These principles will help psychoanalysts individually and collectively to maintain a high level of ethical conduct. They are not laws, but standards by which psychoanalysts or psychoanalysts-in-training (also referred to as candidates) under the auspices of the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society and Institute determine the propriety of their conduct in their relationship with patients, colleagues, students, members of allied professions, and the public.

For the purpose of these Principles, a psychoanalyst (sometimes referred to as an "analyst") is a member of the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society.

A psychoanalyst shall maintain the standards of practice as set out by the profession.

As a method of investigation of psychic processes, and as a therapeutic method, psychoanalysis has its own specific and particular ethical considerations.

A psychoanalyst shall refrain from any conduct or acts relevant to the practice of psychoanalysis that, having regard to all the circumstances, members would reasonably regard as disgraceful, dishonourable, or unprofessional

When analysts become aware that personal difficulty or illness could threaten or disturb the quality of their work, they should promptly use remedial measures. Any analysts who observe such an occurrence in colleagues should encourage and help them to seek these measures. Alternatively, analysts may report such matters to members designated by the Executive Council.