2 ECVET/ECTS / EQF Level 7 / 4th year of study – IDAP
Module Description:
This module provides a fundamental understanding of ethical principles and professional competencies necessary for working with children and adolescents in psychotherapy. The focus is on applying ethical guidelines, protecting children’s rights, setting boundaries in the therapeutic process, and the therapist’s responsibilities in multidisciplinary work. It also addresses the legal and ethical aspects of confidentiality, informed consent, and the obligation to report suspected abuse.
The module includes:
- Ethical Principles in Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents – foundations of professional conduct according to international and European ethical codes.
- Children’s Rights in the Therapeutic Process – The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the principle of the “best interests of the child.”
- Confidentiality and Informed Consent – ethical dilemmas in working with minor clients and communication with parents.
- Setting Boundaries in the Therapeutic Relationship – professional framework of the therapist–client relationship and prevention of dual relationships.
- Therapist’s Responsibility in Child Protection – obligation to report suspected abuse and collaborate with the social protection system.
- Cultural and Gender Specificities in Ethical Practice – recognising and respecting diverse cultural contexts and their impact on therapeutic work.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration – ethical challenges in coordinating with other professionals (psychiatrists, social workers, judiciary, schools).
Learning Outcomes:
Competencies
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
a) Apply ethical standards in psychotherapeutic work with children and adolescents.
b) Understand the rights and needs of the child in the therapeutic process.
c) Practice ethics in multidisciplinary collaboration and uphold responsibility in child protection.
Knowledge
By the end of the module, students will have acquired:
a) Knowledge of international ethical codes and legal regulations related to work with minor clients.
b) Understanding of the concept of confidentiality in accordance with the best interests of the child, informed consent, and reporting obligations concerning child protection.
c) Awareness of the challenges in setting boundaries and maintaining professional integrity in work with children and families.
Skills
By the end of the module, students will develop:
a) The ability to make ethical decisions in work with children and adolescents.
b) The skill to communicate with parents and other professionals in protecting the rights of the child.
c) Competence to recognise and resolve ethical dilemmas in the therapeutic process.
Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies:
The module is assessed through:
– Analysis of ethical dilemmas in working with children and adolescents
– Written essay on the legal and ethical obligations of the therapist
– Group discussion on ethical challenges in psychotherapy
Total Learning Hours:
| Total learning hours: 60 hours | Independent study: 15 hours |
| Contact hours: 40 hours | Assessment of knowledge (examinations and presentations): 5 hours |