibilities to protect
clients and make decisions on their behalf.
Counsellors should reassure clients that the counselling process could be terminated
whenever the clients feel inappropriate.
4.2.2 Assessment and Counselling Plan
Counsellors make assessment on the presenting and underlying problems of their
clients. Counsellors and clients work jointly in devising counselling plans that offer
reasonable promise of success and are consistent with clients’ abilities and
circumstances.

4.2.3 Record Keeping

Counsellors create records of their work with clients, to the extent these records are
under their control with regard to dissemination, storage, maintenance, security, use,
and disposal, in order to facilitate the subsequent provision of services by themselves
or by other professionals, allow for replication of research; meet institutional
requirements, and ensure compliance with the law particularly the Personal Data
(Privacy) Ordinance in Hong Kong.

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Counsellors maintain records necessary for rendering professional services and as
required by law, regulations, or agency or institutional procedures. Counsellors include
sufficient and timely documentation in their clients’ records so as to facilitate the
delivery and continuity of needed services, as well as evaluation on the appropriateness
of the process used and the work done. Counsellors take reasonable steps to ensure that
documentation in records accurately reflects clients’ progress and services provided. If
errors are made in the records, counsellors take steps to properly note the correction of
such errors according to agency or institutional policies.

Counsellors maintain confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and

disposing records under their control, whether these are written, automated, or in any
other medium. If confidential information is entered into databases or systems of
records available to persons whose access has not been consented to by the recipient,
counselors use coding or other techniques to avoid the inclusion of personal identifiers.
They obtain permission from clients or their legal representatives prior to making voice
or image recording using electronic or other means.
Counsellors store records following termination of services to ensure reasonable future
access, maintain records in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance in
Hong Kong, and dispose of client records and other sensitive materials in a manner that
protects client confidentiality. They ensure that records are kept in a secure location
and that only authorized persons have access to these records.
Counsellors provide reasonable access to records and copies of records when requested
by competent clients in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance in
Hong Kong. Counsellors limit the access of clients to their records, or portions of their
records, only when there is compelling evidence that such access would cause harm to
the client. Counsellors document the request of clients and the rationale for withholding
some or all of the record in the files of clients. In situations involving multiple clients,
counsellors provide individual clients with only those parts of records that are directly
related to them and do not include confidential information related to any other client.
Counsellors make plans in advance to facilitate the appropriate transfer of records.
Unless exceptions to confidentiality exist, the counsellor obtains written permission
from clients to disclose or transfer records to legitimate third parties. Steps are taken to
ensure that receivers of these records are sensitive to their confidential nature.
Counsellors take reasonable precautions to protect confidentiality of their clients in the
event of their termination of practice, incapacity, or death.
4.2.4 Review and Evaluation
Counsellors and clients regularly review the counselling plan and process to assess their
continued viability and effectiveness, respecting the freedom of choice of clients.
Counsellors periodically review the progress of their clients, as well as the extent to which their
counselling plans have been implemented and the outcome, making appropriate modification
as and when necessary.

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4.2.5 Continuation, Transferral, Referral or Termination
Based on the result of the review and evaluation, counsellors assist in making
appropriate arrangements for the continuation of treatment, when necessary, during
interruptions such as vacations, illness, and following termination.

When counsellors transfer or refer their clients to other practitioners, they ensure that
appropriate clinical and administrative processes are completed, and that open
communication is maintained with both the clients and the practitioners.

In case a counsellor finds it unable to be of professional assistance to his/her client,

he/she should avoid entering or continuing the counselling relationship. The counsellor
is supposedly knowledgeable about culturally and clinically appropriate referral
resources and could suggest these alternatives to the client. If the client declines the
suggested referrals, the counsellor should discontinue the counselling relationship.

