Ethics & Professional Standards

Before participation, people need enough balanced information to decide freely. During an experience, their authority over their own involvement remains intact.

• The purpose, format, likely experiences, relevant limitations and available alternatives are explained as clearly as the context allows.
• You may begin, continue, adapt, pause, decline or stop an activity without pressure, punishment or the need to defend your decision.
• A previous yes never removes your right to change your mind, and uncertainty is a reason to slow down rather than push through.

The facilitator is responsible for holding the structure of the work, attending to power differences and keeping personal needs out of the participant’s or group’s process.

• Andrew’s guiding position is direct: “I’m here to facilitate, not participate.”
• Touch, demonstrations, personal disclosure, contact outside the offering and any overlapping relationship require explicit boundaries.
• Professional power remains relevant before, during and after an event or working relationship, including when a participant feels close, grateful or emotionally open.

Pace, choice, communication and the possibility of overwhelm are considered throughout. The scope of each retreat, event, consultation or training is described without presenting personal development as specialist treatment.

• Retreats and educational events are not presented as psychotherapy, medical care or treatment for complex trauma.
• Suitability, relevant contraindications and the limits of available support should be visible before participation.
• When a person’s needs fall outside the offering, responsible practice includes recommending appropriately qualified support.

Confidentiality expectations are established for professional teams and participants. Privacy also includes how registration information, personal disclosures, images and communications are handled.

• People are not required to disclose private material merely to prove engagement or readiness.
• Operational information is not treated as automatic permission for marketing; promotional communication requires a separate, clear choice.
• Any legal or practical limits to confidentiality should be stated rather than hidden behind an absolute promise.

Responsibility includes ongoing education, reflective practice and seeking consultation or supervision when the work calls for it. Difficult moments should be examined rather than explained away.

• Mistakes and ruptures require honest attention, proportionate action and a willingness to repair what can responsibly be repaired.
• Concerns about another event professional should be addressed through the established ethical and grievance pathways.
• Andrew’s completed third-party accountability process remains publicly disclosed below as part of this commitment to transparency.

A practical event matter may begin with Andrew’s team. A formal grievance, a concern involving Andrew or a matter requiring greater independence can be taken to Safe Mediation.

• Questions, discomfort and concerns can be raised without waiting until every detail is certain.
• The published complaints and grievance procedure distinguishes operational complaints from formal ethical grievances.
• The procedure includes a commitment against retaliation for raising a concern in good faith.