Ethics in Counselling Practise Professor Craig A. Jackson Head of Division of Psychology Craig.Jackson@bcu.ac.uk

Ethics Morality & Laws Ethics refers to the beliefs that individuals hold about “what is right” Ethical Conduct: the behaviours exhibited by the counsellor Good ethical conduct grounded in sound moral principles, understanding the ethical codes, and having the desire to do “what is right” Laws and Ethical Codes regulate the work of counsellors Laws enforced by government of society standards Morality refers to proper ethical conduct and involves an evaluation of conduct based on standard expectations often influenced by cultural, religion, etc.

Components of Ethical Counselling The components of good ethical behaviour include: Understanding & implementing ethical codes. Doing what is best for the client Practicing the four core virtues: prudence, integrity, respectfulness, & benevolence (Meara, Schmidt & Day, 1996) Realising importance of intuition, integrity, & honest self-evaluation in ethical decisions Placing client welfare as paramount

Virtue Ethics don't cover Everything Although ethics codes speak to various issues, counselor must recognise that these codes tend to be broad, & thus they do not cover all ethical issues faced by counsellors Ethics codes offered by most professional codes are broad & general not precise & specific Own ethical awareness & problem-solving skills will determine how to translate these general guidelines into professional day-to-day behaviour Ethical codes are necessary, but not sufficient, to exercise ethical responsibility - be aware of code limits

Client's needs before Counsellor's Ethically, counsellors need to be aware of their – own needs, areas of unfinished business, potential personal conflicts and defences how this may effect the clients Responsibilities to work actively toward expanding own self-awareness and recognise areas of prejudice & vulnerability Personal power is an effective quality of the therapist Counsellor's need to nurture

Multicultural Issues Biases are reflected when: Neglect social and community factors to focus unduly on individualism Assess clients with instruments that have not been normed on the population they represent Judge as psychopathological those behaviours, beliefs, or experiences that are normal for the client’s culture

Sexuality Issues LGBT issues Sexuality / Gender matching of counsellors

Dual Relationships: Some Pointers Will my dual relationship keep me from confronting and challenging the client? Will my needs for the relationship become more important than therapeutic activities? Can my client manage the dual relationship? Whose needs are being met: my client’s or my own? Can I recognise and manage professionally my attraction to my client?

Ethical Issues and Practice Why are ethical standards needed? What ethical standards guide the work of counselling psychologists? What areas of ethical difficulty are faced by professionals in the field? How do counsellors make ethical decisions?

Ethical Standards are Needed Ensure competent professional behaviour Responsibility to public trust Professionals monitor their own & other members’ behaviour Controversies over the development of ethical codes Ethical dilemmas Character and virtue BPS Ethics code

Principles of Ethical Practice Autonomy: independence and self- determination Nonmaleficence: do no harm Beneficence: promote good or wellness Justice: commitment of fairness Fidelity: make honest promises / don't deceive / exploit clients

Common Ethical Dilemmas in Practice Multiple-Role Relationships Informed Consent Confidentiality Privileged Communication Legal cases Expert testimony

Multiple Roles Relationships Conflict Problems with multiple role relationships (Pope, 1991): Erosion/distortion of therapy Conflicts of interest Adverse effects on client rights & cog process

Multiple Roles Relationships Conflict Guidelines (Herlihy & Corey, 1997) Set healthy boundaries early Consult with fellow professionals Work under supervision Use self-monitoring

Informed Consent Two central aspects: Disclosure & Free consent Origins of informed consent Informed consent requires a consent that is competent, knowing, and voluntary The process of informed consent: Ongoing Includes a discussion of the limits of confidentiality

Some Aspects of Informed Consent General goals of counselling, Responsibilities of counsellor toward client, Responsibilities of clients, Limitations of & exceptions to confidentiality, Legal & ethical parameters that define relationship, Qualifications & background of practitioner, Fees involved, Services client can expect, Approximate length of therapeutic process

Confidentiality Not disclosing client information without her/his prior consent Secrets and trust in friendship vs. the counselling relationship

Caveats to Confidentiality Client request for release of information Court orders for confidential information Child abuse or abuse of a vulnerable adult Danger to oneself Danger to others

Confidentiality Case Study

Confidentiality Case Study

Confidentiality Case Study

Confidentiality Case Study

Confidentiality Case Study

Confidentiality Case Study

Recent Trends Duty to Warn Reporting Child Abuse Technology Usage Relationships with Former Clients Managed Care Confronting Counsellor Impairment

How Counsellors Make Ethical Choices Identify the ethical dilemma: ethical, legal, moral? Identify potential issues: evaluate the rights and responsibilities of all parties Look at the relevant ethics code for guidance Consider applicable laws Consult Brainstorm various courses of action Identify the consequences of each action Decide on the best possible course of action Corey 2005

Risk Management Competence Quantify hazards Communication Attention to the therapeutic relationship Supervision and consultation Record keeping Insurance Knowledge of ethics and relevant law Practice self-care