Discussion_AACC Y-2023 Code of Ethics
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
West Los Angeles College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
351
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by Marshmeow121824
Discussion: AACC Y-2023 Code of Ethics
You are a clinical counselor operating out of an urban Christian counseling center. You are a PhD candidate (all but dissertation), licensed professional counselor (LPC), with two years of supervised experience. Your clinical orientation is cognitive-behavioral therapy, specializing in issues related to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. You are given a couple to assist with a presenting problem of marital tension in a biracial marriage, struggling with a cultural issue that is creating a wedge in the marriage, which is made worse with problems related to anxiety. You have very little experience with this type of presenting problem.
How would you handle this? After the initial meeting with them, would you be inclined to refer them to another professional more qualified than you on the specifics of the presenting problem? Would you be inclined to seek the help of a cultural ‘broker,’ and then
ask for supervised assistance and attempt to help them? Be specific with your rationale and
course of action.
According to the textbook chapter 3, describe how the cultural values and characteristics of
diverse populations may affect the counseling process?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with two years of supervised experience, a current Ph.D. candidate, and employed at an urban counseling center, my professional commitment is characterized by a dedicated pursuit of ongoing learning and a passion for aiding a diverse clientele. Operating within the urban community, individuals seeking assistance for issues within my areas of specialization—depression, anxiety, and substance abuse—often turn to our counseling facility for support.
The presenting problem between the biracial couple underscores the importance of considering ethical commitments and the AACC Y-2023 Code of Ethics, specifically codes 1-
210-b and 1-240. Code 1-210-b emphasizes that counselors must only offer services within their competence or scope of practice, considering factors such as education, knowledge, training, and
professional/ministerial experience (AACC Law and Ethics Committee
,
2023). Given my limited
experience in dealing with cultural issues, it is crucial to acknowledge this limitation and refrain from attempting to provide services beyond my expertise.
While Code 1-210-b encapsulates the restriction that a Christian Counselor can deliver within the scope of their specialty, Code 1-240 provides the following action, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to consult with and refer to competent colleagues, supervisors, or other resources when faced with issues beyond one's prior experience or lacking expertise, aligning with the ongoing process of developing cultural competence (
AACC Law and Ethics Committee,
2023). This ethical commitment aligns with the recognition that cultural competence is a lifelong process involving the development of the ability to engage in actions that maximize the optimal development of clients and client systems (Sue et al., 2022).
Multicultural Counseling and Therapy, as defined by Sue et al. (2022), is a helping role and process that aligns modalities and defines goals consistent with clients' life experiences and cultural values. Given the cultural issues at the forefront of the presenting problem, referring the couple to a specialist in multicultural counseling ensures that they receive tailored and adequate support. Recognizing the complexity of their situation, particularly the cultural issues contributing to marital tension, I acknowledge that my expertise lies primarily in addressing anxiety in this scenario. While the couple is grappling with heightened anxiety, my involvement would not contribute to addressing the root cause of their cultural differences. Seeking the assistance of a cultural 'broker' and requesting supervised aid would be part of the referral process, ensuring a smooth transition to professionals with the expertise needed to address the unique challenges presented by the cultural dynamics within the biracial marriage.
In the rich tapestry of biblical wisdom, Proverbs 3:5-6 eloquently underscores the virtue of humility, emphasizing the profound importance of recognizing the limits of human understanding (
King James Version,
1979/2001). This sacred council encourages individuals to entrust all aspects of their decisions to the divine, acknowledging that true wisdom lies in humble
reliance on the guidance of the Lord. As the proverbial wisdom suggests, I lean not solely on my understanding but seek to acknowledge the need for specialized advice in areas beyond my current competence, trusting that a higher source of wisdom directs the path to optimal well-
being for the couple.
The impact of cultural values on the counseling process is significant, mainly due to the prevalent conceptualization in Western individualistic terms. This perspective highlights potential inadvertent limitations on clients' expression from diverse cultural backgrounds, as the emphasis on individual focus, expressiveness, insight, and self-disclosure may unintentionally constrain their full engagement (Sue et al., 2022). These limitations pose hindrances for culturally diverse clients, as evidenced by Class-Bound Values and Culture-Related Communication Barriers. Class-bound values encompass diverse cultural perspectives shaped by
social class experiences and racial-ethnic diversity, making it complex for therapists from different economic backgrounds to understand and relate to impoverished clients (Sue et al., 2022). Conversely, culture-related communication barriers emerge when patients and therapists operate with disparate styles, hindering rapport and potentially culturally oppressing the client (Sue et al., 2022). Recognizing these challenges is vital for fostering culturally sensitive counseling practices, ensuring that cultural diversity enhances the therapeutic alliance rather than
impedes it.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
References
AACC Law and Ethics Committee. (2023). American Association - AACC
. AACC Y-2023 Code of Ethics. https://aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AACC-Y-2023-Code-of-Ethics-
FINAL-Draft.pdf
17-20
King James Bible
(2001). Intellectual Reserve Inc. (Original work published 1979)
Sue, D.W., Sue, D., Neville, H.A., & Smith, L., (2022).
Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice.
(9th ed.) Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. 33-56