Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi

                                   CENTRE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

       VALUES AND WORKING PRINCIPLES

The Psychological Counselling and Guidance Application and Research Centre at Konya Technical University adopts values and ethical working principles that are consistent with the ethical principles of the Turkish Association of Psychological Counselling and Guidance (TPDR) and the Turkish Psychological Association (TPD), as well as with our university’s mission, vision and quality approach. The principles set out below form the foundation of our centre’s entire service philosophy and are upheld in all activities:

DOING GOOD AND AVOIDING HARM

In all the services provided by our centre, the well-being of clients is prioritised and the aim of promoting their benefit is fundamental. Psychological counsellors employ methods and interventions that contribute to clients’ development and well-being. Any attitudes, approaches or practices that could cause physical, psychological, social or academic harm to clients are avoided. The services provided are delivered in accordance with ethical principles, professional standards and scientific evidence.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND RESPECT FOR PRIVACY

All counselling services at our centre are conducted in accordance with the principle of confidentiality. Information shared by clients is not disclosed to third parties, except where required by law or within ethical boundaries. Situations that may compromise confidentiality (such as a risk of the client harming themselves or others) are explained to the client in advance. The content of sessions may only be used for scientific or educational purposes with the client’s explicit consent. Respect for privacy is a fundamental condition for clients to be able to express themselves in a safe environment.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

Participation in the psychological counselling services offered at our centre is based on the principle of voluntariness. The client participates in the process of their own free will and has the right to decide whether to continue with the sessions or not. Compulsory referrals or coercive elements are contrary to ethical principles. No procedure is carried out against the client’s wishes; the process is shaped in accordance with the client’s preferences and consent.

INTEGRITY

Honesty, reliability and ethical responsibility are prioritised in all counselling processes. Before the counselling process begins, students are provided with clear information regarding the process, the limits of confidentiality, how data will be used, and the rights of the client. The scope, limitations and potential outcomes of the service are communicated clearly and accurately. The psychological counsellor accurately reflects their professional identity, education, experience and competencies; misleading or deceptive practices are avoided in the relationship established with the client.

COMPETENCE

Psychological counsellors and psychologists provide services only within the areas in which they have received training and are competent. Awareness of professional boundaries is fundamental in all activities conducted at the centre. Where necessary, the client is referred to the relevant specialist. Professionals are obliged to continuously update their knowledge and skills and to pursue their professional development.

PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESPONSIBILITY

All services provided at our centre are conducted in accordance with professional ethical principles, scientific evidence and current professional standards. Only methods and approaches with proven scientific validity are used in practice. We avoid practices that could harm the client, lack a scientific basis, or are ethically objectionable. The principles of professional care, scientific accuracy and ethical responsibility are upheld, with the client’s best interests at heart.

EQUALITY AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Our centre provides its services to all individuals in an equal, fair and inclusive manner. We do not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of gender, language, religion, ethnic origin, disability, socio-economic status or any other differences. We uphold respect for human rights and the principles of equality and justice in all our work.

EMPATHY AND TOLERANCE

Psychological counsellors and psychologists adopt an understanding, accepting and non-judgemental attitude towards clients in all circumstances. It is essential to approach the client’s feelings, thoughts and experiences with sensitivity, and to base our approach on empathy, kindness and tolerance. Individual differences (cultural, social, personal) are accepted with respect, and diversity is viewed as a source of richness. Clients’ values are not belittled, nor are their life experiences judged; a safe and supportive relationship environment is provided throughout the counselling process.

TRANSPARENCY

Our centre embraces the principle of transparency in all its work. Clients and stakeholders are informed about processes in a clear and understandable manner; boundaries of confidentiality, data usage and client rights are clearly communicated. Easy access to information regarding services is provided, and our activities are conducted transparently through regular reporting.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Centre considers it its duty to support the mental health of the community as well as individual well-being. Psychological counsellors and psychologists take the public good into account when providing their services; they bear the responsibility of sharing scientific knowledge with the community and contributing to activities that protect and promote mental health.