Ethical Decision‑Making
This is the first step in the CPCA’s 10‑step ethical decision‑making model.
What is identifying the problem?
Counsellors must practice only within these boundaries.
What are their areas of competence? (scope)
Counsellors must verify this before providing online counselling across regions.
What is jurisdictional appropriateness?
The primary goal of supervision is to ensure this.
What is client welfare?
This body oversees ethics complaints for CPCA members.
What is the CPCA Ethics Committee?
This step requires counsellors to examine their own values and biases.
What is self‑reflection?
When a counsellor lacks competence in an area, they must do one of these two things.
What are refer out or seek supervision/training?
This must be included in informed consent for e‑therapy due to digital risks.
What is privacy and security limitations?
Supervision supports counsellors in developing these two areas.
What are skills and professional identity?
The first step in a formal ethics complaint involves this action by the complainant.
What is submitting a written complaint?
Counsellors must consult these documents during the decision‑making process.
What are the CPCA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice?
This term describes a counsellor whose functioning is impaired due to personal issues.
What is an impaired practitioner?
Counsellors must use these types of platforms for online sessions.
What are secure, encrypted platforms?
Supervisors must maintain these boundaries to avoid dual relationships.
What are clear professional boundaries?
Counsellors must do this when notified of a complaint.
What is respond promptly and cooperate?
This step involves considering possible courses of action and their consequences.
What is generating and evaluating options?
Counsellors must take this action when they recognize impairment in themselves.
What is suspend or limit practice and seek help?
When technology fails during a session, counsellors must have this in place.
What is a backup communication plan?
This type of supervision focuses on reflective practice and self‑awareness.
What is clinical or reflective supervision?
During an investigation, counsellors must provide these two things.
What are documentation and truthful information?
The final step in the model requires counsellors to do this after implementing a decision.
What is evaluating the outcome?
CPCA requires counsellors to maintain competence through this ongoing activity.
What is continuing education/professional development?
CPCA requires counsellors to document these two elements specific to e‑therapy.
What are technological issues and client location?
Supervisors must document these three elements of each supervision session.
What are goals, interventions, and outcomes?
Possible outcomes of an ethics investigation may include these three types of actions.
What are remediation, sanctions, or revocation of membership?