Professional Ethics
Ethics codes are a fundamental component of effective counseling: They are guidelines that outline professional standards of behavior and practice. Codes do not make decisions for counselors. Counselors must interpret and apply ethical codes to their deci
Mandatory Ethics
Deals with the minimum level of professional practice.
Aspirational Ethics
Is a higher level of ethical practice.
Positive Ethics
Is an approach taken by practitioners who want to do their best for clients rather than simply meet minimum standards to stay out of trouble.
Ethical Decision Making
The principles that underlie our professional codes: Benefit others, do no harm, respect other's autonomy, be just, fair and faithful.
The role of ethical codes--they: Educate us about responsibilities, are a basis for accountability, protect clients, are
Informed Consent
Clients need enough information about the counseling process to make informed choices. Educate clients about their rights and responsibilities. Informed consent should include information such as therapeutic procedures and goals, risks/benefits and altern
Limits of Confidentiality
Confidentiality is essential but not absolute! Exceptions:
Client poses a danger to self or others. Clients who are under age 16, dependant adults, or older adults are victims of abuse. Client needs to be hospitalized. Information is made an issue in a co
Multicultural Issues
Biases are reflected when we: 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 behaviors, beliefs, or experiences
Diagnosis
is the process of identifying a pattern of symptoms which fit the criteria for a specific mental disorder defined in the DSM-IV-TR (soon-to-be DSM-V). Requires cultural sensitivity. Counselors debate whether a diagnosis is necessary. Can be helpful in tre
Strengths of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Counselors use treatments that have been validated by empirical research. Treatments are usually brief and standardized. Are preferred by many insurance companies. Calls for accountability among mental health professionals to provide effective treatments.
Criticisms of EBP
Considered by some to be mechanistic and insensitive to individual differences. Not well-suited for working with existential concerns. Difficult to measure both relational and technical aspects of a psychological treatment. Has potential for misuse as a m
Multiple or Dual Relationships
Not inherently unethical. Must be managed ethically to protect client's well-being. Examples of nonsexual dual relationships include socializing or starting a business venture with a client, bartering services for goods, or borrowing money. Sexual relatio