Values and Ethics

Strong values and ethics are the cornerstone of Copeland Center trainings. Facilitators must understand these ethics before leading Mental Health Recovery and WRAP groups and workshops to insure a supportive environment for learning. In addition, they need to review them from time to time. As they are facilitating the group, they review the concepts and make adjustments if there are any indications that the values and ethics are being violated. Facilitators give participants copies of this checklist to review from time to time and ask for suggested changes if the concepts are not being followed.

• Each session supports the premise that there is hope, that people can get well, stay well for long periods of time, and do the things they want to do with their lives.
• Self determination, personal responsibility, empowerment, and self-advocacy are key aspects of this program.
• The program supports workshop decision- making and personal sharing.
• Participants are treated as equals with dignity, compassion, mutual respect, and unconditional high regard.
• There is unconditional acceptance of each person as they are – unique, special individuals, including acceptance of diversity with relation to culture, ethnicity, language, religion, race, gender, age, disability, sexual preference, and ‘readiness’ issues.
• This program is based on the premise that there are “no limits” to recovery.
• Participants are given the opportunity to explore choices and options, and are not expected to find simple, final answers.
• All participation is voluntary.
• It is understood that each person is the expert on her or himself.
• The focus is on individual strengths and away from perceived deficits.
• Clinical, medical and diagnostic language is avoided.
• The focus is on peers working together and learning from each other to increase mutual understanding, knowledge, and promote wellness.
• The program emphasizes strategies that are simple and safe for anyone, and it stays away from strategies that may have harmful effects.
• Difficult feelings and behaviors are seen as normal responses to traumatic circumstances and in the context of what is happening and not as symptoms or a diagnosis.
• There is unconditional acceptance of all creative work and expressions that are created or brought to each session. This includes movement, sound, painting & drawing, collage, and three- dimensional construction. The creator is always in control of the work.