Bespoke Members
Introduction
This training explores relational ethics as a lived, co-constructed process between practitioner and client, moving beyond fixed rules. Participants will reflect on values, boundaries, power, and cultural contexts that shape therapeutic relationships. Drawing on research and clinical practice, the session uses vignettes and exercises to address common challenges, including self-disclosure and multiple roles. Emphasis is placed on reflexivity, helping practitioners navigate everyday ethical complexities alongside professional codes and organisational expectations.
The event will be equivalent to 5.1/2hrs of CPD.
Content
This session is designed for practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of ethics as a lived, relational process. Rather than seeing ethics as rules to be applied, this training explores ethics as emerging in the moment, co-constructed between practitioner and client. Participants will examine how values, boundaries, and power dynamics shape the therapeutic relationship.
We will consider how culture, context, and difference invite ongoing ethical reflection.
The session draws on contemporary research and clinical experience to bring relational ethics to life, while case vignettes and reflective exercises will support integration into day-to-day practice. Attention will be given to areas of common challenge such as boundaries, self-disclosure, and managing multiple roles. The training will also emphasise practitioner reflexivity as central to ethical decision-making. Discussion will highlight how relational ethics complements professional codes and organisational requirements.
Learning Objectives
1. Develop understanding of relational ethics as an ongoing, co-constructed process within therapeutic encounters.
2. Explore the influence of values, power dynamics, and boundaries on ethical decision-making in practice.
3. Examine the role of culture, context, and difference in shaping ethical responses.
4. Develop reflexivity as a key tool for navigating complex ethical situations.
5. Apply insights from case vignettes and reflective exercises to everyday clinical practice.
6. Integrate relational ethics with professional codes and organisational frameworks to enhance ethical confidence.
Training Modalities
This session is a cross-modality training in that the aim is to provide a framework for relational ethics in practice across modality, settings and client presenting issues.
Key References
Finlay, L. (2019) Practical Ethics in Counselling and Psychotherapy: A Relational Approach. SAGE
Binstead, C & Sarantakis, N. (2024) Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice. Routledge
Gabriel, L., & Casemore, R. (eds.) Relational Ethics in Practice: Narratives from Counselling and Psychotherapy. Routledge,
Gabriel, L. & Reeves, A. (2024). Navigating Relational Ethics in Day-to-Day Practice. Routledge
McLeod, J. & McLeod, J. (2024). Ethics in Participatory Research on Counselling and Psychotherapy: Justice, Solidarity and Care. Routledge
About the presenter
Professor Andrew Reeves is a leading figure in counselling and psychotherapy in the UK.
He is Emeritus Professor in the Counselling Professions and Mental Health at the University of Chester and Visiting Affiliate Professor at the University of Malta. Andrew is a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, a Senior Accredited Coach and a Registered Social Worker. He has over 40 years’ experience in practice across mental health and higher education settings. His work bridges clinical practice, training, research, and professional leadership. Andrew has written widely on counselling, supervision, suicide, and ethical practice. He is co-author of Working with Risk in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action: 5th Edition, and has recently been involved in re-writing BACP’s Ethical Framework. Relational ethics and practitioner reflexivity are central themes in his current work.
Who should attend
This session is suitable for any practitioner who is interested in the concept or relational ethics in their direct work with clients, as well as broader professional considerations around practice. Relational ethics builds on a collaborative co-constructed approach – where possible – in navigating ethical dilemmas in practice and supports shared decision-making, which sits at the heart of good practice. The session will be applicable for anyone working in social or health care settings, schools, colleges and universities, the third sector, and private practice. It should appeal to counsellors and psychotherapists, social workers, nurses, coaches as well as the full range of people working in the helping professions.