Ethical Guidelines – The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria

Ethical Guidelines at the (CICN)

Ethical Guidelines at the Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (CICN)

Upholding Integrity. Protecting Clients. Elevating the Counseling Profession.

At the Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, ethics forms the foundation upon which our entire profession stands. As the premier institution championing the growth, regulation, and recognition of counseling in Nigeria, we understand that true professionalism is measured not only by competence, but by character. Our Ethical Guidelines reflect this belief, providing a clear framework that empowers counselors to practice with integrity, compassion, and accountability.

In a world where individuals and families are increasingly turning to counseling for healing, clarity, and emotional stability, the responsibility placed on mental health practitioners has never been greater. Ethical lapses can cause deep harm, erode public trust, and undermine the credibility of our field. This is why CICN takes ethics seriously, not as a formality, but as a living, breathing culture that guides every interaction, decision, and professional relationship.

Our Ethical Guidelines are designed to:

Protect the welfare and dignity of clients, ensuring they receive competent, respectful, and confidential care.
Provide counselors with a dependable decision-making compass, especially in complex or emotionally charged situations.
Promote transparency and accountability within counseling practice, education, and supervision.
Foster a culture of respect, cultural sensitivity, and non-discrimination across all counseling contexts.
Strengthen the integrity and public trust placed in counseling professionals in Nigeria and around the world.

At CICN, every counselor, trainee, supervisor, and partner is expected to embody these standards. They are not optional guidelines but essential commitments, the values that distinguish a CICN-trained professional from the rest. By adhering to them, we collectively build a safe, ethical, and reputable counseling ecosystem that prioritizes humanity above all else.

Whether you are a student beginning your professional journey, a seasoned practitioner refining your expertise, or an organization partnering with our institution, these guidelines serve as a shared foundation. They remind us that ethical excellence is not a destination, but a continuous pursuit, one that requires self-awareness, accountability, and an unwavering dedication to those we serve.

Welcome to the ethical backbone of the counseling profession.
Welcome to a community where standards shape character and character shapes impact.
Welcome to CICN, Empowering Minds, Unlocking Professionalism.

Request our code of ethics & professional conduct handbook by sending an email to admin@thecicn.org

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The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria is a reputable Counseling Institute, the first of its kind in Africa; affiliated with other professional educational Institutions, Associations, and bodies both in Nigeria and Internationally.