Counselor Ethical Boundaries and Practices

Counselor Ethical Boundaries and Practices

Grand Canyon University: PCN-505

date

Counselor Ethical Boundaries and Practices

Introduction

Counselors have the primary responsibility “to respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients” (ACA, 2014, p.4). In addition, counselors have ethical obligations to adhere to in order to provide professional and quality services. According to the American Counseling Association (2014), “Client welfare and trust in the profession depend on a high level of professional conduct” (p.19).It is important for counselors to “take reasonable steps to consult with other counselors, the ACA Ethics and Professional Standards Department, or related professionals when they have questions regarding their ethical obligations or professional practice” (ACA, 2014, p.9). This summary will discuss the boundary issues and dual relationships in the counseling profession. It will also explore the professional collaboration in counseling. Lastly, this summary will elaborate on the development of my thinking about ethics.

Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships

Part A – Decision-Making Model and Counseling Examples

Shallcross (2011) stated that nonprofessional relationships between counselor and client “should be avoided, except when the interaction is potentially beneficial to the client”. When trying to decide if a boundary-crossing or dual relationship is appropriate, I would first consider the overall affect it will have on my client and therapeutic relationship. Although having multiple relationships with clients may seem unprofessional, it is “sometimes unavoidable and can be acceptable when carried out ethically” (Shallcross, 2011). According to Shallcross (2011), “the belief use to be that counselors should never carry on multiple relationships because any contact with clients outside of the counseling office would automatically have negative consequences”. However, “the most recent thinking is that there is a big difference between crossing a boundary and violating a boundary” (Shallcross, 2011). If I felt that a dual relationship with my client would be beneficial for him/her, I would be sure to incorporate an informed consent before going any further. Informed consent ensures that the client is educated on of his/her rights, what appropriate professional behavior includes, and what behaviors are not appropriate. In addition the client is made aware of the counselor’s responsibilities and obligations (Shallcross, 2011).

In a situation such as attending a client’s graduation or wedding ceremony, I would consider this to be very beneficial to the client’s self-esteem and it shows that I support the accomplishment. However, I feel that it is appropriate and ethical that I only attend the ceremony and refrain from engaging in any other celebration or dinner parties. As an ethical and professional counselor, I would be sure to thoroughly document my attendance and include all details in order to adhere to my responsibilities. Another situation would be deciding whether or not physical gestures are appropriate. For example, I feel that it would be appropriate for me to put my hand on a client’s shoulder or give them a hug to show support if they are grieving. In contrast, I do not feel that carrying out this same gesture with a client who has a history of sexual abuse would be suitable. Receiving friend requests on social networks such as Facebook would be another situation. I do not feel that it would be appropriate for me and my clients to be friends on any social network. Facebook is where I post personal information such as photos of family and I feel that is where I can express my thoughts. Allowing clients to have this type of access to my personal life can send the wrong signal which is why it should be avoided. However, an alternative would be for me to create a professional page specifically for my practice and the services I offer. Clients would be welcomed and encouraged to follow and share this page. Lastly, it is not uncommon for a client and counselor to have a physical attraction to one another. Nevertheless, it is unethical and should not be pursued.The ACA (2014) states that “sexual and/or romantic counselor-client interactions or relationships with current clients, their romantic partners, or their family members are prohibited” (p.5). Callanan, Corey, Corey, & Corey (2015)stated that “the vulnerability the client shoes when revealing painful material is very powerfuland appealing” (p.284). In addition, “The attention a caring therapist shows in response is also powerful and appealing” (Callanan et al., 2015, p.284). As a result, “this environment creates thepossibility of mutual attraction” (Callanan et al., 2015, p.284).  I would not express anyemotional or physical attraction that I may feel towards my client. I would first analyze thefeelings that I have and why I may be feeling this way. Counselors “who have difficultyestablishing clear boundaries in their personal life are more likely to encounter problemsdefining appropriate boundaries with their clients (Callanan et al., 2015, p.284). Therefore, it would be important for me to seek supervision as well as counseling to monitor these feelings. I feel that it would be important for me terminate my counseling relationship with this client if Iam unable to provide quality counseling services due to my attraction. ACA (2014) states thatcounselors should terminate any therapeutic relationship that may cause harm to the client (p.6).

Part B- Ethical Issues and Dimensions

After a therapeutic relationship has been terminated, I feel that ethical issues and their appropriateness change over time. This is because the former client nor the counselor-client relationship will be jeopardized at this point. Having a sexual or romantic relationship with a current client would be considered a boundary violation as opposed to having this type of relationship with a former client. The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) states that “sexual and/or romantic relationships with former clients are prohibited for a period of 5 years following the last professional contact” (p.5). After those five years, a counselor is ethically and legally able to engage in a sexual and/or relationship with a former client. I, personally, would not engage in a romantic relationship with an individual that I have counseled. The NAADAC (2011) states thatcounselors “will provide services to clients only in the context of a professional setting”. “In ruralsettings and in small communities, dual relationships are evaluated carefully and avoided as much as possible” (NAADAC, 2011).

