Ethics Paper
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School
Merrimack College *
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Course
5060
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
Pages
8
Uploaded by HighnessGerbilMaster1081
Title: Ethical Decision-Making in Counseling: A Critical Analysis of Larissa CMH5060OO_SP2024R3_Ethics + Legal Issues in Counsel Gina Firicano February 18, 2024 1
Abstract: Larissa is a counseling student facing ethical challenges while counseling a 16-year-old African American high school student named Tamara, who is role-playing. Effective counseling becomes difficult due to assumptions, lack of cultural competence, and conflicts with Larissa's religious beliefs. With guidance, Larissa learns to navigate the issues of assumption, goal setting, and ethical implications. This case underscores the importance of cultural competence and moral awareness in counseling practice. Larissa's journey highlights the challenges of addressing diverse identities and the need for ongoing professional development. This paper uses this case study as an example to discuss the ethical decision-making process involved in counseling. The case study presents various moral dilemmas analyzed through the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics and other professional ethical codes. This paper aims to provide critical insights and recommendations for addressing ethical challenges in counseling practice by integrating knowledge from assigned readings and additional literature. Introduction: This case study follows Larissa, a graduate student of counseling, as she navigates ethical challenges while counseling Tamara, a 16-year-old student. It highlights the importance of cultural competence, client-centered care, and moral awareness in counseling practice. The study offers insights into ethical decision-making complexities and the growth required for aspiring counselors. Ethical decision-making requires counselors to navigate dilemmas while upholding professional conduct standards. The paper provides a comprehensive ethical analysis of the case study guided by relevant literature. Understanding the Ethics Case Study of Larissa: As the course instructor, Dr. Charles would focus on two specific counseling knowledge/
skills to help Larissa become a more effective counselor with Tamara. These are cultural competence and a client-centered approach. 2
Cultural competence involves education and training on cultural humility and awareness, particularly in understanding and respecting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This includes challenging assumptions, stereotypes, and biases and promoting inclusive and affirming practices in counseling. A client-centered approach emphasizes prioritizing the client's goals and experiences in counseling. This involves actively listening to Tamara's concerns, validating her experiences as a lesbian individual, and collaborating with her to establish counseling goals that are meaningful and relevant to her needs. Regarding demonstrating cultural competencies, three specific sociocultural aspects of identities are essential to consider in the counselor-client relationship between Larissa and Tamara. These are: - Sexual orientation: Recognizing and affirming Tamara's identity as a lesbian individual. Larissa must create a safe and supportive space where Tamara feels comfortable discussing her sexual orientation and related concerns without fear of judgment or discrimination. - Race and ethnicity: Acknowledging Tamara's identity as an African American individual and understanding the intersectionality of her racial and sexual identities. Larissa should be sensitive to the cultural context in which Tamara's experiences occur and recognize the impact of systemic inequalities and discrimination on her mental health and well-being. - Religious background and beliefs: Considering Larissa's upbringing and beliefs, addressing potential conflicts or biases in the counseling relationship is essential. Larissa should strive to 3
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maintain professional boundaries and provide affirming and inclusive care that respects Tamara's autonomy and individual beliefs, regardless of personal religious convictions. "Conversion therapy" refers to pseudoscientific practices that aim to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Major medical and mental health organizations widely discredit these practices, as they are not only ineffective but also harmful and unethical. Individuals might seek this clinical treatment due to societal pressures, internalized stigma, or misguided beliefs that being LGBTQ+ is wrong or can be changed. However, it's crucial to emphasize that conversion therapy is not a legitimate or ethical form of treatment, and it can cause significant harm to individuals' mental and emotional well-being. Ethical Dilemmas and Concerns: Several ethical dilemmas and concerns arise from the case study, including: Assumption of Heterosexuality: In the first session, Larissa assumed that Tamara's romantic partner was male, which led to a misunderstanding and discomfort when Tamara corrected her. This assumption reflects a lack of cultural competence and sensitivity toward LGBTQ+ issues, violating the ethical principle of respecting client diversity and individual differences. Failure to Prioritize Client Goals: Larissa attempted to impose her agenda onto Tamara's counseling goals by suggesting that exploring her sexual orientation and the possibility of change would be therapeutic. This disregards the principle of client autonomy and self-
