Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Expectations

For Continuing Education Programs and Online Learning Environments

Purpose and Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in, facilitating, instructing, or otherwise engaging in continuing education (CE) programs offered by Counsel Connect (hereafter referred to as “Participants”). This includes self-paced home study programs, online workshops, discussion spaces, assessments, and any interactive components associated with Counsel Connect educational offerings.

Counsel Connect is committed to providing a professional, respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free learning environment that supports ethical learning, intellectual exchange, and professional development.

Participation in Counsel Connect CE programs constitutes agreement to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Standards of Professional Conduct

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional and ethical standards applicable to licensed mental health professionals and trainees. Conduct should reflect respect for instructors, fellow participants, and the educational process.

Unacceptable Conduct

The following behaviors are not permitted in any Counsel Connect learning environment:

  • verbal aggression, hostility, or confrontational behavior toward instructors or participants;

  • harassment, intimidation, or cyber-stalking in any form;

  • use, display, or distribution of sexually explicit, violent, or offensive imagery or language;

  • unauthorized recording, screen capturing, reproduction, or distribution of course content;

  • persistent disruption of educational activities, including repeated interruptions or refusal to comply with facilitator guidance;

  • unsolicited sexual advances or inappropriate personal communications;

  • conduct that dismisses, targets, or disregards the impact of words or actions on individuals from marginalized or protected communities;

  • refusal to engage in respectful dialogue, repair efforts, or behavioral redirection following facilitator intervention;

  • continued disruptive or aggressive behavior despite clear guidance or warnings;

  • encouraging, supporting, or enabling any of the behaviors listed above.

These standards apply equally to written, verbal, and digital interactions, including discussion boards, chat features, breakout sessions, and private messages associated with Counsel Connect programs.

Enforcement and Consequences

Counsel Connect reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct. Actions may include, but are not limited to:

  • removal from a course or learning environment,

  • termination of access to course materials,

  • withholding or revocation of certificates of completion,

  • denial of future enrollment in Counsel Connect programs,

  • referral to appropriate authorities when required by law.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in removal without refund.

Confidentiality Expectations in Educational Settings

Counsel Connect CE programs are educational in nature and do not constitute therapy, supervision, or clinical services. While participants may choose to share professional reflections or learning-related experiences, such disclosures are for educational purposes only.

Participants are expected to respect the privacy of others and to treat personal or professional information shared during programs as confidential within the educational setting.

Important Limitations of Confidentiality

  • Educational discussions are not legally protected under HIPAA or other clinical confidentiality statutes.

  • Participants should exercise professional judgment and avoid sharing identifying client information or sensitive personal details.

  • Information shared by participants may not be disclosed outside the course environment without explicit permission from the individual who shared it.

Confidentiality expectations extend to breakout groups, discussion forums, practice exercises, and peer interactions.

Legal and Ethical Exceptions

Disclosure of information may be required if non-disclosure would result in foreseeable harm or violate legal or ethical obligations. In such circumstances, safety and compliance with applicable laws and professional standards take precedence.

Participants remain responsible for adhering to the ethical standards and confidentiality requirements of their respective licensing boards and professional organizations.

Acknowledgment

By enrolling in or participating in Counsel Connect continuing education programs, Participants acknowledge their responsibility to uphold this Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Expectations. These standards exist to ensure a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment for all participants.