Professional Collaboration in Counseling

Part A- Working with a Multidisciplinary Team

According to the American Psychological Association (2010), Counselors “cooperate with other professional in order to serve their clients/patients effectively and appropriately” (p.6). “Counselors are respectful of approaches that are grounded in theory and/or have an empirical or scientific foundation that may differ from their own” (ACA, 2014, p.10). In addition, “counselors acknowledge the expertise of other professional groups and are respectful of their practices” (ACA, 2014, p.10). “Counselors who are members of interdisciplinary teams delivering multifaceted services to clients remain focused on how to best serve clients” (ACA, 2014, p.10). This is done by participating in and contributing “to decisions that affect the well-being of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and experiences of the counseling profession and those of colleagues from other disciplines” (ACA, 2014, p.10). Counselors must only practice “within the boundaries of their education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience” (ACA, 2014, p.8). As a result, some clients have to see more than one counselor in order for their needs to be met.

As counselor I would make sure to actively be involved and collaborate with other mental health professionals associated with my clients. I feel that it is my responsibility to ensure that my clients are on track with reaching their goals. In addition, it is important that all involved professionals are working together in order to achieve the common goal.

Part B- Relationships with Supervisors and Colleagues

According to Callanan et al. (2015), “Effective and ethical supervision involves a fine balance on the supervisor’s part between providing professional development opportunities for supervisees and protecting clients’ welfare” (p.338). Supervisors are “expected to monitor the quality of care clients are receiving” (Callanan et al., 2015, p.338). They are expected to properly respond to issues of incompetence and/or ethical conduct from counselors.The relationship between the counselor and supervisor is critical just as the counselor-client relationship. Supervisors and counselors have a position of influence and are expected to provide professional and ethical guidance. According to Davis and Forester-Miller (1996), the best way to handle an ethical dilemma would be to 1) Identify the problem, 2) Apply the ACA Code of Ethics, 3) Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma, 4) Generate potential courses of action, 5) Consider the potential consequences of all options and choose a course of action, 6) Evaluate the selected course of action, and 7) Implement the course of action. I would use this same decision-making model when deciding how to respond to unethical behavior from my counselors.

Development of Your Thinking about Ethics

Throughout this course, I have gained a new insight on what is considered ethical and how I must conduct myself as a professional counselor. Before, I had no idea of all the responsibilities and ethical obligations that come with being a counselor. I now have a better appreciation for diversity and the willingness to serve others with an open mind. The ACA (2014) states that counselors must be “aware of—and avoid imposing—their own values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors” (p.5). “Counselors respect the diversity of clients, trainees. And research participants and seek training in areas in which they are at risk of imposing tier values onto clients, especially when the counselor’s values are inconsistent with the client’s goals or are discriminatory in nature” (ACA, 2014, p.5). I have gained a new level of empathy for clients that I currently work with as well as my future clients. This course has provided confirmation that I am pursing the right career because I have a passion for helping people reach their goals. “Counselors facilitate client growth and development in ways that foster the interest and welfare of clients and promote formation of healthy relationships” (ACA, 2014, p.4).

Conclusion

In conclusion, counselors have critical responsibilities in their therapeutic relationships with their clients. They must conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and legal manner at all times. Failure to do so can not only be detrimental to a counselor’s career but can also cause much harm to clients. “Trust is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship” and a counselor’s level of professional conduct plays a major role in its development (ACA, 2014, p.4). Counselors encounter ethical dilemmas on regular basis and they must keep in mind how their decisions and responses will affect their clients. This will help ensure that the counselor is fulfilling the responsibility “ to respect the dignity and promote welfare of clients” (ACA, 2014, p.4).

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics [PDF Document]. Retrieved

on May31, 2016 from http://www.counseling.org/docs/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-

ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=4

American Psychological Association. (2010). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of

Conduct [PDF Document]. Retrieved on June 29, 2016 from https://www.apa.org/ethics/

code/principles.pdf

Callanan, P., Corey, C., Corey, G., Corey, M.S. (2015). Issues and ethics in the helping

professions(9th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Davis, T., Forester, H. (1996). A practitioner’s guide to ethical decision making. Retrieved on

June 29, 2016 from https://www.counseling.org/docs/ethics/practitioners_guide.pdf?sfvrs n=2

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. (2011). Ethical standards of

alcoholism anddrug abuse counselors [PDF Document]. Retrieved on June 29, 2016

fromhttp://www.naadac.orgassets/1959/naadac_code_of_ethics_brochure.pdf

Shallcross, L. (2011). Do the right thing. Retrieved on June 29, 2016 from http://ct.counseling.or

g/2011/04/do-the-right-thing/