About Sesame therapists

Standards of ethical practice - for service purchasers

With reference to the notes on 'For clients', those employing a Drama & Movement Therapist are advised to bear the following points in mind.

• The process of therapy is an essentially confidential experience. Clients and their therapists need to be able to work undisturbed in a clean, clear and unobserved space. It is important that they are free to make as much noise as they need to and to be able to work in a room that is not disturbed by the sounds of others.
• It is the employer's responsibility to see documentary proof of the therapist's up-to-date registration with the Health Professions Council. This comes in the form of a certificate issued every two years and a registration number that begins with the letters AS. You can check their registration online by visiting the HPC website (www.hpc-uk.org).
• It is important to be clear about the provisions for public liability insurance and professional indemnity cover. The therapist should be able to show documentary proof of their up to date insurance cover.
• Therapists are required to see a clinical supervisor on a regular basis. This is usually, but not always, another Dramatherapist who has undertaken specialist training in supervision. Clinical supervision is a separate process whereby the therapist takes matters arising from their work so that any difficulties and the therapist's own emotional responses can be heard and processed. There are currently no requirements for the specific number of hours or frequency of supervision sessions laid down by the Sesame Institute or the HPC.
• Therapists are required to be in their own personal therapy and their own group Dramatherapy as part of their initial training. There is no current requirement for therapists to continue in personal therapy once they have completed their training; however, from 2009 the Health Professions Council will require registrants to show evidence of their continuing professional development (CPD).

For clients
Code of ethics