Alternative Training Learning Contract
This contract is a “living document” and must be filled out by the BCT and reviewed and updated annually by the BCT and Trainee. Updated copies of this document must also be retained by the BCT and Trainee. This contract is NOT complete until the Statement of Completion on the last page of this document is signed by both Trainee and BCT upon completion of the Alternative Training Program requirements.
AT STUDENT: Please send in a copy of the FIRST contract to the NADTA Office with $80 Application Fee and Membership Form.
CONTACT INFORMATION
TRAINEE NAME / HOME PHONE
ADDRESS / WORK PHONE
CITY / STATE/PROVINCE / ZIP + 4 / CELL PHONE
COUNTRY / EMAIL / FAX
BCT NAME / HOME PHONE
ADDRESS / WORK PHONE
CITY / STATE/PROVINCE / ZIP + 4 / CELL PHONE
COUNTRY / EMAIL / FAX
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
DEGREE TITLE (B.A., B.S., Other ) / MAJOR / DATE CONFERRED
UNIVERSITY NAME / LOCATION
GRADUATE DEGREE STATUS
IN PROGRESS DATES / DATE CONFERRED / ADVANCED DEGREE TITLE
(M.A., M.F.A., M.Ed., MSW, Ph.D., Other) / MAJOR / SPECIALIZATION (Psychology, Theatre, Etc.) / TOTAL CREDIT
HOURS
UNIVERSITY NAME / LOCATION
LEARNING CONTRACT DATES
START DATE / DATES REVISED
Acknowledgement
We agree that the information stated in this contract is accurate to the best of our ability and understand that any information may be verified by the NADTA.
TRAINEE SIGNATURE / DATE
/ North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)
Alternative Training Learning Contract
contract terms & conditions
Therapy Statement
While it is common in clinical training for trainees to experience some therapeutic benefits from their experiential and academic work, they are not in the role of the client. Additionally, BCTs are not to take on the role of therapist. If trainees are in need of extra support, they are encouraged to be in an ongoing therapeutic relationship. This therapeutic relationship may not be with the trainee’s BCT or other supervisors.
Alternative Training Student Responsibilities:
- Alternative Training Students are responsible for initiating the start of the Alternative Training Contract.
- Alternative Training Students are responsible for sending in the first alternative training learning contract with their Alternative Training Fee ($80.00) and membership application. The Alternative Training Fee includes one year membership in the NADTA as an Alternative Training Student.
- Alternative Training Students are required to be members of the NADTA and are responsible for renewing their NADTA membership on a yearly basis by May 1st of each year.
- Students are responsible for notifying their BCT and the NADTA office of any changes to their contact information. This includes but is not limited to: address, phone number, and email address.
- Students are responsible for keeping copies of all transcripts, registrations for conferences, evaluations of internships, etc. forverification of information for registry applications. Students are responsible for confirming that their BCT has provided the office with the required annual update.
BCT Responsibilities:
- The BCT is responsible for completing the entire Alternative Training Contract.
Alternative Training Students are not allowed to fill in their own contract. - The BCT is responsible for updating the contract annually with each of their Alternative Training Students.
- The BCT is responsible for filing the updated renewal contract with the NADTA office on a yearly basis.
The BCT must also keep a copy and send a copy of the most current contract to the student each year. - The BCT is responsible for submitting a list of current alternative training students to the NADTA office by January 31st each year.
- The BCT is responsible for notifying the office immediately of any change in contract status
(i.e. student is taking a leave of absence, student has completed alternative training requirements,
contract is being broken).
Please be aware that if you do not follow through with your responsibilities there will be consequences that could include but are not limited to: losing your alternative training status, requiring a re-enrollment fee of $80.00, subject to an ethics complaint, BCT suspension or revocation.
Acknowledgement
We have read and understand the obligations and responsibilities of both the Alternative Training Student and Board Certified Trainer (BCT) and agree to the terms of this contract outlined above.
BCT NAME (PLEASE PRINT)BCT SIGNATURE / DATE
TRAINEE NAME (PLEASE PRINT)
TRAINEE SIGNATURE / DATE
North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)
Alternative Training Learning Contract
NADTA CODE, ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
This Code of Ethics reflects the ethical principles and values of the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA). The purpose of the NADTA code of ethical principles is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence in the field of drama therapy. All members of the NADTA are responsible to ensure that they are familiar with this Code of Ethics, understand its application to their professional conduct, and strive to adhere to its principles and standards. To achieve this goal drama therapists work together to resolve conflicts and maintain open and constructive communication.
1. Professional Responsibility and Respect
Drama therapists are responsible for providing professional services respectful of the legal andcivil rights of others, adhere to the NADTA professional and ethical guidelines, and safeguard
the dignity and rights of their clients, students, colleagues, and research participants.
a. A drama therapist accepts responsibility for actions in clinical work, teaching,supervision, and/or research and complies with ethical and legal standards of behavior.
b. A drama therapist does not knowingly make statements that are false, deceptive, orfraudulent concerning research, clinical or business practices, or other work activities onbehalf of themselves or those organizations with which the member is affiliated.
c. A drama therapist is responsible to report any conduct by another drama therapist thathas substantially harmed or is likely to substantially harm a person or organization, andwhich is not appropriate for informal resolution.
d. A drama therapist is obligated to cooperate in any ethical investigations or proceedingsrequired by the NADTA.
