The Counseling Relationship
Section A
When working with populations unable to give voluntary consent (e.g., minors, incapacitated adults), according to Section A.2.d., counselors should
Provide accommodations/seek the expression of approval/involve them in decision making
When engaging in an ethical decision making process (and following a model) this is often the first step.
Identify the problem
Woven throughout the Code of Ethics, counselors have a responsibility for this based on their education, training, and supervision experiences. Also stated in Section C.2. of the Code of ethics
Professional Competence
The ethical duty of counselors to protect a client's identity, identifying characteristics, and private communications.
Confidentiality.
Professional Responsibility
Section C
When using these in the counseling relationship, professionals must understand the populations with which they were developed
Assessments
This type of resolution process according to section I.2.a. involves attempting to resolve the issue with the other counselor provided such action does not violate confidentiality.
Informal resolution
According to Section A.1.a of the ACA (2014) Code of ethics the primary responsibility of counselors is to
respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients.
The promotion of equity for all people and groups for the purpose of ending oppression and injustice affecting clients, students, counselors, families, communities, schools, workplaces, governments, and other social and institutional systems.
Social Justice
Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation
Section E
The practice of self-reflection on how one's own background and the background of others impact teaching, learning, engagement, etc.
Cultural Humility
When using an ethical decision-making model to address a dilemma one of the most important actions a counselor can take is, what according to Section I.1.b of the Code
Document as appropriate
One of the fundamental principles states that as a counseling professional, you are to assist clients in promoting this by providing informed choice and involvement in their treatment planning process
Autonomy
A process of information sharing associated with possible actions clients may choose to take, aimed at assisting clients in acquiring a full appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of a given action or actions.
Informed Consent
Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media
Section H
The process of questioning one's own assumptions, presumptions, and meaning perspectives.
Critical Self Reflection
If you suspect a colleague has violated the Code of Ethics, to whom should you report the ethical violation?
The State licensing board or the American Counseling Association headquarters (if they are a member)
As an intern or counselor working to earn their hours for licensure, you will meet regularly with one of these to further develop your skills and increase knowledge while working with clients.
Supervisor
The intentional setting aside of a counselor's personal values from his or her professional values in order to provide ethical and appropriate counseling to all clients, especially those whose worldviews, values, belief systems, and decisions differ from those of the counselor.
Resolving Ethical Issues
Section I
Section E.5.b. focuses on this topic which states that counselors recognize that culture affects the manner in which clients' problems are defined and experienced.
Cultural Sensitivity
What is the moral principle that most frequently guides the ethical decision-making process, also mentioned in Section A.4.a.
Nonmaleficence - do no harm
Defined as those characteristics or variables that define an effective counselor - often a strategy to assist with admissions into counseling programs
Counselor disposition
A process by which counselors can bring cultural characteristics of the client and the counselor into the room and invite clients to explore the relevance of those characteristics.
Broaching