Ethical Dilemmas for Counseling

Ethical, Legal, And Professional Issues In Counseling — Presentation Transcript 1. James F. Whittenberg, M. Ed. , CSC, LPC Rivera High School, Brownsville ISD Doctoral Candidate, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN Counselor’s Institute, South Padre Island, TX January 27-29, 2011 2. This presentation is intended to raise awareness of ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling and reduce the risk of unethical or unlawful behavior that might result in legal complications for counselors.
Participants will be asked to be actively involved in group discussions pertaining to ethical dilemmas. Guidelines and recommendations for ethical decision-making will also be provided. Goals and Objectives 3. Definitions Ethical Decision Making Model Meta-Ethical Principles American School Counselors Association. (ASCA, 2004). Ethical Standards for School Counselors. American Counseling Association. (ACA, 2005). Code of Ethics. Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors. (LPC, 2010). Code of Ethics. Case Studies of Ethical Dilemmas Overview 4.
Morality – Morals influenced by cultures and beliefs Ethics – Set of ideal standards and rules of conduct expected of individuals in specific professions Law – Rules of society enforced by government Best Practice – Practicing in the most competent way possible Reasonableness Standard – Each person owes a duty to behave as a reasonable person would under the same or similar circumstances Professionalism – Abiding by moral principals, ethical codes, legal statutes, best practice, a strong ethical decision making model, and the reasonableness standard Definitions 5.

Identify Problem Apply Meta-Ethical Principles Apply Strictest, Current Ethical Code Apply School/District/Agency Policy Consult with a Supervisor or Colleague Consider All Consequences Define Course of Action Corey, Corey, & Callanan (2007) Issues & Ethics in the Helping Professions . 7 th ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Ethical Decision Making Model 6.
Beneficence: Do good to benefit society Nonmaleficence: Do no harm to clients Autonomy: Freedom of choice & Control of one’s life Justice: Fairness and Equitable Fidelity: Responsibility of trust & faithful commitments Veracity: Truthful and Honesty Corey, Corey, & Callanan (2007) Issues & Ethics in the Helping Professions . 7th ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Moral Principals 7.
Counseling relationship & Non-therapeutic relationships Confidentiality & Privacy Professional Responsibility Assessment & Testing Research & Publication Records (maintenance & access) Duty to Warn / Imminent Danger Advertising, Fees, Gifts, & Bartering Informed Consent & Disclosure Group Counseling Ethics, Law, Professionalism, & Competency Commonalities: ASCA, ACA, & LPC 8. American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2005).
Ethical Standards for School Counselors . http :// www. schoolcounselor. org/files/ethical%20standards. pdf Revised from 1998 to 2004 Emphasis: multicultural competency; legal statutes; accountability; student and parent rights; advocacy Aligned with the ASCA National Model Academic, career, personal, and social development Use of “student” instead of “client” Inclusion of “guardians” along with “parents” American School Counselor Association