Week+2+Chapter+Three+-+Ethical+Issues+2022

Week 2: Ethical Issues in Counselling Practice - Part 1

Understanding Ethics

• Definition of Ethics: The discipline that deals with what is good and bad, moral duty, and obligations.

• Moral Principles: Governs behavior and the conduct of activities.

Types of Ethics

1. Mandatory Ethics

• Minimum Professional Standards: Ethical functioning that meets the bare minimum requirements for professional practice.

2. Aspirational Ethics

• Client's Best Interests: Focuses on practices that prioritize the well-being of clients.

• Highest Standards: Encourages counselors to exceed basic ethical codes, understanding the principles behind them.

3. Positive Ethics

• Striving for Excellence: Counselors aim to provide the best for their clients rather than just fulfilling minimum standards.

Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles (IUPSYS)

• Principle 1: Respect for the dignity of persons or peoples.

• Principle 2: Competence in caring for the well-being of persons.

• Principle 3: Integrity in professional dealings.

• Principle 4: Professional and scientific responsibility to society.

Client-Centered Ethics

Importance of Client Needs

• Concern-Based Ethics: Prioritizing the client's best interests beyond merely adhering to ethical codes.

• Awareness of Personal Needs: Counselors must recognize their own unfinished business and conflicts to avoid interfering with client support.

Responsibilities Toward Clients

• No Exploitation or Harm: Counseling relationships must exist for the client's benefit.

• Developing Self-Awareness and Sensitivity: Counselors should continuously work to improve self-awareness to prevent projecting personal difficulties onto clients.

Potential Personal Needs that May Interfere

• Control and power need.

• Overbearing nurturing instincts.

• Desire to change clients according to personal values.

• Striving for personal respect and competency acknowledgment.

• Ethical Responsibility: Counselors must avoid meeting personal needs at clients' expense.

Ethical Decision Making

Role of Ethics Codes

• Guidelines for Practice: Codes provide a framework for improved practice and clarify professional responsibilities.

• Education and Accountability: Ethics codes educate both practitioners and the public about professional standards.

• Promoting Reflection: These codes assist in self-reflection and quality improvement within practice.

Steps in Ethical Decision Making

1. Identify the problem or dilemma: Gather information to clarify the issue and determine its nature (ethical, legal, professional).

2. Identify potential issues: Evaluate the rights and responsibilities of those involved.

3. Examine relevant ethics codes: Consult guidelines and assess personal values and their alignment with professional ethics.

4. Consider applicable laws and regulations: Understand their implications on the dilemma at hand.

5. Seek consultation: Gather insights from multiple sources to gain various perspectives.

6. Brainstorm potential courses of action: Involve clients in the decision-making process where applicable.

7. Consider consequences: Reflect on the implications of each option for the client.

8. Decide on the best course of action: Implement and monitor the outcomes.

9. Engage in continuous reflection: Document all discussions, decisions, and actions taken.

Self-Reflection Task

• Consider Personal Prejudices: Reflect on how various factors (race, gender, culture, etc.) influence counseling dynamics.

• Addressing Vulnerabilities: Recognize personal biases to minimize their impact on counseling relationships.

Lecture Discussion Task

• Share Ethical Decision: Participate in the forum by discussing decisions made around a given scenario.