"Just Tell Me If This is (Un)ethical”: Moving From Fear-Based/Self-Focused Ethical Decision-Making to Principle-Based/Other-Focused Ethical Decision-Making Jason H. King, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, LCMHC-S, ACS Academic Coordinator Walden University jking@mellivoragroup.com

Lack of Self-Care Counselors monitor themselves for signs of impairment from their own physical, mental, or emotional problems and refrain from offering or providing professional services when impaired. They seek assistance for problems that reach the level of professional impairment, and, if necessary, they limit, suspend, or terminate their professional responsibilities until it is determined that they may safely resume their work. Counselors assist colleagues or supervisors in recognizing their own professional impairment and provide consultation and assistance when warranted with colleagues or supervisors showing signs of impairment and intervene as appropriate to prevent imminent harm to clients. The number 1 risk factor for engaging in unethical/unprofessional conduct My lesson learned

Recent example Consulted with a MHP Suicidal client Took medications

Model types Fear-Based/Self-Focused Ethical Decision-Making Principle-Based/Other-Focused Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical principles Autonomy Nonmaleficence Beneficence Justice fostering the right to control the direction of one’s life Nonmaleficence avoiding actions that cause harm Beneficence working for the good of the individual and society by promoting mental health and well-being Justice treating individuals equitably and fostering fairness and equality; Fidelity honoring commitments and keeping promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in professional relationships Veracity dealing truthfully with individuals with whom counselors come into professional contact

Triadic Ethical Decision- Making Model (King, 2010) 1. Examine 2. Conensualize 3. Document Triadic Ethical Decision- Making Model (King, 2010)

Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model Examine Situation Who? What? Why? Client Emotional needs Exploitive motives Mental impairment Cultural meanings Risk for immediate or future harm/danger Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model

Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model Examine Self Psychological needs Signs of impairment Countertransference Implications Pros and cons On the client On the therapeutic relationship Reflective of pathology Standard for future ethical dilemma resolution Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model

Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model Consensualize Client Ethical codes State laws and rules Case law Colleagues Clinical supervisor Liability insurance Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model

Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model Document Case notes Situation Consultation Decision Action Triadic Ethical Decision-Making Model

H.B. 399 Prohibition of the Practice of Conversion Therapy upon Minors https://le.utah.gov/~2019/bills/static/HB0399.html

H.B. 399 – WHAT ABOUT Pedophilic Disorder? “(a) (i)…mental health therapy that seeks to change, eliminate, or reduce behaviors, expressions, attractions, or feelings related to…sexual orientation…” Drive Urges Fantasies Arousal Interest Preference Focus DSM-5: “In such circumstances, the term paraphilia may be defined as any sexual interest greater than or equal to normophilic sexual interests.” H.B. 399 – WHAT ABOUT Pedophilic Disorder?