Counselor Ethics and Responsibilities_ It All Matters
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Counselor Ethics and Responsibilities: It All Matters
Latrice L. Alston
Grand Canyon University
CNL- 505: Professional Counseling, Ethical, and Legal Considerations
Dr. Elizabeth Aura
November 1, 2023
Counselor Ethics and Responsibilities: It All Matters
Section 1: The Counselor’s Role in Protecting Client Rights
1)
One of the roles of clinical mental health counselors is to do no harm. Based on research, describe how counselors incorporate the following five principles of ethical practice in order to maintain client rights.
Autonomy
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Justice
Fidelity
2)
In all clinical settings the informed consent process is important because it protects the privacy and dignity of the client. Discuss how the informed consent process protects client rights in
the following areas:
Billing
Right to Privacy
HIPAA compliance
Compliance with credentialing board requirements for incorporating informed consent into practice
Section 2: Responsibility to Warn and Protect
Identify the factors that you will consider in order to determine your “duty to warn” and “duty to protect” responsibilities as a counselor. Be sure to consider ethical guidelines as well
as the legal considerations pertaining to the "duty to warn" and "duty to protect" in the state in which you plan to practice.
Section 3: Client Record-Keeping
Discuss the role of the counselor for client record keeping in protecting the following:
A client's right to a professional standard of care
The counselor from malpractice
Notification of client’s rights
Storing files and documents electronically
Section 4: Self-Care
After reading the introduction of Section C “Professional Responsibility” in the American Counseling Association (ACA) or American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Code of Ethics, discuss the following:
What does the ACA or ASCA Code of Ethics say about self-care?
How do you plan to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life?
What healthy self-care activities have you engaged in in the past or present?
What healthy self-care activities have you considered but have not implemented?
What are some red flags suggesting that you may need to address personal issues to avoid personal impairment?
How do you feel about counselors receiving personal counseling? Some counseling programs require it. What counseling resources are available for you in your area? (Please note: The Counseling Community Connections
website has a Counselor and Counseling Resource List available to you. The direct link is in the Topic 4 Resources. Please contact GCU Tech
Support if you have difficulties logging into the website.)
Section 5: Advocacy
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Go to the “Governmental Affairs” webpage on the American Counseling Association website, located in the Topic 4 Resources, to find options to advocate for the counselors and the counseling profession at the governmental level.
Summarize a population you are passionate about how you can get involved. Review the
"Social Justice Statement" in the Topic 4 Resources and address what ethical responsibilities counselors must advocate for the profession and client. Cite at least one ACA code.
Section 6: Counselor Values
1)
Select one of the following issues you feel strongest about from the following:
a)
Abortion. (A 19-year-old rape victim wants an abortion, but her parents are vehemently opposed to abortion on religious grounds and have stated that they
will no longer consider her their daughter if she proceeds. The young woman is firm in her plans but wants your help in changing her parents’ attitudes.)
b)
both committed to the “open marriage” concept that does not require sexual monogamy.)
2)
Describe your personal values and attitudes towards the selected issues as well as how you would advocate for the client(s) in each situation you selected. How would you work with a client who was in direct conflict with your advocacy group/ a group that you are passionate about? HINT: Make sure you review the respective code of ethics
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specific to your program of study (ACA or ASCA). Reference the relevant ethical codes in your response.
The role of a counselor is challenging and requires a commitment to clients as well as commitment counseling profession. Counselors face difficult situations that require competence, empathy, and patience. The counseling profession has evolved to meet the needs of clients. Many clients seek counseling for various reasons which demand clinicians to be well-
versed in current law and trends. Due to the everchanging dynamics of counseling and the laws
that govern the profession, counselors have a duty to always perform in an ethical manner. The American Counseling Association has set forth a Code of Ethics which is the foundation for most aspects of counseling. The Code of Ethics outlines many situations counselors may encounter. While the American Counseling Association is one of the most recognized organizations in the counseling profession, several other professional organizations exist. These organizations exist to ensure there is continuity and clarity regarding duties and expectations in the profession. The focus of this paper is to address the impact of values both for the client and the practitioner. The role of a counselor is to be impartial; yet, in some instances the lines are blurred. Blurred lines regarding the values of the client and the clinician results in result in complicated situations that have the potential to impact clinical outcomes. Legislative Governance
Conclusion
The role of a counselor is not to judge or impart their own values onto a client. The difficulties of working with clients whose values differ from that of a client is not a valid reason
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to refer or terminate services. Counseling is a helping profession; the goal of every practitioner is the well-being of the client. The sincerely held views a counselor should not impact the level of service provided to a client.
Each client is to be respected and treated indiscriminately regardless of their personal beliefs.
A counselor’s role is not to change the values of client. The role of the counselor is to work with a client to discover solutions. If there comes a time when a counselor is incapable of providing services due to a lack of training in a particular area, the duty of the clinician is to refer the client. Referral and terminations must be treated with as much care as providing counseling services. All values are not universal; therefore counselors and clients must respect the sincerely held beliefs of both parties
.
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References
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA 2014 Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
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