Ethics: Guides for Professional Engagement

Ethical Decision Making Professional Codes of Ethics Educate counseling practitioners about responsibilities of profession Provide a basis for accountability Protect clients Mandatory Ethics Ethical functioning following minimal standards Aspirational Ethics Striving for optimum standards of conduct

Ethical Decision Making: Process and Procedure Identify problem or dilemma Identify potential issues (rights, responsibilities and welfare) Examine codes of ethics Consider applicable laws and regulations Seek consultation Brainstorm possible actions Consider and evaluate consequences Choose best possible course of action

Foundational Elements of Ethical Practice Counselor Competence Informed Consent Confidentiality & Privileged Communication Boundaries Dual Relationships

Counselor Competence & Counseling Relationship Primary responsibility of counselor Respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients Put the needs of the client before the personal needs of the counselor Do not practice outside of the boundaries of your competence When training for a new specialty, arrange for supervision and consultation

Legal Issues: Competence & Relationship Due Care Counselor’s highest priority must be the care of the client. Trust and mutual caring are key Must inform within reason.

Informed Consent Intent is to empower clients and build trust Promotes active cooperation of clients ACA Code: Must inform in writing and verbally review the rights and responsibilities of both the counselor and the client

Legal Issues: Informed Consent Duty to Warn Tarasoff v. Regents Of Univ. of CA (1976). Must breach confidentiality if there is a threat to self or others.

Dimensions of Confidentiality & Privileged Communication Counselor’s responsibility to define the degree of confidentiality Generally, confidentiality must be broken when client might seriously harm themselves or others. Familiarity with local and state laws imperative Sometimes there are conflicting ways to interpret a law.

Boundaries Best addressed within the context of counselor competence and/or dual relationships! Counselors are responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries

Dual Relationships Occur when counselors assume two or more roles simultaneously or seqentially Overlap may cause harm to clients ACA Code of Ethics Addresses dual relationships in general form Stop here and let the groups peruse the article and then discuss what they think is the best approach to dealing with dual relationships.

Dual Relationships, cont. Sometimes are inevitable Must weigh potential benefits vs. potential harm Minimize potential risk to client Counselors must use their best judgment!

Ethical Issues in the Assessment Process Purpose of assessment To provide measurements that are valid and reliable Counselors must not misuse assessment results and interpretations Do not utilize assessment procedures in which you have not been properly trained! Never practice outside of the boundaries of your competence!

Ethical Issues in a Multicultural Perspective Individuals are best understood by considering important cultural and environmental variables. Therapeutic strategies need to be congruent with a client’s values and behaviors. Therapists must listen to clients. Theory should serve as a guide.

Ethical Complaints… Failure to maintain professional conduct Confidentiality violations Dual relationships Sexual intimacies Meeting personal needs at client’s expense

Ethical Decision-making Review your actions and the process you used to make those decisions Review the ethical guidelines that support your thinking Discuss the situation with colleagues Consult with professional organizations

Legal considerations In addition to ethical considerations, you must be aware of the legal aspects of counseling (both nationally and locally).

Bottom line for ethical and legal issues Abide by the ethical standards of the profession Become familiar with the legal statutes not only for your state, but from a national perspective Acquire knowledge about your agency’s or institutions policies and procedures.

Limitations of Ethical Codes Are general and idealistic Seldom answer specific questions Do not address all foreseeable professional dilemmas Enforcement is often difficult May be conflicts between legal and ethical codes

Ethical Codes NBCC Code of Ethics: http://www.nbcc.org/code_of_ethics/ ACA Code of Ethics: http://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Resource%20Center/Legal%20and%20Ethical%20Issues/Sample%20Documents/EthicalStandards2010.pdf