Clients Rights, Confidentiality, and Ethics
Andrea Schneider
09/04/12
As a counselor, an extremely important part of your job is knowing how to practice
ethically. Ethics are the beliefs we hold about what constitutes right conduct, they are moral
principles adopted by an individual or group to provide rules for right conduct (Corey, Corey,
Callanan, 2011, 2007). Ethics are behaviors universally accepted as “right” or “wrong”, not
based on religious beliefs or cultural standards. For example, one need not appeal to a religious
belief or cultural convention to recognize that slavery, genocide, torture, sexism, racism, murder,
assault, fraud, deceit, and intimidation are all ethically wrong (Paul & Elder, 2005). Making sure
you are practicing ethically is vital to your success as a counselor.
There are two types of ethics, principle ethics and virtue ethics. Principle ethics is a set of
obligations and a method that focuses on moral issues with the goals of solving a particular
dilemma, and establishing a framework to guide future ethical thinking and behavior. Virtue
ethics focus on the character traits of the counselor and nonobligatory ideals to which
professionals aspire rather than on solving specific ethical dilemmas (NAADAC, 2011). Some
characteristics of virtuous professionals are; being motivated to do what is right, relying on
vision and discernment, having compassion, being self-aware, and understanding the mores of
your community (Corey, Corey, Callanan, 2011, 2007). Counselors should aspire to open,
honest, and accurate communication in dealing with the public and other professionals, and
should practice in a nondiscriminatory manner within the boundaries of professional and
personal competence and have a responsibility to abide by the Code of Ethics.
In addition, it is important to demonstrate professionalism by striving for aspirational
ethics, the highest professional standard of thinking and conduct. It requires that we do more
than simply meet the required standards of the ethics code. We also must realize that those who
assume the role of assisting others to live a more responsible life take on the ethical
responsibility of living a life that is more than ordinarily responsible (NAADAC, 2011). In our
personal lives, we are still responsible for acting professionally and ethically. We must realize
that our actions, even outside of work, can still influence the client and others within the
community. We must take this fact into consideration as we make decisions in our personal
conduct (NAADAC, 2011). Acting professionally also means that you are able to evaluate
yourself honestly. You must be able to see your faults and know whether you are acting
ethically or not. If you become aware that any work or action has done harm, you must admit
the error and do what is possible to repair or ameliorate the harm, except when to do so would
cause greater harm (NAADAC, 2011).
When making ethical decisions, there are four core virtues to follow; prudence, integrity,
respectfulness and benevolence. In addition, White suggested consideration of the following
when making ethical decisions: Autonomy: to allow others the freedom to choose their own
destiny. Obedience: the responsibility to observe and obey legal and ethical directives.
Conscientious Refusal: the responsibility to refuse to carry out directives that are illegal and/or
unethical. Beneficence: to help others. Gratitude: to pass along the good that we receive to
others. Competence: to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to treat the clientele in a
chosen discipline and to remain current with treatment modalities, theories and techniques.
Justice: Fair and equal treatment, to treat others in a just manner. Stewardship: to use available
resources in a judicious and conscientious manner, to give back. Honesty and Candor: tell the
truth in all dealing with clients, colleagues, business associates and the community. Fidelity: to
be true to your word, keeping promises and commitments. Loyalty: the responsibility to not
abandon those with whom you work. Diligence: to work hard in the chosen profession, to be
mindful, careful and thorough in the services delivered. Discretion: use of good judgment,
honoring confidentiality and the privacy of others. Self-improvement: to work on professional
and personal growth to be the best you can be. Non-malfeasance: do no harm to the interests of
the client. Restitution: when necessary, make amends to those who have been harmed or injured.
Self-interest: to protect yourself and your personal interests (NAADAC, 2011).
The importance of ethical practices and values in the counseling profession are extremely
important. If you look at the NAADAC Code of Ethics, almost every code relates to benefiting
the client and protecting their confidentiality. You should ask yourself, “Am I doing what is best
for my client?” Their well-being is your number one ethical responsibility; you should carefully
consider everything you say and do, and do everything possible to benefit the client and avoid
harming them in any way.
Works Cited:
Aca code of ethics. (2005). Retrieved from
http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx?new_sess=1
Corey, G., Corey, M., Callanan, P. (2011, 2007). Issues and ethics in the helping professions.
(8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Kenyon, P. (n.d.). What would you do? an ethical case workbook for human service
professionals. Retrieved from http://www.netce.com/coursecontent.php?courseid=632
NAADAC the association for addiction professionals. (2011, March 28). Naadac code of ethics
principles . Retrieved from http://www.naadac.org/component/content/article/42-membershipinformation/405-pr11
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2005). The miniature guide to understanding the foundations of ethical
reasoning. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/files/SAMEthicalReasoning20051.pdf