Corey Chapter 3: Ethical Decision Making in Counseling

Vocabulary flashcards defining key ethical concepts, principles, and models from Chapter 3 on Ethical Decision Making in Counseling.

Mandatory Ethics

Minimum standards required by professional codes and law, focused on avoiding violations, sanctions, and malpractice.

Aspirational Ethics

Striving to act in the client's best interest, focused on reaching the highest standards of thought and conduct.

Positive Ethics

An active commitment to doing the best for clients rather than merely meeting minimums, focused on becoming the best practitioner possible.

Ethical Decision-Making Model

A systematic sequence for resolving ethical issues: define problem, identify issues, review codes, check law/policy, consult, generate options, evaluate consequences, and act/follow up/document.

Central Ethical Question

"Whose needs are being met?"

Informed Consent

An ethical and legal process in which clients receive enough understandable information to make voluntary, informed choices about counseling.

Confidentiality

An ethical and often legal duty in which the counselor protects client information from unauthorized disclosure unless an exception applies.

Privileged Communication

A legal protection that may protect counselor-client communications from compelled disclosure in court, with rules and exceptions varying by state.

Cultural Humility

An ethical approach requiring counselors to learn about the client's context, avoid imposing their worldview, recognize non-universal priorities, and adapt methods to the client.

Individual Factors

Client-level factors including thoughts, emotions, coping, strengths, and values.

Environmental Factors

Contextual factors including family, culture, discrimination, poverty, community, institutions, and access to care.

Assessment

Ongoing evaluation of client factors, concerns, strengths, and patterns to guide counseling.

Diagnosis

Identification of a specific disorder or pattern of symptoms that may guide treatment, communication, and insurance processes.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

An approach that integrates best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and client characteristics, culture, values, and preferences.

Multiple/Dual Relationship

A situation where a counselor has more than one role with a client, simultaneously or sequentially.

Nonprofessional Interaction

Social, business, or other interaction outside the counseling role.

Boundary Crossing

Departure from usual practice that may be clinically appropriate and potentially beneficial.

Boundary Violation

Serious, harmful breach of professional boundaries, often involving exploitation.