Code of Ethics
The standards under which every member operates.
Signed by every practitioner on certification, reviewed every two years, and the basis on which any complaint to the Association is heard.
01 · Basic principles
- ·We work to maintain a shame-free, non-judgmental environment for and with participants and clients.
- ·As a general rule, we do not direct the work. We allow the participant to choose where they want to go.
- ·When working with groups, we always facilitate with a partner. In mixed-gender groups, this partnership consists of a man and a woman.
- ·As a general rule, we do not role-play a support person for a participant — to keep our facilitator function distinct from the people in their actual life.
- ·We work in accordance with our own competence and the participant's needs.
02 · The limits of our work
- ·We do not work with a participant who is considering suicide. We refer to professional support.
- ·As a general rule we do not work with someone actively alcoholic or seriously drug-addicted. We recommend they get clean first.
- ·We are not trained as sex or trauma therapists. We refer to specialists when that is what the work requires.
03 · Professional standards
- ·We re-certify every two years.
- ·We continue our own personal work. At a minimum, every two years, every certified practitioner is themselves facilitated by another certified shadow work practitioner.
- ·Regular external supervision is highly recommended, and most practitioners use one.
- ·If a complaint is received, we consult Shadow Work mentors and trainers and abide by their disciplinary process.
- ·We maintain adequate professional insurance in the countries where we practise.
04 · Relationships with clients and participants
- ·We do not use the relationship for our own advantage or benefit beyond the agreed services.
- ·We respect the client's right to terminate the work at any point.
- ·We maintain consciousness of the power differential and of bonding patterns, and take responsibility for our part.
- ·We do not begin a new romantic or sexual relationship with a client — or discuss the possibility of one — for a minimum of six months after the work has concluded. After six months, we first discuss the situation with another certified shadow work practitioner and, if appropriate, with a supervisor.
- ·We maintain confidentiality around a client's identity, issues, and work. Disclosure without consent occurs only where the law requires it or where it is necessary to prevent crime or serious harm — and only what is relevant.
05 · Relationships with colleagues
- ·We deal with our own interpersonal issues with colleagues directly.
- ·We respect a client's former facilitators. We do not undermine trust in prior shadow work undertaken with others.
- ·We maintain transparent and clear professional relationships within the Shadow Work community.
This Code is the working document under which every Association member practises. To raise a concern about a practitioner — or to ask any question about the Code itself — please contact the Association directly.