Consulting is a complex science and the diversity encountered in location, duration and methods creates a universe where not only boundaries are permanently challenged in many ways including the definition of one’s role. Indeed the nature of the consultant’s job is determined not only by a legal frame but as well by contingencies of the athletic set up : athletic programs, clubs, universities, professional contexts are all unique and obey to different regulations, would they be Federal or State defined, but as well culturally and for some Internationally. That complex background leads to often having an undefined and untold expectation towards a consultant that as well could often have other roles in the structure he’s being hired by (Aoyagi et al., 2017 ; Howells, 2014, Watson et al., 2006).
The need to evolve in a “bright lighted room” where all is defined, clear with no place to hide, and this always for the best outcome regarding our patient’s interest is what guides me in the way I provide my services (ACA, 2014). In a practical way, I am a member of the SASP (Swiss Association of Sport Psychology) and its ethical code is what defines the boundaries regarding my practice, with as well the FSP (Federation Suisse de Psychologie) and the Swiss Olympic ethical chart. Subscribing to those associations is a key step in the process of any practitioner that recognizes the need to respect and obey to an ethical foundation. It is a serious and long process with background checks and interviews, and many “mental coaches” don’t observe the need to get affiliated and so feel free to not have that bond to a moral compass and knowledge of the health care nature of our profession. To my view it is a consultant duty to connect with its pairs.
Finally, benevolence and non malificence, major concepts that I keep at the top of my ethical list combined with the importance of answering the client needs compose what I define as my unconditional validating positive regard towards patients and situations create the best possible ground for an integrated ethical identity.
References
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