KEY PHILOSOPHIES, VALUES AND ETHICS
Openness and Opportunity
ORCA Philosophy includes the belief that every person should have access to psychological, emotional and mental health support. ORCA believe that this should be provided free of charge by universal mainstream, health, social care, education and community services. We do not wish to compete with these services and will where, ever possible, explore and signpost you to mainstream services as a first response. However, if such services are not an option for you our aim is to offer an alternative therapeutic option to fill gaps and support people who are unable to offer an alternative therapeutic option to fill gaps and support people who are unable to access the services they need.
ORCA aim to be open about who we are, and to be transparent about the experiences, skills, expertise and services we can offer. It is important to us that people have choices with regard to how they want to be supported and by whom. Please do not hesitate to ask us if you would like to know more about the practitioners who are available to help you.
Income generated by the group is used to fund the operational costs of providing services and any excess income is reinvested within the group to develop improved services. For full details of our service fees please contact: enquiries@orcahealthgroup.co.uk
Relational and Reliable
The systemic approach used places emphasis on relationships within and across many different contexts. These relationships include family, friends, colleagues, etc., plus the wider social and cultural relationships that impact upon people. ORCA believes that an individual's stress, distress, trauma and wellbeing should be considered and supported within a relational context. This should include consideration of the past, present and future in promoting recovery and health. This means that you may be invited to consider inviting significant others to join you in our work together.
Working relationally includes collaboration. ORCA endeavour to work with and alongside people and to minimise power in promoting therapeutic, learning and enabling relationships, within which practitioners and the recipients of our services combine and share their expertise.
As part of this relationship of collaboration, we work within the guidelines of the DATA Protection Act (1998) and the Information Commissioners Office (Registration Number: ZA114911). We will always copy you into any correspondence that we send on your behalf.
In line with standards set with national professional bodies, ORCA Practitioners will meet regularly with a clinical supervisor to share ideas about our work and how we might best be helpful to you.
ORCA believe that everyone has the right and ability to achieve their potential whatever that may be. We will aim to help you build upon your existing strengths and abilities. The Practitioner will explore when you experience distress or difficulty and build upon previous successes or problem free times.
We will regularly invite feedback and evaluation in relation to what we do and what you are finding helpful or unhelpful.
Research and evidence based practice informs all of our service provision and feedback, evaluation, outcome measuring and review are key components of our work.
We will make a written agreement with you detailing our work together and will deliver the services we promise.
Confidentiality and Conduct
All therapeutic conversations and recorded notes will be confidential in line with our Information Governance policy. In situations where two therapists are working with different people with a family, conversations may need to take place as to the best way to proceed, but your permission will always be sought before such a conversation takes place. We will also seek your permission to liaise with other professionals or agencies that may be supporting your family if needed. Such contact is often helpful in ensuring that all the people supporting your family work together and avoid over loading you or offering contradictory, repetitive or confusing advice or guidance.
The only exception to the above would be if we were to become concerned for your safety or the safety of others in line with National Safeguarding policies.
The organisation pledges to operate within the highest standards of ethics and conduct. All of our therapeutic practitioners, therapists, trainers, consultants and supervisors work within the ethical codes of conduct and practice of the Association for Family Therapy (AFT) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). For full details visit: http://www.aft.org.uk/SpringboardWebApp/userfiles/aft/file/Ethics/Code%20Ethics%202013.pdf
http:www.ukcp.org.uk/UKCP_Documents/standards_and_guidance/32_UKCP_Etheral_Principles_and_Code_of_Professional_Conduct_approved_by_BOT_Sept_09.pdf
Accessibility and Anti-discrimination
ORCA's philosophy is that we should value difference and that everyone should be treated with respect, compassion and care. Our practitioners hold a fundamental belief that everyone experiencing emotional or mental distress or difficulty is always doing the best that they can, given their current circumstances and their history. They hold and offer an optimism that helping people to consider and make sense of the present and the influences of the past can offer clues and opportunities for a different and more positive future. Our Therapists offer an empathic, non-judgemental approach in working with and learning with, and alongside people.
We will actively challenge oppressive thinking and action, including abuse, violence and aggression. We believe that people and organisations should not impose negative or harmful power over others. This includes discrimination of any kind.
ORCA Practitioners aim to be flexible and to offer you choices with regard to where we meet with you and when. We hope to minimise any disruption to your home or work life. We would plan to offer you a service for as long as you feel that it is helpful and it is making a positive difference to your life and well-being. We will always want to successfully end our work together as soon as we can; with you having the confidence and strategies to deal successfully with the issues that led to us meeting and working together.
ORCA Associates believe that achieving positive, longer lasting change needs shifts in action, thoughts and feelings. Our aim will be to help you to think, feel and act differently in relation to the issues or difficulties causing you concern.