Meet Lenna K. Millar – Your Counsellor

Code of Ethics

At Whanganui Counselling Services, I am committed to providing counselling that is grounded on professionalism, confidentiality, and rooted in integrity. This Code of Ethics reflects the standards and principles I uphold in every aspect of my practice. It reflects my values, what I believe, and my commitment to treat everyone who comes through my door with dignity, transparency, and respect.

1. Respect for Clients

I respect each client’s journey, their identity, beliefs, and their lived experience.

I treat clients with respect, honesty, empathy, and non-judgement.

I support clients to find their voice and discover their truth – not to impose my own.

2. Confidentiality

I maintain strict confidentiality unless there is risk of harm or legal obligation to disclose.

I explain limits to confidentiality clearly from the outset.

3. Informed Consent

I ensure clients are fully informed about the counselling process, including my approach, boundaries, limitations, and their right to withdraw at any time.

I gain consent before commencing counselling or using tools, strategies, or referrals.

4. Professional Conduct

I conduct myself in a way that reflects professionalism, care, and ethical awareness.

I maintain healthy boundaries and ensure relationships remain therapeutic and respectful.

5. Conflict of Interest

I uphold ethical practice by avoiding situations where a conflict of interest exists or could reasonably be perceived. This includes connections with family, friends, or close networks. Where a conflict is identified, I take steps to safeguard the counselling relationship - including referral, if necessary - in alignment with my professional responsibilities.

6. Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity

I acknowledge and respect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the cultural identities of Aotearoa.

I strive for cultural humility, awareness, and inclusiveness in all my practice.

7. Competence & Integrity

I work within the scope of my training, experience, and competency.

I refer clients on when issues arise that are outside my area of practice.

I am honest, transparent, and accountable in my work.

8. Ongoing Learning

I am committed to professional development, reflection, and growth. I am self-taught and resourceful.

I engage in supervision to uphold the quality and ethics of my practice.

9. Self-Awareness & Care

I recognise the importance of my own wellbeing in order to be fully present with clients.

I engage in self-care and seek support when needed to remain grounded and effective.

This Code of Ethics is not just a policy - it is a daily practice. I uphold these principles to ensure that every person I work with feels safe, respected, and empowered. I stand by these values as the foundation of my counselling mahi.

Counsellor’s Rights

As a professional counsellor, I have the right to:

✦ Work Within My Scope
To provide services that are within my area of training, competence, and expertise, and to respectfully decline work outside of this scope. It is not every issue with which I can work.

✦ Maintain Professional Boundaries
To define and maintain clear professional boundaries that support safe, ethical, and effective practice.

✦ Decline or Discontinue Counselling
To refuse or discontinue services if a client is not respecting boundaries, is behaving inappropriately, or if it is clinically or ethically necessary to refer them elsewhere.

✦ Conflict of Interest
I reserve the right to decline or discontinue counselling where I consider there to be a potential or actual conflict of interest. This includes, but is not limited to, situations involving close ties with my family, close friends, or personal networks - even if the connection is indirect. My decision will always be guided by professional ethics and the best interests of all parties involved. Where appropriate, this will be communicated with care and clarity.

✦ Personal Safety and Wellbeing
To protect my own emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing, including the right to reschedule, pause, or end sessions if my safety is compromised.

✦ Respectful Communication
To be spoken to and treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Communication is a two-way street.

✦ Payment for Services
To be paid for my time and professional services, as agreed upon, and to enforce cancellation and no-show policies fairly.

✦ Supervision and Support
To access regular professional supervision, guidance, and peer support in order to safeguard ethical standards and my own growth and wellbeing.

✦ Confidentiality (My Own)
To maintain privacy around my personal life and not be expected to share personal details unless it's relevant and clinically appropriate.

✦ Professional Development
To continue learning and developing my skills in ways that align with my values, interests, and professional goals.

✦ Work Autonomously and Authentically
To express my own therapeutic style and approach that aligns with my values, ethics, and qualifications — without needing to fit into external boxes, or feeling constrained and limited.

✦ Right to Authentic Honesty
As a counsellor, I have the right to communicate with clients in a way that is honest, direct, and real – done so with humility and respect. This means I may reflect things as I see them, in an honest, and respectful manner – to enhance the client’s growth and clarity.

From My Kete to Yours. And Yours to Mine. Everything We Need to Succeed.