COUN6233_ElizabethSmith_BoundriesReflection
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Mid-America Christian University *
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COUN6233
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Philosophy
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Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Ethics and Professional Studies – Boundaries Reflection
Elizabeth Smith
Mid-America Christian University
COUN6233: Ethics and Professional Studies
Dr. Donna McCoy, Ph.D.
December 04, 2023
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Ethics and Professional Studies – Boundaries Reflection
Professional boundaries are essential in protecting relationships with clients, colleagues, and other professionals, set by the counselor or therapist, preventing harm or exploration. Boundaries are limitations and rules according to the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics; boundaries are the guidelines and rules set and critical in maintaining integrity within their practice and profession (ACA, 2014. Section H.4.b, p. 18). Professional boundaries should always be adhered
to, never developing romantic or sexual feelings or relationships towards clients. I strive to be suitable for the client, avoid harm, encourage autonomy, and make decisions based on and from a
professional perspective.
Society and Professional Boundaries As counselors and therapists, we must familiarize ourselves with the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, adhere to the rules and guidelines, incorporate them into our personal and professional lives, and protect the welfare of the counselor or therapist, client, and profession. Counseling young adults incorporating technology and social media runs the risk of potentially sharing personal information, or some may have different expectations of privacy than others. Confidential information is not regarded as it once was by younger generations; in my opinion, living with three, sharing financial information is openly discussed. In my day, it was safeguarded information only discussed with your spouse. What they chose to share and discuss openly I would have never discussed with any adult, outside of family, important information, sharing social security numbers, passwords, and codes, to name a few. Today, I am sure many methods are far beyond my thought process and technology know-how.
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As counselors, appropriate security should be taken in protecting the integrity of the profession, practitioner, and above all, the patient's well-being, avoiding all behaviors that could compromise the relationship, such as friending, following, or contacting them outside of a professional setting (Barnett, J. & Hynes; K. 2023). Many young adults are in a transitional stage during development, ranging in autonomy, maturity, and decision-making skills. Counselors and therapists must respect their preferences and goals, balancing legal and ethical obligations to protect them from harming themselves or others while complying with the ACA code of ethics and sharing information with the parent or guardian. Malleable Boundaries
Malleable boundaries are often described as personal, quickly changed, or adjusted depending on the circumstance or situation. Most malleable boundaries are flexible and adaptable, yet they are influenced by external elements (NIH, 2023). Malleable boundaries to me
are sharing personal information varying in levels of intimacy with regards to trust and closeness, sharing more detailed information about life than you would with a close friend, or acting more reserved at work vs. when in the company of family or familiars. Another form of malleable boundaries is compromising, moving, or adjusting boundaries to accommodate situations. Malleable boundaries are beneficial in adjusting to different situations, allowing a connection with a diverse group of people, and balancing personal needs with others. However, they can bring harm if porous; one may be easily influenced into moving one's boundaries. They
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are finding a healthy balance between respecting one's rights and others causing no harm or malicious intent. Conclusion It is important in establishing one’s counseling practice to maintain a healthy and ethical therapeutic relationship with colleagues and clients, marring boundaries and malleable boundaries incorporated into their practice and profession. Both boundaries aid in preventing boundary violations, and actions or behaviors that cross lines exploiting the client or counselor. Therefore counselors should be aware of their boundaries and communicate them in an effective professional manner, monitor and adjust malleable boundaries accordingly, balanced against professional collaboration.
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References
American Counseling Association, (2104, Sec H, Pg 17–18). Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media. ACA 2014 Code of Ethics (macu.edu)
Barnett, J., & Hynes, K. (2023). Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy: Boundaries and Multiple Relationships in Psychotherapy. Boundaries and Multiple Relationships in Psychotherapy | Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (societyforpsychotherapy.org)
Calkins, H. (2021). American Psychological Association (APA). 2021 Trends Report: Online Therapy is
Here to stay. Online therapy is here to stay (apa.org)
National Library of Medicine. (2023). PubMed Central: Boundary Crossing and Violation in Clinical Settings. Boundary Crossings and Violations in Clinical Settings - PMC (nih.gov)