Value System and EthicsModule 2

Value SystemValues (Value System) is a coherent

(sound/clear) set of beliefs/values adopted and/or evolved by a person, organization, or society as a standard to guide its behavior in preferences in all situations.

Values are ideals that guide or qualify your personal conduct, interaction with others, and involvement in your career. Like morals, they

help you to distinguish what is right from what is wrong

inform you on how you can conduct your life in a meaningful way.

Value SystemWhat influences your value system?

Can your value system affect your ability to counsel?

Exercise in judgmentYour value system affects,

influences or impairs perception, judgment, decision making abilities and behavior.

Values are at the core of counseling relationships

Understanding EthicsCounseling is not a

value-free or neutral activity…it is an active profession based on values, which are orienting beliefs about what is good…and how that good is to be achieved (Gladding, 2004, p. 58)

What is Ethics?A philosophical discipline that is concerned with human conduct and moral decision making (Gladding 2009, p.58)

Ethics involves making decisions of a moral nature about people and their interaction in society (Gladding 2009, p.58)

In other words, "Ethics" means making sure that the therapist acts responsibly in caring for the client.

protect the client’s (confidentiality)

interact with the client in defined role

not abandon or misrepresent his/her credentials

Types of Ethics (Corey p. 37)

Mandatory EthicsMandatory EthicsThe view of ethical

practice that deals with the minimum level of professional practice

Aspirational Ethics Aspirational Ethics The view of ethical

practice that deals with the higher level of professional practice that addresses doing what is in the best interest of the client

Positive EthicsPositive EthicsAn approach taken by practitioners who want to do their best for clients rather than simply providing the minimum.

4 Factors of the Ethical Code

Value System and Ethical CodeInfluencers of your Value System

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Influencers of your Ethical Code

The Need for Ethical StandardsEnsuring competent professional

behavior Responsibility to public trust Professionals monitor their own and other

members’ professional behavior

Controversies over the development ofEthical Codes

Ethical dilemmas Character and virtue

How do counselors make ethicaldecisions? (Corey, 2009, p. 39)Identify the ethical

dilemma: is it mainly ethical, legal, moral?

Identify potential issues: evaluate the rights and

responsibilities of all parties

Look at the relevant ethics code for guidance

Consider applicable laws

ConsultBrainstorm various

courses of actionIdentify the

consequences of each action

Decide on the best possible course of action

Ethical Position“Counselors refrain from offering or accepting professional services when their physical, mental, or emotional problems are likely to harm a client or others. They are alert to the signs of impairment, seek assistance for problems, and, if necessary, limit, suspend, or terminate their professional responsibilities.” (ACA, 2005, C.2.g.)

Ethical Code of AAPCThe American Association of Pastoral

Counselors (AAPC) states in its code of ethics: "We do not abandon or neglect

clients. If we are unable, or unwilling for appropriate reasons, to provide professional help or continue a professional relationship, every

reasonable effort is made to arrange for continuation of treatment with another

professional."Ethical Code of Pastoral Counseling (AAPC)

http://www.aapc.org/content/ethics

Ethical Code Benefits the ClientMost professional codes of ethics maintain that the counselee has a right to be given enough information in order to make an intelligent choice about entering into counseling. (Informed Consent). For example, it is too late-and unethical-to explain to a teen from the church's youth group that you are going to inform her parents that she is pregnant and considering an abortion after she has revealed these facts to you.

Clients often do not know what to expect from the process (of counseling) or how to act…Seeing a counselor is a last resort for many individuals…Therefore many clients enter counseling reluctantly of hesitantly. (Gladding 2004, p. 122)

The counselor providing information as to the counseling process and informed consent; such details should reassure the client.

INFORMED CONSENT FOR TREATMENTIs intended to reduce misunderstanding by defining important elements of the counseling relationship Helps the client understand the “rules” of

counseling Helps the client understand their “rights and

responsibilities” during counseling

INFORMED CONSENT FOR TREATMENT1.Client’s rights to consent:

Voluntary or Involuntary2.Client & Counselor

Involvement3.Counseling Goals4.No Guarantees5.Risks Associated with

Counseling6.Confidentiality7.Confidentiality Exceptions 8.Counseling Approach 9.Ethical Guidelines

10. Behavior of the Client11. Practitioner Credentials12. Fees & Charges13. Insurance / Managed Care14. Length of Therapy/Sessions15. Disputes & Complaints16. Cancellation Policy17. Affiliation Relationship18. Supervisory Relationship19. Colleague Consultation20. Consultations

Transference and Counter-transferenceTransference

The client reacts to the therapist as he did to an earlier significant otherThis allows the client to experience

feelings that would otherwise be inaccessible

ANALYSIS OF TRANSFERENCE — allows the client to achieve insight into the influence of the past

Counter-transferenceThe reaction of the therapist toward the client

that may interfere with objectivity