A counsellor terminates a counselling relationship with his/her client when it becomes

reasonably apparent that the client no longer needs the counselling service, is not likely
to benefit from, or is being harmed by continued service. The counsellor may terminate
the counselling relationship when in jeopardy of harm by the client or another person
with whom the client has a relationship, or when the client do not pay fees as agreed
upon. The counsellor provides pre-termination counselling and recommends other
service providers wherever appropriate.

4.3. Counselling Relationship

4.3.1 Roles of Counsellors
When appropriate, counsellors advocate at individual, group, institutional, and societal
levels to examine potential barriers and obstacles that inhibit access and/or the growth
and development of clients. Counsellors should obtain clients’ consent prior to
engaging in advocacy on behalf of clients to improve the provision of services and to
work toward removal of systemic barriers or obstacles that inhibit clients’ growth and
development.
When a counsellor changes his/her role from that of the original or most recent one
according to the contract made with his/her client, he or she should obtain informed
consent from the client and explain the right of the client to terminate services related
to that change. Examples of role changes include changing from a counsellor to a
researcher role (i.e. enlisting clients as research participants), or vice versa; changing
from a counsellor to a mediator role, or vice versa. Clients must be fully informed of
any anticipated consequences, such as financial, legal, personal, or therapeutic
implications of the role changes.

4.3.2 Multiple Relationships

Multiple relationships refer to situations in which a counsellor is in a counselling role with
his/her client, and at the same time is in another role with the client or another person closely
associated with the client. The counsellor should refrain from entering into a multiple

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relationship if it is envisaged that such relationship would cause undesirable influences to the
client, or impair the counsellor’s objectivity, competence or effectiveness.

4.3.3 Multiple Clients

When a counsellor agrees to provide counselling services to two or more persons in a
relationship (couples, employer and employee, etc.), the counsellor clarifies at the outset which
person or persons are clients and the nature of the relationships the counsellor will have with
each involved person. If it becomes apparent that the counsellor may be called upon to perform
potentially conflicting roles, the counsellor should clarify, adjust, or withdraw from these roles
appropriately.

4.3.4 Interests of Clients

Counsellors encourage client growth and development in ways that foster the interest
and welfare of clients and promote formation of healthy relationships. The primary
responsibility of counselors is to respect the dignity and to promote the welfare of
clients.

4.3.5 Self-determination
Counsellors should be aware of their own values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors, and
avoid imposing values that are harmful to the client, former client, or to an individual
significantly involved with the client or former client. Where unintentional harm
occurs, the counselor must show evidence of an attempt to remedy such harm.

4.3.6 Confidentiality and Privacy

Counsellors take every measure to ensure and maintain confidentiality during or after the
counselling process. Counsellors discuss confidential information only in settings in
which they could reasonably ensure privacy of their clients. Counsellors take
precautions to ensure the confidentiality of information stored and/or transmitted
through the use of tele-communication technology.
At initiation and throughout the counseling process, counsellors inform clients of the
limitations of confidentiality and seek to identify foreseeable situations in which confidentiality
must be breached. The information disclosed by the client to the counsellor should be kept
confidential, unless there are ethical or legal concerns such as suicidal attempt, domestic
violence and committing a crime. In exceptional circumstance where there is sufficient
evidence to raise serious concern about the safety or interests of their clients, or about others
who may be threatened by the clients’ behaviour, counsellors may take such steps as are judged
necessary to inform appropriate third parties even without the prior consent of the clients.
Counsellors respect clients’ right to privacy. Counselors solicit private information from clients
only when it is beneficial in the counseling process. The privacy of the clients’ personal
information should also be ensured in accordance with the existing Personal Data (Privacy)
Ordinance in Hong Kong. Unless prior consent from both parties has been sought, no
audio/visual recording or photographs could be taken by the counsellor or the client throughout
the entire counselling process.

