Our Commitment to Clients
All service providers on The Self Care Garden platform—whether coaches, mentors, therapists, or other practitioners—commit to the highest ethical standards to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of clients.
We uphold the following ethical commitments:
1. Putting Clients First
- Clients’ well-being is the primary focus of all sessions.
- Services are delivered in a way that prioritizes the best interests of the client.
- Practitioners will not engage in any form of exploitation, manipulation, or coercion.
2. Professional Standards
- All practitioners work within their scope of competence and experience.
- Continuing professional development and supervision are required to maintain high-quality service.
- Practitioners will maintain accurate and appropriate records while ensuring confidentiality.
3. Respect & Boundaries
- Every client is valued as a unique individual, and practitioners will not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
- Confidentiality and privacy are respected at all times, with clear boundaries on information sharing.
- Practitioners will establish clear agreements with clients regarding the scope, duration, and nature of their work.
4. Integrity & Transparency
- Practitioners communicate their qualifications, experience, and working methods honestly.
- Any conflicts of interest must be disclosed to the client.
- If a practitioner believes a client requires a different form of support (e.g., medical or legal advice), they will make an appropriate referral.
5. Confidentiality & Its Limits
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the practitioner-client relationship. However, there are legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, including situations where disclosure is required by law. Practitioners may break confidentiality in the following circumstances:
- Risk of serious harm to self or others – If a client expresses intent to harm themselves or another person, the practitioner may need to inform emergency services or relevant authorities.
- Child or vulnerable adult safeguarding – If there is a risk of abuse, neglect, or harm to a child or a vulnerable adult, practitioners have a legal and ethical duty to report this.
- Terrorism & criminal activity – Practitioners are legally required to report information related to terrorism, money laundering, or other serious criminal offenses.
- Human trafficking & exploitation – If a practitioner becomes aware of situations involving trafficking, modern slavery, or exploitation, they must report it to the relevant authorities.
- Legal orders & subpoenas – If required by a court order or legal subpoena, a practitioner may have to disclose information to law enforcement or the courts.
- Medicalization & mental health risks – If a client presents symptoms indicating a severe mental health crisis that requires medical intervention, the practitioner may need to involve healthcare professionals to ensure their safety.
Clients will be informed about these limitations before beginning work with a practitioner. Where possible, practitioners will discuss concerns with clients before breaching confidentiality.
6. Accountability & Complaints Procedure
Clients have the right to raise concerns if they feel a practitioner has acted unethically. Complaints can be submitted through [designated contact/email].
Complaint Process:
- Informal Resolution – Clients are encouraged to discuss concerns directly with their practitioner if they feel comfortable doing so.
- Formal Complaint – If unresolved, clients may submit a written complaint detailing their concerns.
- Review & Mediation – The Self Care Garden team will review the complaint and, where appropriate, facilitate mediation.
- Final Resolution – If ethical misconduct is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken, including possible removal of the practitioner from the platform.
We encourage all practitioners and clients to work collaboratively to ensure a safe, supportive, and ethical space for personal growth and healing.