At IWC, you are not required to like everyone or agree with what other people may think, but you are required to treat all students, staff and clients with dignity and respect. If you have a legitimate dispute, please refer to the IWC Dispute Policy. If you are in doubt as to whether you should say something, don’t say it. Gossip (including bad mouthing another student’s therapeutic ability, voicing unbalanced opinions on highly volatile political or ethical topics, or violating client confidentiality) will not be tolerated at any time. Violations will result in grade penalties and/or dismissal from the program.
IWC has defined Gossip as any comment which is of a negative nature to ANY individual other than a direct supervisor (Clinic Coach, Trainer, Campus Director, Director of Education). Coworkers and fellow students have no capacity to correct third party action; therefore, it would only propagate negativity.
Concerns or potential concerns should always be directed Up-line, never Cross-line or Down-line.
Student Therapist concerns, experiences and clinic incidents (both Positive and negative) are commonly reviewed in a supervised way by instructors and staff to facilitate all students learning and professional progress. Efforts must always be taken to limit identifying individuals while encouraging learning in the areas of pathologies, treatment procedures, and improving interpersonal interaction.
This policy/procedure is required to maintain professional confidentiality, a positive learning environment and to grow constructively from negative circumstances.
