The American Academy of Psychotherapists (AAP) is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that develops the person of the therapist through authentic interpersonal engagement. To that end, and through a shared community responsibility, we are committed to providing a respectful environment for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, religious or political affiliation, ability status, age, size or appearance or other personal characteristics.

AAP as represented by its Executive Council (EC), has ratified this Professional Environment Policy (PEP). This is considered a living document, subject to AAP community feedback and ongoing development.

AAP values authentic, enlivening process and connection in which interpersonal development can thrive. Ruptures are inevitable. The relational work we do frequently leads to triggering and painful feelings that are part of growth experiences. In an interaction, what is experienced by one person as a misunderstanding may be experienced by the other as traumatic pain. In fact, the individual who feels mistreated in an interaction may, at a later point in time, find themselves accused of wrongful treatment by another individual.

This policy is intended to help our community move away from reactivity and toward reflection and responsiveness, with clear processes for all parties to work toward repairing relational ruptures, as well as prevention and corrections of harmful behavior.

Protection of the personal boundaries of others is a shared responsibility upheld through the practice of informed consent. The consent between participants must be clear, current, explicitly stated, sober, uncoerced, and reversible. This policy is intended to protect safety and growth for members and participants alike.

It is expected that participants in AAP-sponsored events and activities work to uphold an ethos of mutual respect, non-violence, non-discrimination, and anti-racism. Developing understanding and sensitivity to the complexities and blind spots that exist within and between us as we interact is vital to our growth as therapists. Ongoing education and training around diversity, personal boundaries, and ethics will occur to bolster professional development and safety of the community. AAP’s Outside PEP Consultant (OC) will also work with our organization to support cultural progress.

The PEP policy applies to all AAP participants: AAP members and non-member attendees at AAP functions, presenters, volunteers, AAP central office personnel, contractors, and consultants. The PEP applies across all venues where a meeting is conducted under the aegis of AAP, including but not limited to national meetings, regional meetings, and salons.

Dangerous, threatening, or exploitative harmful behavior toward others by an AAP member or participant at an AAP event will not be tolerated and may result in action(s) taken with individuals who engage in this behavior. Behavior that is harmful, threatening, or exploitative toward others by an AAP member or participant at an AAP event is destructive. and may result in curative or disciplinary action.

Harmful and unprofessional interpersonal behaviors may include but are not limited to:

• Discriminatory, denigrating, or prejudicial communications related to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religious or political affiliation, ability status, age, size or appearance, or other personal characteristics.
• Intimidation, harassment, or stalking of another, in person or online.
• Derogatory communications carried out in the context of AAP, including demeaning verbal and physical behaviors toward a participant.
• Photography or recording without explicit permission including posting photos from events without verbal consent to social media, or official AAP newsletter or brochure.
• Heckling or sustained interruption and disruption of a group process.
• Unwelcomed, uninvited touch, groping, physical assault, or sexual assault.
• Real or implied threat of physical harm or threat of financial harm and damage.
• Retaliation for reporting unethical and harmful behavior.
• Accusing a member in public, in person or online, without first trying to go through the protocols in this PEP or trying to speak to that person if they feel safe to do so.
• Inappropriate behavior related to substance use during an AAP event

Responding To and Reporting Harmful Behavior

Persons who experience harm may consider whether they can communicate directly with the person who said or did something hurtful or get help from colleagues to communicate their experience.

• Individuals and dyads may seek consultation and mediation from trusted peers whom they choose, to help relationships work toward effective communication and repair.
• Access support resources at live AAP meetings to get help feeling safe or to respond constructively.
• Engage a more thorough organizational response by submitting a PEP report.

On-site immediate support resources include two first responder OMBUDS designated by the event Chairs, will be available onsite at every in-person conference to assist and consult with individuals about taking steps to feel safe for the duration
of the event. Ombuds’ contact information will be provided to attendees at the start of each AAP sponsored event.
Ombuds are empowered by AAP to take steps including but not limited to:

• Providing a support person to escort or check in with the person during the meeting.
• Finding an accommodation at a different table, workshop, or group for either party without warning or refund.
• Confronting a behavior with the permission of the person who feels aggrieved so that it
  does not escalate or repeat for the remainder of the meeting
• In cases of emergency calling venue security or 911 and communicating with the President and the Chair of the PEP Consultation Committee (PEPCC) or designated PEPCC member.

An AAP member who has experienced harm that outweighs what is handled and resolved during an event may also choose to submit a formal PEP report at www.aapweb.com/report

They may direct their report to the PEPCC or Outside PEP Consultant (OC). Our OC is contracted by the President with EC’s approval to offer a confidential reporting process to participants who feel uncomfortable making an internal report. A PEP report must be filed within 12 months following the incident.

After receiving a PEP report, a member of the PEPCC, or the OC will interview the reporter as well as the other individuals involved in the possible violation of the PEP, including witnesses in some cases. The reporting party’s identity will be kept confidential, until the time that they consent to engage others as needed, including the person who caused the grievance, the PEPCC, Consultant, and Executive Officers Committee (ExCom). The PEPCC includes members serving on AAP’s Personal Boundaries, Anti-racism, and Ethics Committees as well as other long-term members chosen and vetted by the Committee. Current members can be found here. [hyperlink to PEP page] ExCom members include the current, and past and incoming presidents, treasurer and secretary. If an individual has concerns about members of the PEPCC or ExCom because of perceived conflicts of interest, they may request those persons to recuse themselves. It is also expected that anyone serving on the PEPCC or ExCom who finalizes the corrective actions to be taken, who perceives a conflict of interest with either party will recuse themselves. The minimum number of PEPCC members must be 3 to deliberate effectively.

After the initial interview process, the PEP case will be reviewed in a timely manner (60-90 days). The PEPCC will communicate with the President about active reports once the reporter has consented to a release of their confidentiality.

AAP’s Responsibilities

In cases in which official actions from AAP are recommended by the PEPCC, ExCom (minus any Members who are recused because of conflicts of interest), will meet to review the case and PEPCC recommendations. ExCom will determine whether to support, or refine, or choose no action regarding PEPCC’s recommendations, and will communicate with the PEPCC about their decisions prior to communicating with the parties involved in the report. The President or a designated member of ExCom will communicate in writing to the reporter and responder.

These may include:

• Issuing a verbal or written reprimand
• Instituting a requirement of remedial supervision, training, or therapy.
• Limiting rights to participate in AAP activities for a specified time, including specified
  remedial actions.
• Setting conditions for or suspending members or non-member attendees from participating in AAP activities for a designated time.
• Taking no action
• Or terminate a member’s membership

The reporter or respondent who was found to have violated the PEP may file a petition in response to the recommendations with a concise 250-word objection to the conclusions to ExCom. Petitions will be reviewed and responded to in writing within 30 days of receipt by ExCom, their decision concerning the PEP case will be final. The final documents including the PEPCC recommendations and ExCom’s written response will be kept in a confidential digital file for a period of five years by the Executive Director (ED) with access by the PEP Chair and the President.

Contact information for the PEP Chair, Elena Scher: Phone: 512-745-5927 Email: Elenaschertherapist@gmail.com

Contact information for Outside Consultant, Dorothy Holmes: Phone: 202-812-2524 Email: Crescent@gwu.edu

PEP Reporting Form QR format:

https://bit.ly/AAPPEPReports