The following is a work-in-progress, a blend of self-care, legal and ethical issues, with continuing respect for the Higher Self of the client. I have created this because of the pressures of insurance and HMO's, escalating violence, and the need for all our trainees to have support for conscious guiding, with reality-based grounding. I welcome input from others.

The basic tenet of psychosynthesis is "N'ameste" -- I salute the divinity within you," the I-thou relationship growing out of the work of Martin Buber. In psychosynthesis classes, we teach this as governing all our actions -- Right Relations free of hidden agendas and personality projections.

We respect and honor the other, the Higher Self, in each person we work with, and keep this central rather than any diagnostic label or problem they present us with.

Therefore, we treat all client communications as confidential over the phone, in sessions, or in the group. This must also be true of advanced trainees who have been sought out by beginning trainees.

If our counter-transference is awakened, as in "I don't like this person," or "I feel attracted to this client," we have an obligation to do personal work on the issue, and to also bring it to our own therapy or supervision. As in other mental health professions, we seek out supervision for at least the first five to ten years of practice, and for special challenges thereafter. We keep written records brief and to the point. These are required by insurance and help us keep our "map." They can be subpoenaed, so it is best to keep them factual. We engage in continuing education by reading, attending conferences and meetings.

Because of the growing issue of legal liability, we carry malpractice insurance, and also usually do not arrange coverage, as those covering for us are liable. Most clients can arrange their own backup support system with support and planning, and need to know a good, convenient emergency room (which is skilled in crisis and has insurance). Suicide, homicide and child and elder abuse are all legal questions, calling for immediate intervention, documentation and follow-up.

We need to show ourselves the same self-love we teach. By focusing on our body and inner process, we can take care of needs while they are still manageable. When we are sick or injured, we communicate our absence, as well as our needs, to everyone concerned with our practice: supervisor, clients, collaborating colleagues.

If we work at home, or in a relatively deserted office building, we need to create emergency contingency plans and an escape route. Some workshop instructors are advocating careful, detailed, telephone screening of prospective clients, a number you can call if you need assistance, a way out of the office for fire or any risk. Some counselors are using a buddy system in scheduling. When making a referral, it is best to give three or four names, as some litigation has involved the referral source. (In the Psychosynthesis Lifeline referral service we always give four now).

Because we respect and honor those who work with us, we never tell amusing anecdotes about them, joke about them socially, and do not fill personal needs through them (encouraging dependency, delaying "graduation") or failing to refer to someone more appropriate.

As we move into the next century, I firmly believe the attitude and philosophy of psychosynthesis will become increasingly popular as they are so urgently needed. This position paper in progress is an effort to ground us as we update our practices, and I welcome input from all.