Counsellors obtain informed consent from clients for recording, video-recording,

permitting third party observation of the counselling activities, reviewing session

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transcripts, or viewing recordings of sessions with supervisors, faculty members, peers,
or other interested parties within the training environment.
4.3.7 Limitations and Boundaries
Counsellors should not engage in any action that violates or diminishes the civil or legal rights
of their clients. They should not exploit the relationship with their clients for personal
advantage. They should avoid a relationship or commitment that is in conflict with their clients’
interests. Under no circumstances counsellors could engage in sexual activities with their
clients.

4.4. Collaboration with Others

Counsellors are willing to collaborate with other professionals, within their own agencies or
from other organizations, in order to serve their clients better or more effectively, as and when
appropriate.

4.4.1 Collaboration with Colleagues

Counsellors work to develop and strengthen interdisciplinary relations with colleagues
from other disciplines to best serve clients. Counsellors are respectful of other
approaches to counselling services that differ from their own. Counsellors are
respectful of traditions and practices of other professional groups with which they
work.
When counsellors learn that their clients are in a professional relationship with another
counsellor, they should obtain consent from clients in requesting for information.
4.4.2 Collaboration with Other Professionals
Counsellors recognize that the quality of their interactions with colleagues could
influence the quality of services provided to their clients. They work to become
knowledgeable about colleagues within and outside the field of counselling.
Counsellors develop positive working relationships and systems of communication
with colleagues to enhance services to clients.
4.4.3 Inter-disciplinary Teamwork
Counsellors, who are members of inter-disciplinary teams delivering multifaceted
services to clients, keep a focus on how to best serve their clients. They participate in
and contribute to decisions that affect the well-being of clients by drawing on the
perspectives, values, and experiences of the counseling profession and those of
colleagues from other disciplines.
4.4.4 Supportive Network and Resources
Counsellors recognize that support networks hold various meanings in the lives of
clients and consider enlisting the support, understanding, and involvement of others,
such as family members, as positive resources, when appropriate and with consent from
their clients.

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 (5) Professional Competence and Development
5.1 Professional Standards
Counsellors behave in a legal, ethical, and moral manner in the conduct of their
professional work. They are aware that client protection and trust in the profession
depend on a high level of professional conduct. They hold other counsellors to the same
standards and are willing to take appropriate action to ensure that these standards are
upheld.
5.2 Professional Competence
Counsellors endeavor to maintain and develop their professional competence, based on
their professional ethics, knowledge, skills and resources about counselling.
Counsellors recognize and work within the limits of their own professional
competence, as well as to identify and ameliorate conditions which restrict it. They
provide services, supervise or teach in areas only within the boundaries of their
competence, based on their training, supervised practice, consultation, study, or
professional experience.
5.3 Supervision and Training
Whether being employed or engaged in private and independent practice, counsellors recognize
the need to assure competent services and meet professional standards, as well as to seek
personal and professional growth through supervision, consultation, training activities, and
continuing education.
Counselling supervisors and trainers take all reasonable steps to ensure that those working
under their direct supervision or guidance comply with the Code and meet professional
standards.

5.4 Continuing Professional Development

Counsellors undertake ongoing efforts to develop and maintain their professional
competence. Continuing Professional Development (hereinafter referred as CPD) is
important for them to keep abreast of advanced knowledge and skills, as well as in
developing their professional competence and quality of service.
Recognized modes of CPD activities include education, training and practice, as well
as visit, publication, and community service. Different types of CPD activities carry
specified CPD points under the HKPCA scheme of CPD requirement of professional
members.

(6) Conflict of Interest

Counsellors avoid or refrain from taking up a counsellor role when personal, professional or
other interests could be envisaged to impair their own objectivity, competence or effectiveness
in performing that role, or expose the service recipients to harm or exploitation.

