Counseling Foundations
How would you describe the type of relationship in which the counselor and client work together throughout the counseling process?
Collaborative relationship
Why is it important for counselors to be aware of their personal values?
Their values can influence how they understand and respond to clients.
Why should counselors consider a client's cultural and social context?
It influences the client's experiences, values, worldview, needs, and understanding of counseling.
What is the difference between mandatory and aspirational ethics?
Mandatory ethics focuses on minimum standards; aspirational ethics focuses on striving toward the highest professional standards.
A client says, “I've never been to therapy before. What exactly is going to happen here?”
What would you say to the client?
Explain the counseling process, expectations, roles, and invite questions as part of informed consent.
What is the purpose of conducting an intake with a new client?
To gather relevant information and develop an understanding of the client, their concerns, context, and goals.
What are two personal needs that counselors should be aware of when working with clients?
Need for approval, control, being needed, respect, validation of competence, changing others, etc.
Why might independence and autonomy look different across clients?
Cultural values/worldviews differ (e.g., individualistic vs collectivitic orientations)
How does positive ethics differ from simply trying to avoid ethical violations?`
It focuses on doing what is best for clients rather than merely avoiding trouble.
A client asks, “Who gets to see the things I tell you?”
What would you say?
Explain confidentiality, who may have access to information, and the limits/exceptions to confidentiality.
What does client autonomy mean within the counseling relationship?
The client's ability/right to make informed choices and decisions.
What is countertransference?
The counselor's personal reactions/unresolved experiences becoming entangled with the client or counseling relationship.
What can happen when counselors assume their own worldview is the appropriate standard for their clients?
Value/worldview imposition
Why can't counselors rely solely on an ethics code when facing an ethical dilemma?
Codes provide guidance but cannot determine the appropriate response to every specific situation.
A client says, “Just tell me whether I should stay with my partner or leave.”
How could you respond without imposing your values?
Help the client explore their own values, concerns, options, and potential consequences rather than making the decision for them.
Why might a counselor explore areas such as family, work, health, relationships, and culture during an intake?
To develop a comprehensive/holistic understanding of the client.
If a client reminds a counselor of someone from their personal life and the counselor notices it affecting their reactions, what should the counselor do?
Engage in self-awareness/self-reflection and address the reaction; also consider consultation/supervision.
How might a counselor respond when a client says family involvement is important when making major decisions?
Explore and respect what family involvement means to the client rather than automatically emphasizing individual independence
What are three actions a counselor could take when working through an ethical dilemma?
Identify the problem, review ethical codes/laws, consult, identify options, evaluate consequences, involve the client when appropriate, decide/act, document, follow up.
A client says, “I feel like you don't understand how important my family is when I make decisions.”
How could you respond?
Acknowledge the concern, invite the client to explain the role of family, and avoid imposing an individualistic perspective.
A counselor rapidly asks every question on an intake form without responding to anything the client says.
What is problematic about this approach?
It treats intake like an interrogation; neglects the collaborative nature of therapy.
What ethical concern arises when counselors encourage clients to make choices based primarily on the counselor's own beliefs?
Value imposition
What should a counselor do when cultural differences between counselor and client become important to the client?
Acknowledge and openly explore the differences and their meaning for the client
Why is consultation an important part of ethical decision-making?
It provides additional perspectives and helps counselors avoid making complex ethical decisions in isolation.
A client says, “I don't think you're actually listening to me. It feels like you've already decided what my problem is.”
What would you say in response?
Acknowledge the client's concern, invite them to elaborate, take responsibility for understanding their perspective, and avoid defensiveness.