Ethics 201
What should a counselor do if they believe that another counselor is violating, or has violated, an ethical standard but substantial harm has not occurred to the client?
They should first attempt to resolve the tissue informally with the other counselor, if feasible - provided such action does not violate any confidentiality rights that may be involved.
True or false. When consulting co-workers on a case, the counselor/social worker should make every effort to share the client’s private, confidential information to ensure the situation is understood.
FALSE. Counselors should make every effort to protect the client’s confidential information. The counselor should only disclose confidential information to the extent necessary to achieve the purpose of the consultation.
You wrapped up sessions with a client yesterday; today you received a request from them to connect on social media. What is your best course of action in this situation?
Avoid establishing a relationship over social media.
What should a counselor do if an apparent ethical violation has substantially harmed a person or organization and is not appropriate for informal resolution with the counselor involved?
Their action depends on the situation, but could include reporting to their supervisor, referral to state or national committees on professional ethics, national certification bodies, or state licensing boards.
True or false. When working with families, couples, or groups, social workers/counselors should explain confidentiality to each member but that they cannot guarantee that all participants will honor this agreement.
TRUE
You’re at a PTA meeting at your child’s school when another parent, who happens to be a client, approaches you and wants to talk about recent events that happened since their last session. What is the best course of action in this situation?
Set boundaries and explain these conversations should only happen during sessions for confidentiality purposes.
What is a dual relationship?
Dual relationships occur when social workers/counselors relate to clients in more than one relationship, whether professional, social, or business. These relationships should be avoided if there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client
Multicultural counseling competency is required across all counseling specialities. What can counselors do to build cultural competency?
Gain knowledge from books, trainings, etc.
Grow personal awareness and sensitivity
Learn and practice skills pertinent to being a culturally competent counselor
You’re meeting with a couple for marriage sessions and one of the clients asks to meet with you individually for counseling at the same time you’re seeing the couple. What is the best course of action in this situation?
Explain to client why it's best for her to see a separate therapist.
What if a client is unable to provide informed consent for themselves? (Due to age, limited literacy or language skills?)
Therapist should protect the client’s interests by seeking permission from an appropriate third party, working with a translator, or informing clients consistent with their level of understanding.
What is the purpose of assessment in professional counseling/social work?
To gather information regarding the client for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to: decision making of the client and treatment planning.
What do you do if you’re counseling a client from a different culture who has beliefs you don’t understand or agree with. What is the best course of action in this situation?
What do you do if you’re counseling a client from a different culture who has beliefs you don’t understand or agree with. What is the best course of action in this situation?
> Ask questions, learn about their culture and beliefs.
> Educate yourself outside of the session.
> If you’re unable to effectively counsel the client, seek supervision and/or share a referral.
Is it okay to engage in physical contact with the client?
should not engage in physical contact when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client as a result of the contact (as in cradling or caressing the client). Social workers/counselors who engage in appropriate physical contact with clients are responsible for setting clear and appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern such physical contact.
True or false. Counselors can use any assessment tool, whether they are training to use it or not.
FALSE. Counselors should only use testing and assessment services for which they have been trained and are competent.
You’ve met with a client twice, and in the third session notice you’re experiencing countertransference as they describe the challenge they’re seeking counseling for. What is the best course of action in this situation?
Recognize the countertransference and reflect on it. Put the client first - if they would benefit from a different counselor, refer. Seek supervision. Consider counseling sessions for yourself, if needed.