Psychotherapeutic Oath

The Corpus Hippocraticum originated in Ancient Greece between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC and is regarded in our culture as the original source of all physicians’ oaths and codes.

Throughout history, this oath often changed, but at the congress of the International Association of Medical Societies in Geneva in 1948, the version now known and used worldwide:

At the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession::

I solemnly pledge to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;

I will show my teachers the respect and gratitude they deserve;

I will practise my profession with conscience and dignity;

The health of my patient will be my first consideration;

I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honour and the noble traditions of the medical profession;

My colleagues will be my sisters and brothers;

I will not allow considerations of age, disease or disability, religion, ethnic origin, sex, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social status or any other factor to interfere between my duty, my duty and my patient;

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life;

I will not use my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.

Geneva Oath

Oath of the Psychotherapy Profession

At the time of being admitted as a member of the psychotherapy and counselling profession, I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of humanity.

I will preserve due gratitude and respect towards my teachers.

I will practise my profession with conscience and dignity.

The health of my client – the child, adolescent, and their family – will be my first consideration.

I will respect the confidences entrusted to me, in accordance with the code of ethics and in the best interests of the child.

I will maintain, by all the means in my power, the honour and noble traditions of the psychotherapy and counselling profession, including collaboration with colleagues aimed at a shared goal.

In fulfilling my duty to the client, I will not be influenced by considerations of religion, nationality, race, education, social status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, political affiliation, or class membership.

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from its very beginning.

I will not permit my psychotherapy and counselling knowledge to be used contrary to the laws of humanity, even under threat.

I make this promise solemnly, freely, and upon my honour.
BHIDAPA and EIATSCYP Assembly, Version 2, 2023.