Ch 1 Orientation & Ethics

Question 1

Practice Exam 1

In the context of professional licensure of counselors, reciprocity refers to:
Select one:

A. a licensing agency accepting the licensing standards of another agency as sufficient for its own professional counselors.

B. a licensed counselor legally performing the duties of a licensed psychologist

C. the idea that certification and licensure are synonymous

D. the idea that graduation from an accredited counselor education program automatically constitutes eligibility for licensure

Answer 1

The Correct Answer is: A

Reciprocity refers to a licensing agency (e.g., a state board) accepting the licensing standards of another agency as sufficient for its own professional counselors.
The correct answer is: a licensing agency accepting the licensing standards of another agency as sufficient for its own professional counselors.

Question 2

You are treating a client who is receiving counseling through his company’s employee assistance program. The employee’s supervisor calls you because he is curious as to how counseling is progressing. In this situation, you can let the employee’s supervisor know how the employee’s treatment is progressing:
Select one:

A. only if the employee has signed a waiver of confidentiality

B. as long as no other information about the treatment is given to the supervisor

C. only if the employee was referred to the program by the supervisor

D. under no circumstance

Answer 2

The Correct Answer is: A

Releasing information about a client - even to a client’s work supervisor in the context of counseling received in an employee assistance program - is unethical unless the client has given consent to release the information. Answer “D” - “under no circumstances” - is too extreme of an answer. You can release the information if consent has been given.

The correct answer is: only if the employee has signed a waiver of confidentiality

Question 3

A counselor in a social services agency learns that one of her colleagues (who is not a certified counselor) is behaving unethically. The counselor should:
Select one:

A. respect the confidentiality of the colleague’s professional relationships and not take any action

B. take action to attempt to rectify the situation

C. take action only if the colleague is a certified counselor

D. take action only with the consent of the colleague’s client

Answer 3

The Correct Answer is: B

According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), in the Introduction to Section C, it states, in part, “counselors are expected to advocate to promote changes at the individual, group, institutional, and societal levels that improve the quality of life for individuals and groups …” Of course, confidentiality issues are also paramount; however, the counselor can take action without violating the client’s confidentiality.
The correct answer is: take action to attempt to rectify the situation

Question 4

You are a counselor working in private practice. You have been seeing a client weekly for six months and it is apparent that no progress is being made. With regard to seeking consultation from another counseling professional, which of the following statements is true:
Select one:

A. because you work in private practice, you cannot consult with another professional

B. you can seek consultation and share any information about the client as long as it is in the best interest of the client

C. you can seek consultation if you protect the identity of the client

D. you can seek consultation only if you receive written consent from your client

Answer 4

The Correct Answer is: C

According to the NBCC Code of Ethics (2012), counselors “who seek consultation (i.e., consultees) shall protect client’s confidentiality and unnecessary invasion of privacy by providing only the information relevant to the consultation and in a manner that protects the client’s identity.” Based on this standard, “C” is correct. Written consent is not required because, unless you reveal personal identifying information about a client, you are not breaking confidentiality.

The correct answer is: you can seek consultation if you protect the identity of the client

Question 5

You decide to keep counseling records stored on your personal computer. With regard to counseling records stored on computer, which of the following statements is true according to the NBCC Code of Ethics:
Select one:

A. it is unethical to store counseling records on a computer

B. it is ethical to store counseling records as long as you tell the client you’re doing so

C. it is ethical to store counseling records as long as the records are secure

D. the NBCC Code of Ethics does not address this situation

Answer 5

The Correct Answer is: C

According to the NBCC Code of Ethics (2012), counselors “shall act in a professional manner by protecting against unauthorized access to confidential information. This includes data contained in electronic formats.” It is not necessary to get the client’s permission - the client understands that counseling records are kept. However, it is your responsibility to make sure the records are secure.