determination, as the client, not the counselor, should set the counseling goals. Inappropriate Questioning and Exploration: During the second session, Larissa inquired about Tamara's history of romantic relationships, mainly asking if she had been attracted to boys. This line of questioning is intrusive, irrelevant to Tamara's stated goals, and could be experienced as invalidating or offensive to her identity as a lesbian. Interest in Conversion Therapy: Larissa expressed an interest in learning more about conversion therapy, a discredited and harmful practice that seeks to change an individual's 4
sexual orientation or gender identity. This demonstrates a lack of awareness of ethical guidelines and best practices in counseling and potential harm to the client if such practices were to be pursued. These ethical mistakes highlight the importance of cultural competence, client-centered care, and adherence to moral principles such as respecting client autonomy and avoiding harm in counseling practice. Larissa's actions failed to meet these standards and risked causing damage and undermining the therapeutic relationship with Tamara. Legal and Clinical Issues: In addition to ethical considerations, the case study implicates legal and clinical issues such as: Confidentiality: Larissa needs to maintain Tamara's confidentiality in compliance with laws like HIPAA. Obtaining Tamara's informed consent is a crucial aspect of ethical practice. Maintaining clear boundaries is also essential to prevent any moral or legal breaches. Clinical Issues: - Cultural Competence: Larissa needs to understand Tamara's cultural background and identity better to provide effective counseling. - Client-Centered Care: Larissa should prioritize Tamara's goals and work collaboratively with her for successful counseling. - Exploration of Sexual Orientation: Larissa should not explore Tamara's sexual orientation without her consent or if it is not relevant to her goals. This approach is problematic and needs to be addressed. Identifying Five Ethical Codes: 5
Larissa, as a counselor, should prioritize obtaining informed consent from Tamara. She needs to ensure that Tamara understands the nature of counseling and freely consents to participate. This aligns with the ACA Code A.1., which emphasizes respecting clients' autonomy and right to self-determination. To effectively work with Tamara, who identifies as a lesbian African American high school student, Larissa needs to develop cultural competence. This aligns with the ACA Code A.4., which underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting clients' cultural backgrounds and identities. Larissa must uphold Tamara's confidentiality and maintain the privacy of her information unless disclosure is mandated by law or necessary for her protection. This is related to ACA Code B.1., which emphasizes the obligation of counselors to protect client confidentiality. Larissa must establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with Tamara, avoiding behaviors that could impair the counseling relationship. This reflects ACA Code A.5., which prohibits counselors from engaging in dual relationships or behaviors that could compromise their objectivity or effectiveness. Larissa should provide counseling services without discrimination or prejudice based on Tamara's sexual orientation or any other factor. This follows ACA Code A.11, which mandates counselors to offer services without discrimination and advocate for social justice. By adhering to these ethical codes, Larissa can navigate the complexities of her counseling sessions with Tamara ethically and effectively. This will promote Tamara's well-being and respect her rights and autonomy as a client. 6
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Closing Summary Statement: Larissa's counseling sessions with Tamara have highlighted the importance of adhering to ethical principles in counseling practice. By prioritizing autonomy, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and non-discrimination, Larissa can effectively navigate the complexities of her role as a counselor. Through ongoing reflection, education, and commitment to ethical guidelines, Larissa can create a supportive and empowering counseling environment for Tamara and other clients, promoting positive growth and well-being. 7
References American Counseling Association (2014). Code of Ethics, Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association. American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Ed., Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Corey, G., Corey, M., & Corey, C. (2019). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (10th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. 8