For Trauma-Sensitive Accompaniment
This code of ethics defines the binding principles for all support providers working on the platform. It serves to protect users, ensure high professional standards, and maintain the integrity of the platform. Support does not constitute medical or psychotherapeutic treatment and does not include any promises of healing.
Maintaining professionalism: All support sessions are conducted with respect, appreciation, and full attention.
Truthfulness: Qualifications, competencies, and methodological limitations are stated accurately. No promises regarding treatment success or healing are made.
Continuing education: Professional knowledge in trauma-sensitive support and systemic coaching is kept current through regular training and personal reflection.
Primum nil nocere — First, do no harm: The mental and physical safety of users is the highest priority. No methods that could cause retraumatization or other harm are used.
Stabilization before exploration: Stabilization and resource strengthening are prioritized before any processing of traumatic memories.
Vigilance for overload: Signs of overload or dissociation are actively monitored. Sessions are redirected to safer areas (e.g., resource work) or paused when necessary.
Indication: Each case is assessed to determine whether it can be adequately addressed within the scope of competence and the anonymous online setting. The developmental — not therapeutic — nature of the service is clearly communicated.
Referral obligation: Users are referred to appropriate services (registered psychotherapists, doctors, counseling centers) when a mental illness requiring treatment is identified, when there is acute suicidal behavior or danger to others, or when the concern exceeds the scope of expertise.
Documentation: Every referral is recorded in the platform's internal system — without any content details.
Absolute confidentiality: All information shared during consultations is subject to the strictest confidentiality in accordance with applicable law.
Maintaining anonymity: No attempt is made to determine the identity of users.
Data avoidance: No personal data or conversation content is recorded outside the platform. Any notes required for professional purposes (e.g., supervision) are made completely anonymously.
Responsible handling of dependency: The inherent power imbalance in the support relationship is acknowledged and never exploited. Suggestions that could raise unrealistic expectations are avoided.
No dual relationships: Private, business, or other professional relationships with current users outside the platform are refused.
Self-care: Personal mental health and stability are actively maintained — they are the foundation of professional support.
Reflection and supervision: Regular case supervision organized by the platform is attended, and work is reflected upon in collegial consultation.
Inability to act: If professional duties cannot be fulfilled due to personal stress or life circumstances, activities on the platform are suspended and platform management is informed.
Advertising: The platform and its activities are not promoted in ways that raise unrealistic expectations or jeopardize the anonymity of the setting. Statements that could be interpreted as promises of healing are avoided.
Dealing with criticism: Justified criticism from users, colleagues, or platform management is addressed openly and constructively.
No guarantees: No direct or indirect promises are made to users regarding healing, relief, or improvement of their health.
Realistic representation: The possibilities and limitations of trauma-sensitive support and systemic coaching are communicated transparently and truthfully.
Distinction from therapy: It is clearly communicated that the support is a developmental offer for personal reflection — not a replacement for psychotherapeutic or medical treatment.
Binding recognition: By signing the support contract, this code of ethics is recognized as a binding and integral part of the contractual relationship with the platform.
Disciplinary measures: Violations may result in a written warning, temporary suspension from the platform, or termination of the contractual relationship without notice — depending on severity.
Civil and criminal consequences: The platform reserves the right to claim damages for violations causing financial loss or reputational harm. Violations relevant under criminal law will be reported to the relevant authorities.
Complaints procedure: An ethics committee decides on alleged violations after hearing all parties. Decisions may be appealed with a written statement of reasons.
By signing the companion contract, this code of ethics is acknowledged as binding. Violations may result in disciplinary measures, including termination of cooperation with the platform.