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 6.1 Fee-charging and Billing Practice
Counsellors reach an agreement with clients on the fee charges and payment
arrangement before entering into a professional relationship with their clients.
Counsellors should refuse a private fee or other remuneration for rendering services to
persons who are entitled to such services through the counsellors’ employing agency
or institution. If the policy of a particular agency makes explicit provisions for agency
clients to receive counselling services from members of its staff in private practice, the
clients must be informed of other options open to them should they seek private
counselling services from staff members in that agency.
6.2 Bartering
Barter refers to the acceptance of goods, services, or other nonmonetary remuneration
by counsellors from their clients in return for counselling services. Counsellors may
barter only if that counselling relationship is not exploitative or harmful and does not
place the counsellor at an unfair advantage, and if the client requests it, and if such
arrangement is an accepted practice among professionals in the community.
Counsellors consider the cultural implications of bartering and discuss relevant
concerns with clients and document such agreements in a clear, written contract.
6.3 Receiving Gift
Counsellors understand the challenges of receiving gifts from clients and recognize that
in some cultures, small gifts are a token of respect and gratitude. When determining
whether or not to accept a gift from his/her clients, the counsellor take into
consideration the therapeutic relationship, the monetary value of the gift, the client’s
motivation for offering the gift, and his/her own motivation in accepting or declining
that gift, as well as relevant policies of the employing agency/institution.

(7) Handling Ethical Issues

Counsellors incorporate ethical practice into their daily professional work. They are
expected to understand and adhere to the Code. Lack of knowledge or
misunderstanding of an ethical responsibility is not a defense against a charge of
unethical conduct. When uncertain as to whether a particular situation or course of
action may be in violation of the Code, counselors should consult colleagues, other
counsellors, or appropriate authorities who are knowledgeable about the Code.
7.1 Professional Integrity
Counsellors should not claim or imply professional qualifications and status that exceed
those they possess, and be responsible of correcting any misrepresentations by others.
They only use approaches or techniques for which they are qualified by training and
experience.

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7.2 Conflict between Ethics and Legal or Organizational Demand
Counsellors strive to resolve ethical dilemmas with direct and open communication
among all parties involved and seek advice from their colleagues and supervisors as
and when necessary.
If ethical responsibilities conflict with the law, regulations, or other governing legal
authority, counsellors should clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their
commitment to the Code, and take reasonable steps such as seeking legal advice to
resolve the conflict in congruence with the Code.
Similarly, if the demands of an organization with which they are affiliated, or for whom
they are working, are in conflict with the Code, counselors should take the same steps
as stated above.
7.3 Reporting Ethical Violation
When counselors have knowledge that raises doubts as to whether another counsellor
is acting in an unethical manner, they take appropriate action. When they have reason
to believe that the other counselor is violating or has violated an ethical standard, they
should attempt first to resolve the issue informally with the other counsellor if feasible,
provided such action does not violate confidentiality rights that may have been
involved.
If an apparent violation has substantially harmed or is likely to harm a person or
organization substantially, and it is not appropriate for informal resolution or is not
resolved properly, counsellors take further action appropriate for the situation.
Counsellors do not initiate, participate in, or encourage the filing of unwarranted ethical
complaints that are made with reckless disregard or willful ignorance of facts that
would disprove the allegation.
7.4 Dealing with Ethical Complaint
HKPCA has developed and enforced a formal mechanism and guidelines for handling
ethical complaints against it professional members since 2018. Its Membership and
Professional Standards Committee has been empowered by its Council to investigate
and handle these complaints.
The procedures in handling the complaints involve intake, initial investigation, pre-hearing,
hearing, and appeal. Counsellors related to the complaints of unethical conduct are obliged to
cooperate in the filing, investigation, proceedings, and resulting decision of HKPCA. Failure
to cooperate is itself an ethical violation. However, making a request for deferment of
adjudication of an ethical complaint pending the outcome of litigation does not alone constitute
non-cooperation.

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References
American Psychological Association, Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct,
2017
Australian Counselling Association, Code of Ethics and Practice of the Australian Counselling
Association, 2019
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Ethical Framework for the Counselling
Professions, 2018
Code of Ethics, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 2020
Social Workers Registration Board, Code of Practice for Registered Social Workers (Draft
Revised Version), Hong Kong, 2020

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