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Practicing Ethics in Counseling
Reflection Paper: Practicing Ethics in Counseling
Clients Rights, Confidelity and Ethics
Jennifer Dohl
August 30, 2012
Jerry VanKirk
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In A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox, Anthony Weston defines ethics as, “a concern with
the basic needs and legitimate expectations of others as well as our own” (Weston, 2008).
Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder state, “The proper role of ethical reasoning is to highlight
acts of two kinds: those which enhance the well-being of others—that warrant our praise—and
those that harm or diminish the well-being of others—and thus warrant our criticism” (Paul &
Elder, 2009).
We cannot diminish the impact our behavior has on other people. Our actions have
consequences for ourselves and others. We have the ability to impact another person’s life in a
positive or negative way. We are capable of comprehending how the consequences of our actions
affect others because we have the ability to imagine ourselves in their place and recognize how
those actions would affect us (Paul & Elder, 2009).
Counselors strive to resolve ethical dilemmas with direct and open communication among all
parties involved and seek consultation with colleagues and supervisors when necessary.
Counselors incorporate ethical practice into their daily professional work. They engage in
ongoing professional development regarding current topics in ethical and legal issues in
counseling (ACA Code of Ethics, 2005).
Mental health professionals are expected by to follow the laws that are enforced by the
government and to adhere to the ethical standards enforced by national professional
organization’s code of ethics and regulatory boards. To best meet the needs of clients, it is
essential that mental health professionals monitor their ethical behavior by honestly examining
their own thinking and actions and take responsibility for any misconduct (Corey, Schneider
Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
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National professional organizations have instituted codes of ethics that offer
comprehensive guidelines to mental health professionals. The National Association of Social
Workers code of ethics states, “A code of ethics sets forth values, ethical principles and ethical
standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged” (Corey,
Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011). National professional organization codes of ethics give
general rather than specific answers to ethical dilemmas. These codes are unique to each
organization but they do have comparable philosophies. Mental health professional codes of
ethics advocate;
 Supporting the well-being of the clients
 Practicing within the limits of one’s ability and skill
 Doing no harm
 Ensuring the privacy of the client
 Acting in a manner that is ethical and responsible
 Avoiding manipulation and mistreatment
 Maintaining the integrity of the profession by aspiring for quality care in practice (Corey,
Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
A code of ethics functions as a guide for the mental health professional to make decisions
that will uphold their individual integrity and work in the best interest of clients, while at the
same time meeting the ethical standards established for the profession. Ethical codes are meant
to protect the rights of clients and identify what is expected of practitioners. The organization is
expected to regulate itself and function autonomously; instead of being regulated by statutory
law (Hatcher, 2010).A Code of ethics is not a replacement for critical thinking when it comes to
making ethical decisions. Ethical codes do not provide specific answers to ethical questions nor
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do ethical codes guarantee ethical behavior. The main objective of any code of ethics is to
protect the well-being of the clients by providing care that has their best interest in mind (Corey,
Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011). The national organizations that develop codes of ethics
have 3 objectives;
1. To educate professionals about sound ethical behavior and in doing so raise their
awareness and clarify their values for themselves and in practice.
2. To provide a mechanism for professional accountability. Counselors not only monitor
their own behavior but encourage ethical behavior in colleagues.
3. To serve as catalysts for improving practice (Corey, Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
Counselors must use critical thinking skills to interpret codes of ethics that do not pertain exactly
to the dilemma they may be facing (Corey, Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
The process of making an ethical decision involves the counselor acknowledging his/her own
values. A counselor must understand what they value and how those values will affect how they
work with clients. A counselor must also take into consideration the values and beliefs of the
client. It is important to get the client involved in the decision making process. The feminist
model of decision making says that, “power should be equalized in the therapeutic relationship”
between the therapist and the client. When involving the client in ethical decisions the best
results are achieved (Corey, Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011). The social constructionist
model of ethical decision making emphasizes that the decision making process is interactive,
requires negotiating and even mediation if necessary. The transcultural integrative model
addresses the multicultural factors when making ethical decisions (Corey, Schneider Corey, &
Callanan, 2011). The authors of Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions offer eight steps to
follow when addressing an ethical dilemma in practice.
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1. Identify the problem or dilemma. Ask yourself these questions; what is at the core of
the problem? What are the stakes and who are the stake holders involved? What
values, cultural and historical factors are involved? How will the client be affected by
the decision? What are my feelings about the issue at stake? Take the time to consider
all the options.
2. Identify all the potential issues involved. Evaluate the rights, responsibilities and
welfare of those involved. Identify and examine the fundamental ethical principals
involved. If possible involve the client in identifying potential issues.
3. Review the relevant ethics codes. Consider whether your personal values conflict or
are consistent with the ethical codes of your professional organization. If needed,
consult with the professional organization. Always document this process.
4. Know and understand the applicable laws and regulations. Remember that just
knowing the laws will not guarantee an ethical decision.
5. Obtain consultation. If you are unable or unsure if you are seeing the issue impartially
you may consult with legal counsel, colleagues, your supervisor or someone with
expertise in the culture or issue you may be dealing with.
6. Consider possible and probable courses of action. Think about the implications of the
courses of action and discuss these with your client and with other professionals as
practical to the situation.
7. Itemize the consequences of the decisions you may make. Consider the implications
for everyone involved.
8. Lastly, select what appears to be the best course of action. Ask yourself how your
action fits your profession’s code of ethics; how your decision takes into account the
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cultural values and experience of your client, how your values have been affirmed or
challenged, how others will look at your decision and finally, what you learned from
this dilemma (Corey, Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
It is always important to document every step in the decision making process when dealing
with an ethical dilemma (Corey, Schneider Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
Making sound ethical decisions involves critical thinking. Ethical decisions should not be
made in haste and should not be made without taking into consideration all parties involved.
The national professional organizations codes of ethics are in place as a guide to assist in
better understanding ethical standards. Mental health professionals must monitor their own
behavior, encourage ethical behavior in others and report unethical behavior.
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References
ACA Code of Ethics. (2005). Retrieved from AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION: www.counseling.org
Corey, G., Schneider Corey, M., & Callanan, P. (2011). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions Eigth
Edition. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Hatcher, A. (2010, June 10). Revising the NAADC Code of Ethics. Retrieved from the Association for
Addiction Professionals: http://www.addictionpro.com/article/revising-naadac-code-ethics
Paul, D. R., & Elder, D. (2009). The Thinker's Guide to Understanding the Foundations of Ethical
Reasoning. Dillon Beach, CA: The Foundation for Critical Thinking Press.
Weston, A. (2008). A 21st Century Toolbox Second Edition. NewYork: Oxford University Press.