ethics

fundamental parts of counseling

developing a professional identity as a counselor

learning about ethics

learning about the law as it applies to counseling

CACREP

sets the standards for counselor preparation and accredits training programs to meet these standards

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

voluntary organization that credentials counselors, and requires counselors to complete course work in the area of professional orientation

morals

personal or cultural beliefs about right and wrong

values

personal and professional beliefs that guide behavior

ethics

standards of behavior agreed upon by the profession

bracket personal values

counselors must learn how to bracket in order to avoid imposing their own values on clients

law

minimum standards enforced by courts

ethics (ACA)

profession-created standards

professionalism

the best practice

higher than minimum ethical/legal standards

(best practice = minimum compliance)

models for professional practice

internal foundations and external supports

internal foundations

intentionality

moral principles and virtues

knowledge of ethics/law

self-awareness

decision-making skills

courage of convictions

external supports

supervision

consultation

continuing education

laws and institutional policies

ethical theories

absolutism vs. relativism

utilitarianism vs. deontology

egoism vs. altruism

virtue ethics (focus on character)

ethic of care / relational ethics

absolutism vs. relativism

utilitarianism vs. deontology

egoism vs. altrusim

virtue ethics (focus on character)

ethics of care / relational ethics

core ethical principles

autonomy

nonmaleficence

beneficence

justice

fidelity

veracity

autonomy

nonmaleficence

beneficence

justice

fidelity

veracity

philosophy of counseling

wellness model

developmental perspective

prevention and early intervention

client empowerment

wellness model

developmental perspective

prevention and early intervention

client empowerment

counselor preparation and credentialing

degrees

state licensure

certifications

CACREP accreditation

ethical obligations related to credentialing

evolution of the profession

rooted in -

counseling psychology

school counseling

vocational rehab

(counseling is a very young profession)

professional organizations

American Counseling Association (ACA)

Divisions and state branches

Role in advocacy and identity

current identity challenges

specialty vs. unified profession

scope of practice challenges

third-party reimbursement

job classifications

specialty vs. unified profession

scope of practice challenges

third-party reimbursement

job classifications

professionalism and pride

distinguishing counseling from psychology/social work

importance of advocacy

counseling as a global profession

Distinguishing counseling from psychology/social work

Importance of advocacy

Counseling as a global profession

three components to multicultural competence

self-awareness

knowledge

skills

prejudice & cultural identity

implicit bias

multiple cultural identities

power and privilege

implicit bias

multiple cultural identities

power and privilege

values and value conflicts

personal vs. professional values

ACA prohibits imposing counselor values

values-based referrals are ethically risky

Personal vs. professional values

ACA prohibits imposing counselor values

Values-based referrals are ethically risky

social justice & advocacy

counselors are advocates

addressing systemic oppression

ethical responsibility beyond the therapy room

Special populations & legal issues

LGBTQ+ clients

discrimination

crisis counseling across cultures

counselor responsibilities

avoid dependency

manage mandated/involuntary clients

proper termination

avoid abandonment

informed consent

based on contract law

clients must understand

• nature of counseling

• risk & benefits

• confidentiality limits

• feels & policies

Written disclosure statements are recommended

client autonomy & welfare

clients have the right to

• make informed decisions

• receive competent care

• be treated with respect

confidentiality

ethical obligation

foundation of trust

applies to all client information

privileged communication

legal concept

belongs to the client, not the counselor

applied in legal proceedings

counselors must assert privilege unless waived

expectations to confidentiality

danger to self or others

abuse/neglected reporting

court orders

minor clients

multiple clients (groups/families)

special situations

minors

legally incompetent clients

counseling multiple clients

diversity considerations

cultural expectations of privacy

varying understandings of confidentiality