The correct answer is: it is ethical to store counseling records as long as the records are secure

Question 6

You are working in a counseling agency. Prior to a training session, your supervisor asks you to discuss one of your clients in the session with other counselors because he thinks it would be helpful to the other counselors. What should you do:
Select one:

A. tell your supervisor that you cannot talk about your client in the training session because of confidentiality reasons

B. tell your supervisor that you cannot talk about your client because it would not be a good idea clinically

C. tell your supervisor that you’d be happy to discuss your client openly in the training session

D. tell your supervisor that you can discuss your client in the meeting as long as the client’s identity is protected

Answer 6

The Correct Answer is: D

According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), “The use of client, student, or supervisee information for the purposes of case examples in a lecture or classroom setting is permissible only when (a) the client, student, or supervisee has reviewed the material and agreed to its presentation or (b) the information has been sufficiently modified to obscure identity.” The correct answer is consistent with this principle. The key here is that you are confident that the client’s identity is protected.

The correct answer is: tell your supervisor that you can discuss your client in the meeting as long as the client’s identity is protected

Question 7

Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of assessment techniques by counselors:
Select one:

A. counselors can use any assessment technique that they feel could help the client

B. counselors can only use assessment techniques for which they have been trained

C. counselors can only use assessment techniques if they receive an Assessment Technician certification from the NBCC

D. counselors cannot use assessment techniques

Answer 7

The Correct Answer is: B

According to the NBCC Code of Ethics (2012), counselors “shall use or interpret only the specific tests and assessments for which they have the required education and supervised experience.” There is no such thing as an “Assessment Technician” certification.

The correct answer is: counselors can only use assessment techniques for which they have been trained

Question 8

What does the NBCC Code of Ethics say about the dissemination of research results by counselors:
Select one:

A. counselors should not be conducting research nor should they be disseminating research results

B. counselors should only report research results in a manner that is not misleading

C. counselors should only report research results to other counselors

D. the NBCC Code of Ethics does not address issues related to research

Answer 8

The Correct Answer is: B

The NBCC Code of Ethics (2012) says that counselors “shall accurately report results of research, including limitations and variables that may have impacted the outcomes.”

The correct answer is: counselors should only report research results in a manner that is not misleading

Question 9

A counselor takes the National Counselor Exam and is so confident that she passed she decides to advertise on her website that she is a “Nationally Certified Counselor” even though it will be weeks before she receives her results. This behavior is:
Select one:

A. unethical because the counselor is misrepresenting herself

B. unethical because counselors cannot state their licenses and certifications on websites

C. ethical because it is likely she will pass and become nationally certified

D. ethical because the NBCC Code of Ethics does not address advertising on websites

Answer 9

The Correct Answer is: A

This is clearly unethical behavior because the counselor is misrepresenting herself. The NBCC Code of Ethics discusses advertising in general and this includes advertising in any form, including on a website. Regarding answer “D”, even if the ethics code did not address a particular situation, it does not necessarily make a behavior “ethical.”

The correct answer is: unethical because the counselor is misrepresenting herself

Question 10

In a counseling situation, informed consent refers to:
Select one:

A. a client being informed that information about him or her is being released

B. a client having the information needed to make a reasonable decision about the services offered

C. a client being informed about situations in which confidentiality may be breached

D. a counselor receiving information about a client prior to beginning the counseling relationship

Answer 10

The Correct Answer is: B

The goal of an informed consent is to protect the recipient of counseling services by providing the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate.
The correct answer is: a client having the information needed to make a reasonable decision about the services offered

Question 11

A counselor writes a magazine article stating that he is not opposed to sexual relationships between counselors and clients, and there should be no restrictions against this type of conduct. According to the NBCC Code of Ethics, this counselor’s behavior is:
Select one:

A. unethical

B. ethical

C. neither ethical nor unethical because the writing of the article is not part of the counseling relationship and thus not covered in the ethics code

D. neither ethical nor unethical because sexual relationships between counselors and clients are not covered in the ethics code

Answer 11

The Correct Answer is: A

The counselor’s behavior is unethical. According to the NBCC Code of Ethics (2012), counselors “providing public presentations by any means, shall ensure that statements are consistent with this Code of Ethics.” Elsewhere in the code, the NBCC writes counselors “shall not engage in any form of sexual or romantic intimacy with clients …”

