Ethical Issues in Counseling Practice

Ethical Issues in Counseling Practice

  • Presented by Eleonor T. Villaester, LPT

Definition of Ethics

  • Ethics involves:

    1. Moral principles that govern behavior or conduct.

    2. A branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles.

Putting Clients' Needs Before Your Own

  • Counselors must strive to separate personal needs from client relationships.

  • Essential to recognize personal needs, unfinished business, potential problems, and sources of countertransference.

Countertransference

  • Refers to emotional reactions counselors may experience towards clients.

  • Involves projecting one's own feelings and experiences onto clients based on their behaviors.

    • Example: A therapist feeling anger towards a client due to unresolved issues with someone from their past.

Ethical Decision Making in Counseling

  • Ethical decision-making is crucial in counseling practice.

  • Involves making choices that align with moral principles and professional standards.

  • Essential for ensuring quality care while preserving clients' rights, dignity, and well-being.

Steps in Making Ethical Decisions (Corey, Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2015)

  1. Identify the problem or dilemma.

    • Gather information to understand the nature of the issue (ethical, legal, professional, clinical, or moral).

  2. Identify potential issues and evaluate rights, responsibilities, and welfare of all parties involved.

  3. Refer to relevant ethics codes for guidance.

  4. Consider personal values and ethics in relation to professional guidelines.

  5. Assess applicable laws and regulations impacting the ethical dilemma.

  6. Seek consultations from multiple sources for varied perspectives.

    • Document suggestions received.

  7. Enumerate consequences of various decisions and reflect on implications for clients.

  8. Brainstorm possible courses of action.

  9. Include the client in discussions about options.

  10. Decide on the best course of action and follow up to evaluate outcomes.

  11. Document reasons for actions taken and evaluation measures used.

Right of Informed Consent

  • Refers to clients' right to be informed about counseling sessions and make autonomous decisions.

  • Educating clients promotes active cooperation in their counseling plans and builds a trusting relationship.

Dimensions of Confidentiality

  • Confidentiality is an ethical and legal duty of counselors to not disclose client information.

  • Privileged Communication: Protects clients from having confidential communications revealed in court without their consent. (Republic Act No. 9258 in the Philippines)

Exceptions to Confidentiality in Counseling (Philippines)

  1. Child Abuse: Counselors must report suspected child abuse cases.

  2. Elder Abuse: Similar reporting requirements exist for suspected elder abuse.

  3. Imminent Danger: If a client threatens harm to themselves or others, confidentiality may need to be breached.

  4. Court Order: Counselors may be compelled to disclose client information in legal proceedings.

  5. Professional Consultation: Counselors can discuss cases with colleagues for professional guidance while maintaining confidentiality.

Ethical Concerns with the Use of Technology

  • Refers to standards related to technology use in counseling (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014).

  • Issues of confidentiality and privacy can become more complex with technology.

  • Important considerations include:

    • Competency in providing services.

    • Legal regulations regarding distance counseling.

    • Components of informed consent.

    • Confidentiality and its limitations.

    • Client verification.

    • Professional boundaries in distance counseling relationships.

    • Record maintenance and website accessibility.

    • Use of social media.

Conclusion

  • Thank you for your attention!