Codes of ethics are best described as

• A. List of General Principles That Reflect Commonly Held Values in a Profession
• B. Binding legal requirement
• C. A set of art techniques
• D. An enforcement policy

Answer: (A)

Codes of ethics express general principles that reflect the profession’s commonly held values and standards for professional conduct. They guide decision-making and behavior with clients, colleagues, and the public, helping therapists navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain integrity. They’re not legal statutes in themselves, though violations can lead to professional sanctions; they are aspirational norms rather than enforceable laws. They’re also not about art techniques or an enforcement policy—the latter is handled by the professional bodies and, when applicable, by licensing authorities.