The Core Competencies:
Domain 8: Collaboration with Other Professionals
A European Psychotherapist is competent to: -
- §8.1: Collaborate with Other Professionals
- 8.1.1: Become familiar with the work of other professionals: which involves – being aware of, and familiar with, the work of other professionals, especially those in the field of mental health (psychiatrists, specialist consultants, clinical psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, psychotherapists, counsellors, psychological therapists, carers, etc.); becoming familiar with the provision of provision of health services, the voluntary and private sector, and related fields; understanding the ‘pathways' or 'routes’ for the patient/clients to be able access local, national & specialist mental health services, via doctors, agency referrals, health insurance, etc.; having a good awareness of the different types of mental health resources and facilities in the area in which one works as a professional; and being aware of any difficulties and issues around access, cost, availability, resources, etc. (see also § 1.1.4)
- 8.1.2: Develop and sustain good working relationships with other professionals: which involves – taking an active role within the professional community; meeting with other professionals on a regular basis, at peer group level, local events, regional forums, symposia, national and professional conferences; where appropriate and relevant, discussing work issues, problems and/or difficulties, and possibilities for collaboration and co-operation; engaging in supervision & intervision appropriately (see also §8); participating effectively in any inter-professional and multi-agency approaches to mental health; exchanging relevant contact information; encouraging and developing a healthy climate of mutual respect and co-operation; identifying resources and networks that could be used to the benefit of the service, practice and thus patient/clients; etc.
- 8.1.3: Communicate effectively with other professionals: which involves – demonstrating effective and appropriate skills in communicating clearly any information, advice, instruction and/or professional opinions to colleagues and other professionals, as well as to patients/clients, their relatives and carers; being aware of, and being able to utilise, different communication skills, non-verbal behaviour and body language, especially where there are differences in education, culture, age, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, ability, and language; being able to communicate clear and open (un-biased) information about different forms of treatment, styles of psychotherapy, approaches and interventions; etc.
- §8.2: Function as a Team Member
- 8.2.1: Be part of a functioning team: which involves (where appropriate) – being clear about specific roles and duties of oneself and other team members; negotiating the delegation of tasks and workloads with other team members; recognising power imbalances and taking collective steps to avoid any exploitation or abuse of these; avoiding, where possible, ‘dual relationships’ and taking active steps to ensure a minimisation of any conflicting roles; helping ensure that the team operates to maximise therapeutic outcomes; reflecting on, and discussing openly, the team’s performance and functioning; establishing frameworks for personal and professional support and obtaining advice, help and supervision, when necessary; behaving in a clear and respectful manner to each other, as well as to patients/clients and all other persons; adhering to an ethical framework and principles of good therapeutic practice; complying with all relevant legislation, codes of practice, professional guidelines and internal operational principles; devising and following policies and strategies for liaising and working with other teams and agencies; etc.
- 8.2.2: React to team member / colleagues’ misbehaviour appropriately: which involves – approaching the colleague, in private and confidentially, with one’s concerns about their professional behaviour, competence, any particular intervention, or any relationship that might lead to a possible misbehaviour, breach of ethical code, disrespect or abuse of power; in the event of further misgivings, or lack of an appropriate response from the colleague, approaching that person’s superior, line manager or person charged with responsibility to investigate such concerns, and ensuring, as far as possible, that this is done without malice and in confidence; following relevant guidelines, ethics and codes of behaviour; not ignoring or tolerating any misbehaviour, abuse of power, disrespect or prejudice; etc.
Footnote:
[1] All these Core Competencies should be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of the EAP Statement of Ethical Principles (see Appendix 6 (see here) or the EAP website (see here)
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