2. Competence
Drama therapists limit their practice and services to those which are in their professionalcompetence by virtue of their education and professional experience, and consistent with anyrequirements for state/provincial and national/international credentials. Drama therapists seeksupervision/consultation or refer clients to other professionals when the therapeutic needs ofclients exceed their level of competence.
a. Drama therapists accurately represent their training, techniques and skills, and do notpresent information that is misleading or inaccurate.
b. Drama therapists use only initials to which they are legally entitled, for example:degree(s) from an accredited institution and/or registration or certification fromprofessional organizations.
c. A drama therapist takes adequate steps, through supervision or personalpsychotherapy, to prevent personal circumstances from interfering with the quality ofservice offered to others.
d. A drama therapist follows standard guidelines for referencing another’s theories,research or clinical work in publications or presentations.
e. Drama therapists refrain from initiating any drama therapy activity if there is a substantiallikelihood that personal circumstances will prevent them from performing work-relatedactivities in a competent manner.
a. A drama therapist who becomes aware of personal circumstances that may interferewith the ability to engage in drama therapy sessions must take appropriate measures,such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether tolimit, suspend, or terminate work-related duties.
b. A drama therapist keeps up to date with new clinical developments related to practice,continues to develop professional skills and cultural competence, and maintainscredentials through continuing education.
3. Confidentiality
Drama therapists have a primary responsibility to maintain confidentiality with respect to the therapeutic relationship and all information and creative works resulting from clinical sessions
and the therapeutic relationship. Exceptions to confidentiality are only acceptable when disclosure is required by specific state and / federal legal requirements, to prevent serious and imminent danger to client or others, and to protect a child, older adult, or other vulnerable person(s) from abuse or neglect.
a. A drama therapist maintains confidentiality, whether obtained in the course of practice, supervision, teaching, or research.
b. A drama therapist obtains informed consent before releasing confidential informationabout a client.
c. A drama therapist maintains informed consent when giving information about a clientthrough publications, or written or verbal presentations.
d. A drama therapist takes strict precautions to ensure clients' records are stored in asecure location, and ensures records and client information are available to authorizedpersonnel only.
4. Informed Consent
Drama therapists take responsibility to keep clients, students, and research participantsinformed of potential risks and benefits at the initiation of therapy and at all times during therapy,supervision or research projects. This includes, but is not limited to, goals, techniques andmethodologies, procedures, limitations, potential risks and benefits, and any other pertinentinformation, so that the client(s) can make informed decisions about consenting to participate intherapy.
a. When conducting therapy, research, or providing assessment or consulting services adrama therapist obtains informed consent of the individual(s) or legal guardian(s).
b. A drama therapist uses culturally and developmentally appropriate language on theconsent form that is understandable to the person(s) providing the consent.
c. Where limitations to understanding are apparent such as cognitive deficits or with youngchildren, the drama therapist secures informed consent from a legal guardian andobtains assent from the individual.
d. A drama therapist informs clients and research subjects that they have the right to refuseservices or participation in research without consequence.
e. A drama therapist gains permission from the individual(s) to whom services areprovided, or their legal representatives, before recording voices or images.
f. A drama therapist ensures that clients understand the implication of any assessment,fee arrangements, record keeping, therapeutic plan, and limits to confidentiality.
g. A drama therapist informs clients, students, and research participants that they havetheright to refuse any recommended services and are advised of the potential implicationsof such a refusal (as, for example, in the case of court-mandated treatment).
h. Drama therapists periodically review their informed consent procedures with clients.
5. Professional Relationships
Drama therapists have a primary responsibility to respect and promote the welfare of theirclients and to avoid any multiple relationships or conflicts of interest that could impair professional judgment or increase the risk of harm to clients.
a. A drama therapist does not engage in unfair discrimination based on, but not limited to,age, gender, identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,disability, socioeconomic status, physical appearance or attributes, or any basisproscribed by law.
b. A drama therapist does not engage in sexual solicitation, physical advances, and/orverbal or non-verbal conduct that is sexual in nature with clients, students, supervisees,or research participants in connection with the drama therapist’s activities.
c. A drama therapist does not engage in sexual relationships with clients, students,supervisees, interns, or research participants. A drama therapist also refrains fromengaging sexually with clients' relatives or other individuals with whom clients maintain aclose personal relationship when there is any risk of exploitation or potential harm to theclient.
d. A drama therapist refrains from entering into multiple relationships with clients. Whenmultiple relationships are unavoidable, appropriate professional precautions to avoidexploitation or potential harm are undertaken, such as informed consent, supervision,consultation, and documentation to ensure that judgment is not impaired.
e. A drama therapist refrains from entering into multiple relationships with students,supervisees, interns, or research participants. When multiple relationships areunavoidable, appropriate professional precautions to avoid exploitation or potential harmare undertaken.
