Ethics Complaints & Investigations
TheraPsil Ethics Investigation Complaint Process
Once a formal complaint is made, TheraPsil is committed to mobilizing the TheraPsil Ethics Committee and responding in a formal, fully documented manner. Our committee's protocol is outlined in the following document and is the process used for each complaint brought forward to us.
Submission of Complaint
Upon receipt of a formal complaint via our Ethics Complaint Form, our team will initiate the outlined process to ensure a comprehensive, timely, and fair resolution. Complainants will have the opportunity to submit their complaint to the respondent's college or association at any time throughout the length of the investigation.
Information Gathering
We will contact both the complainant(s) and respondent(s), as well as any other key individuals identified by either party, to ensure all relevant information is gathered in its entirety. This phase may include the revocation of membership, the collection of witness statements and additional evidence. The Ethics Committee may also gather additional evidence or interview witnesses if deemed necessary.
Committee Hearing
Subsequently, a committee hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing, all pertinent information and evidence will be presented. Both the respondent and the complainant will have the opportunity to present their respective cases.
Ethics Committee Decision
Following the hearing, the Ethics Committee will deliberate and formulate motions regarding the appropriate next steps, which may include recommended actions, sanctions, or suspensions. If deemed necessary, TheraPsil will report the violation to the recipients' college or professional association and both parties will be promptly notified of the decisions made by the Ethics Committee.
Timelines
While specific timelines will be contingent on unique circumstances and scheduling, TheraPsil is dedicated to processing each complaint in a timely manner. We will establish contact with both the complainant and respondent no later than five business days after receiving the initial complaint notification. After the investigation is complete, both complainants and respondents will be notified of the outcomes of the investigation within ten business days.
Additional Considerations:
- TheraPsil is committed to the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in the ethics complaint and investigation process.
- Information related to the complaint will only be shared within the organization with those who are directly involved. This will be left to the discretion of TheraPsil.
- Once the ethical investigation is complete, both parties will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face via Zoom or in person, in the form of reconciliation to pave a path forward
- A member from the Ethics Committee can be present to mediate if requested
- Once the investigation is complete and the appropriate next steps, and recommended actions have been put forward, the Ethics Committee will formally close the investigation process. Records will be saved for future review if required.
- Periodic monitoring may occur by TheraPsil and the Ethics Committee to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the resolutions and to address any potential issues that arise post-investigation.
- Reporting: if deemed necessary, TheraPsil will report the violation to the recipients' college or professional association.
- The letter and all related documents of the Ethics Review and Reconciliation Processes will be stored in the TheraPsil Ethics Review Database for 10 years. These will be accessible by both parties upon formal request and approval of the board, to ensure transparency and accountability.
- The respondent or complainant may initiate an appeals process if either party disagrees with the Ethics Committee's decision.
The process for appeal includes notification and reasoning of appeal, and the deliberation of the Ethics Panel with a representative from each party to review the original complaint and decision. If deemed necessary by the Ethics Committee and if a decision cannot be agreed upon - outreach to each party's Professional College or Association's Ethics Board will be made to escalate the complaint. This procedure will be outlined in Appendix 1.
Records related to the complaint and its resolution will be maintained for compliance and future reference.
Both parties will receive regular updates on the status of their complaint throughout the process. Any questions can be directed to support@therapsil.ca.
The complainant or respondent may initiate an appeals process if either party disagrees with the Ethics Committee's decision.
Appeal Process for Ethics Complaints:
- Appeal Submission:
- The appealing party submits a written appeal within 30 days of the committee's decision, outlining specific objections to the original complaint and decision.
- Deliberation Meeting:
- An Ethics Panel, including representatives from all parties, reviews the original complaint, decision, and appeal arguments.
- Both parties present their cases either in writing or in person.
- Decision Rendering:
- The Ethics Panel deliberates and renders a decision on the appeal.
- The decision is communicated in writing to both parties.
- Escalation (If Necessary):
- If the dispute persists, the Ethics Committee may escalate the appeal to the relevant Ethics Boards of each party's College or Association.
- Final Resolution:
- The decision made by the College or Association's Ethics Board is final and binding. All parties are notified of the final decision in writing.
Ethics Committee
Dr. Bruce Tobin
Founder & Trainer
Yasmeen Sadain
Director of Training and Operations
Dr. Ingrid Pacey
Trainer & Supervisor
Dr. Houman Farzin
Trainer & Supervisor
Dave Phillips
Trainer & Supervisor
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