The correct answer is: unethical

Question 12

You are considering the use of an intensive short-term counseling approach that is new and innovative with one of your clients. What is your obligation to the client:
Select one:

A. you have no ethical obligation regarding the use of new and innovative techniques

B. you should reconsider the use of this technique because this practice is prohibited

C. you should refer the client to another therapist who can determine whether this technique is viable

D. you should explain to the client the potential risks and benefits of using this technique

Answer 12

The Correct Answer is: D

According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), standard C.7.b states “When counselors use developing or innovative techniques/procedures/modalities, they explain the potential risks, benefits, and ethical considerations of using such techniques/procedures/ modalities. Counselors work to minimize any potential risks or harm when using these techniques/procedures/modalities.”
The correct answer is: you should explain to the client the potential risks and benefits of using this technique

Question 13

A client you have been seeing for six months says he wants to quit therapy. He feels that all of the problems for which he originally requested therapy have all been resolved. You disagree and feel other problems have arisen that must be addressed in therapy. You should:
Select one:

A. get the client to agree to a specific number of additional sessions and then terminate therapy

B. discuss his reasons for wanting to terminate

C. discuss his reasons for wanting to terminate and your reasons for thinking he should continue

D. terminate therapy but let him know he can come back if he desires

Answer 13

The Correct Answer is: C

This is essentially a “common sense” question. You can’t force a client to continue seeing you. However, you are within your rights to discuss your reservations about his termination. In fact, you are ethically obligated to do so - withholding this information is not in the best interests of the client.

The correct answer is: discuss his reasons for wanting to terminate and your reasons for thinking he should continue

Question 14

According to the NBCC Code of Ethics, which of the following is a primary obligation of a counselor:
Select one:

A. discussing the appropriateness of counseling with clients

B. promoting the welfare of clients

C. curing the disorders of clients

D. a and “b”

Answer 14

The Correct Answer is: D

The NBCC Code of Ethics (2012) states that counselors should “promote the welfare of clients, students, supervisees or the recipients of professional services provided.” Furthermore, they shall discuss “with prospective clients the appropriateness of counseling services offered and shall not offer services if there is reasonable cause to believe clients will not benefit.”

The correct answer is: a and “b”

Question 15

A client you have been seeing for two months suddenly informs you that this will be his last session. You believe this is not a good time for the client to stop counseling and are concerned about the potential negative consequences of doing so. You should:
Select one:

A. allow the client to quit since he has the right to do so

B. provide the client with appropriate referrals

C. discuss with him the reasons you believe he should continue and recommend that he re-think his decision
Correct

D. inform him that you are not responsible for any negative consequence of terminating prematurely

Answer 15

The Correct Answer is: C

Obviously, a client has a right to discontinue treatment. This creates an ethical dilemma, however, when the therapist believes that termination is ill-advised. Choice C is the best response of those given. In this situation, the counselor would want to discuss the possible risks of terminating therapy at this time and encourage the client to re-think his decision. Although the action described in response (b) would also be important, it should follow a discussion about the possible consequences of leaving.

The correct answer is: discuss with him the reasons you believe he should continue and recommend that he re-think his decision

Question 16

A lesbian client tells you she wants to see a lesbian therapist. You should:
Select one:

A. tell her you are homosexual, whether you are or not

B. refer her to a lesbian therapist

C. explore her reasons for wanting a lesbian therapist

D. reassure her that therapy can be effective even if you are not gay

Answer 16

The Correct Answer is: C

This question can be answered on the basis of clinical judgment and common sense. It is best to explore her reasons for wanting a lesbian therapist, because the client may have some misconceptions about you or about non-lesbian therapists that you would have the chance to correct. Moreover, exploring the reasons why the client wants a lesbian therapist would be revealing about the client and her past experiences.