Drama therapists avoid personal, professional, financial, or academic conflicts of interest thatmight interfere with their ability to provide competent, effective or objective services to clients.
6. Principles of Teaching and Training
Drama therapists who are responsible for drama therapy education and training adhere tocurrent NADTA guidelines and standards with respect to their professional activities.
a. A drama therapist educator is knowledgeable regarding ethical aspects of the professionand makes students/supervisees aware of their responsibilities.
b. A drama therapist educator ensures that a current and accurate description of programgoals and objectives, course descriptions, curriculum and content, fee structures, andcompletion criteria that must be satisfied for completion of the program is provided tostudents.
c. A drama therapist gives accurate and objective information while teaching or training.
d. A drama therapist educator does not teach techniques/procedures for which the dramatherapist has not been fully trained.
e. A drama therapist defines and maintains appropriate professional, social, and ethicalboundaries with students/supervisees. Potential conflicts of interest and dual relationships are identified, and if unavoidable, appropriate precautions are undertaken,such as informed consent, supervision, consultation, and documentation to ensure thebest interests of the student/supervisee.
f. A drama therapist offers appropriate feedback to students/ supervisees and evaluatestheir performance on relevant and established program requirements throughouttraining.
g. A drama therapist educator responsible for a program/course that requires the studentsto have individual or group therapy ensures that faculty who are or are likely to beresponsible for evaluating students’ academic performance do not themselves providethat therapy.
h. A drama therapist in education, training, or supervision relationships does not engage inclinical relationships as therapist/client with students and/or supervisees, and insteadrefers them to another professional. / i. A drama therapist who serves as a student’s supervisor,
teacher, or educator should notat the same time serve as the student’s individual or group therapist, even if the programprescribes training therapy for the student.
7. Principles of Physical Contact, Role Play, and Other Drama Therapy Activities
Drama therapists are responsible to practice in a manner that maintains professionalboundaries, based on the individual’s therapeutic goals, safety, and best interests.
a. A drama therapist uses physical contact, movement, and/or role play: 1) when they areconsistent with the client’s therapeutic goals, 2) with the client’s informed consent, and3) in a safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner. A drama therapist neverengages in any behavior that is intended for sexual stimulation nor makes intentionalcontact with any private area of the client’s body, and communicates that objective at thebeginning of the professional relationship.
b. A drama therapist never imposes or requires that an individual make physical contact,and informs the client that they may refrain from or refuse physical contact at any time.
c. A drama therapist makes continuous assessments regarding the usefulness of physical touch with each client, and periodically renews the consent from the client. They also document the use of physical touch and its therapeutic effects.
d. A drama therapist appreciates that physical contact may evoke strong feelings from the client and seeks consultation on a regular basis regarding their use of physical contact.
8. Responsibility to Research Participants
Drama therapy researchers respect the dignity and protect the welfare of participants inresearch.
a. A drama therapist researcher adheres to laws, regulations, and professional standardsgoverning the conduct of research.
b. Drama therapist researchers follow all criteria and processes established by theInstitutional Review Board of the organization or institution in which they conductresearch with human subjects.
c. In the absence of an Institutional Review Board, a drama therapist seeks the ethicaladvice of qualified professionals not directly involved in the investigation to determinethe extent to which research participants may be compromised by participation inresearch. The researcher observes safeguards to protect the rights of researchparticipants.
d. A drama therapist researcher requesting participants’ involvement in research informsthem of all aspects of the study that might reasonably be expected to influencewillingness to participate. Investigators take all reasonable steps necessary to avoidcoercion of potential research subjects.
e. A drama therapist researcher respects participants’ freedom to decline participation in,or to withdraw from, a research study at any time with no negative consequences to theirtreatment.
f. A drama therapist researcher cannot use information about a research participant duringthe course of an investigation unless there is authorization previously obtained in writing.When there is a risk that others, including family members, may obtain access to suchinformation, this risk, together with the plan for protecting confidentiality, is to beexplained as part of the procedure for obtaining informed consent.
By checking the boxes below I affirm that:
☐ I have not been convicted of a felony ☐ I have not had ethics sanctions brought against me by a state licensing board orother credentialing body.
If a box above cannot be checked, please explain:
Please note that upon receipt of this communication your application for registry will beforwarded to the Ethics Chair of the NADTA for review before registration renewal is complete.
Membership in NADTA is contingent upon signing this Code of Ethical Principles on anannual basis. This signed form is kept on file at the NADTA national office.
______
NAME (Please Print) Signature Date
/ North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)Alternative Training Learning Contract
Graduate Psychology Requirements(Minimum 12 credit hours. Minimum of 9 credits earned at an accredited institution; No more than 3 credits of independent study (under the guidance of an accredited psychology professional). Courses may not be audited. Courses require BCT signature when successfully completed. Ethics and Research may be taken as psychology or drama therapy courses.