Code of Ethics

At the Ayahuasca Foundation, your well-being and trust are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that stepping into a healing journey is an act of courage and vulnerability. To honor that trust, we have created a Code of Ethics that reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants.

Our Code of Ethics outlines the principles and standards we uphold to maintain proper boundaries and foster a sense of safety between facilitators, participants, and staff. By reviewing our Code of Ethics, you can:

Feel Secure in Your Journey
Understanding the ethical framework we follow can help you feel confident that your rights, dignity, and privacy are respected at all times.

Foster Mutual Respect and Understanding
The Code emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, non-discrimination, and open communication, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive retreat experience for all.

Understand Boundaries
Clear guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of facilitators, as well as expectations for participant-facilitator interactions, create a foundation of trust and professionalism.

Enhance Your Healing Experience
By ensuring ethical practices, we create an environment where you can fully immerse yourself in the healing process, free from unnecessary concerns or distractions.

We encourage you to take a moment to review our Code of Ethics to better understand how it supports and safeguards your experience. Knowing the standards we hold ourselves to can provide the peace of mind you need to focus on your healing, growth, and transformation. Your safety and trust are our priority, and we are here to ensure your journey with us is one of empowerment and respect.

Mission Statement

The Ayahuasca Foundation is dedicated to enhancing quality of life by providing authentic education and true healing through plant medicines and other modalities, guided by indigenous curanderos and skilled facilitators.

Preamble

The Ayahuasca Foundation’s work spans healing, education, and scientific research, fostering relationships that empower individuals and groups toward health, wellness, and growth. Ethical practice and professional values are central to our mission, including:

  1. Promoting personal growth and development throughout programs.
  2. Honoring diversity and supporting the dignity, potential, and uniqueness of individuals.
  3. Upholding social justice.
  4. Protecting the integrity of facilitator-client relationships.
  5. Practicing with competence and ethics.

These values are grounded in key ethical principles:

Autonomy: Respecting individuals’ rights to self-determination.

Nonmaleficence: Avoiding actions that cause harm.

Beneficence: Promoting well-being for individuals and society.

Justice: Ensuring fairness and equality.

Fidelity: Honoring commitments and responsibilities of trust.

Veracity: Practicing truthfulness in all interactions.

Purpose of the Code

The Code of Ethics serves to:

  1. Define ethical obligations for facilitators and members.
  2. Guide ethical practice in diverse situations.
  3. Clarify responsibilities to participants and clients.
  4. Set conduct expectations for facilitators.
  5. Support the Ayahuasca Foundation’s mission.
  6. Provide standards for handling inquiries and ethical complaints.

Ethical Standards and Guidelines

A. Facilitator-Client Relationships

A.1. Client Welfare

Primary Responsibility: Prioritize the dignity, well-being, and best interests of clients.
Collaborative Planning: Work with clients to develop realistic, personalized treatment plans.

A.2. Avoiding Harm

Minimizing Harm: Act to prevent harm and address any unavoidable or unforeseen consequences.
Respecting Values: Avoid imposing personal beliefs on clients, respecting their goals and cultural context.

A.3. Romantic and Intimate Relationships

Prohibited During Programs: Romantic or sexual relationships with current participants are strictly forbidden.
Post-Program Restrictions: A six-month waiting period applies before engaging in relationships with former participants. Facilitators must assess whether such relationships could cause harm or appear exploitative.

Enforcement:
1. First violation: Written warning and mandatory review of the Code of Ethics.
2. Second violation: Suspension or termination.

B. Confidentiality and Privacy

B.1. Respecting Client Rights

Maintain cultural sensitivity and clearly communicate confidentiality terms.
Share client information only with consent or when legally or ethically justified.

C. Professional Responsibility

C.1. Competence

Practice only within areas of expertise, pursuing ongoing education and training to expand knowledge responsibly.

C.2. Self-Care

Engage in self-care to ensure emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being for effective facilitation.

D. Relationships with Colleagues

D.1. Professional Collaboration

Respect differing approaches and foster positive working relationships to enhance client services.

Resolving Ethical Issues

Knowledge: Facilitators are responsible for understanding and following the Code of Ethics.

Decision-Making: Use credible models of ethical reasoning, seek consultation, and prioritize client welfare.

Reporting: Address ethical violations through informal resolution where possible, or report them to management if harm is significant.

Accountability

Violations of this Code will result in actions ranging from warnings to termination. All reports are handled confidentially and fairly.