The correct answer is: explore her reasons for wanting a lesbian therapist

Question 17

You have been working with a client who is clearly depressed (his diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder), though not currently a danger to self, for four months. During this time, the client has made no progress and shown no improvement in his depressive symptoms. You have repeatedly recommended that he see a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation and he has refused each time. In this situation you should:
Select one:

A. emphasize the need for a medication evaluation and discuss the possibility of termination and referral if the client continues to refuse one

B. respect the client’s right to self-determination and proceed with therapy
Incorrect

C. refer the client for inpatient treatment

D. interpret the client’s resistance in psychoanalytic terms, in the hope that your interpretation will engender catharsis and therapy can proceed

Answer 17

The Correct Answer is: A

The client is making no progress in therapy and refuses to investigate an avenue that could result in amelioration of his depression. It’s possible that he does not want to get better, in which case therapy is not indicated. Moreover, this answer is in line with your ethical obligation to discuss termination and referral when it is clear that a client is not benefitting from therapy. With regard to answer (b), it’s true that you must respect the client’s right to self-determination, so you won’t make any attempt to force him to undergo a medication evaluation. However, you also must respect your obligation to discuss termination and referral when it is clear that a client is no longer benefitting from your services. Also, there’s no indication that inpatient therapy (c) is necessary or would allow you to get past the current impasse in treatment. This is especially true since the question states that the client is not currently a danger to self. Finally, answer (d) is incorrect for two reasons: Not all counselors are psychoanalytically oriented and a catharsis would not likely be evoked by only one interpretation of the client’s resistance.
The correct answer is: emphasize the need for a medication evaluation and discuss the possibility of termination and referral if the client continues to refuse one

Question 18

A homosexual client shakes your hand at the end of a session. As a rule, you do not shake hands with your clients. In the next session, the client accuses you of being homophobic because you were reluctant to shake his hand. You should:
Select one:

A. explain your policy to the client
B. ask the client why he thinks you’re homophobic

C. tell the client you are not homophobic

D. suggest to the client that he has taken your behavior too personally and offer to work on that issue in therapy

Answer 18

The Correct Answer is: A

Your nonverbal behavior can have a potent effect on your clients, as this case illustrates. The best response offered is to explain your policy. The client misinterpreted your nonverbal behavior in the last session and this has apparently damaged your alliance. You could explain your policy to the client, and then process with him how your behavior made him feel and connect that to other, similar experiences he has had. In this way, the event could be used as an opportunity for the client to grow.

The correct answer is: explain your policy to the client

Question 19

You see a client who is court-referred for therapy. The client is late for the first session and states that he does not want to be there. He fails to show up for the second session. In this situation, you should:
Select one:

A. explain the court order to the client

B. report what is happening in therapy to the court

C. call the client on the phone and ask him why he does not want to participate in therapy

D. maintain the client’s confidentiality under all circumstances

Answer 19

The Correct Answer is: B

When a client is referred by the court for therapy, the court usually requires that the client attend a given number of sessions as a condition of probation, parole, or the sentence. Usually, one of the conditions is that the client must sign a release of information so that the court can be informed if the client has lived up to his/her agreement to participate in therapy. You should report what is happening to the court; for whatever reason, the client is not motivated to participate in therapy and the court will want to know this. In this situation, your obligation will be to report to the court, objectively and truthfully, what is happening.

The correct answer is: report what is happening in therapy to the court

Question 20

During the initial session, a client tells you that she wants to disclose certain information to you, but is reluctant to do so because it involves other people in her family. You should:
Select one:

A. explain that you are ethically mandated to maintain her confidentiality

B. explain the ethical standard of confidentiality
Correct

C. reassure the client that she does not have to disclose any information until she is ready to do so

D. engage the client because she will be more comfortable speaking openly with you after there is therapeutic rapport

Answer 20

The Correct Answer is: B

The best choice is B because it directly and correctly addresses the client’s concerns. It suggests that you would explain to her that you are required to maintain confidentiality, but that this mandate is limited by certain factors, such as when you suspect child abuse, incur a duty to warn, etc. Choice (a) suggests that you would tell the client that her confidentiality will be maintained under all circumstances, which would, of course, be an inappropriate thing to say (e.g., what if her information is about child abuse?). Answers (c) and (d) are not bad, but they fail to say that you would deal directly with the client’s concerns about confidentiality.

The correct answer is: explain the ethical standard of confidentiality