Ethical and Legal Issues

Question 1

What are ethics?

Answer 1

moral principles that guide an individual’s behavior. For professional counselors, ethics and, more specifically, codes of ethics are what guide professional practice to ensure that the welfare and safety of clients and counselors are secure.

Question 2

Mandatory Ethics

Answer 2

the lowest standards to which all members must comply to behave ethically

Question 3

Aspirational ethics

Answer 3

describe best practices, professions can inspire members to work on continually improving their own knowledge base and skills to advance their practice and the reputation of the profession itself.

Question 4

5 Principles for ethical conduct

Answer 4

Autonomy
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Justice
Fidelity

Question 5

Autonomy

Answer 5

ability of clients to exercise free will and act independently. For counselors, this means respect for clients’ rights to make their own decisions, even if the counselor does not agree with them or believe it is in their best interest.

Question 6

Nonmaleficence

Answer 6

the foundational principle on which counselors operate. It means to do no harm to clients. In any situation, counselors’ first priority should be to ensure that the client is not injured—physically, mentally, or psychologically—or could potentially become injured as a result of the counselor’s actions.

Question 7

Beneficence

Answer 7

in contrast to nonmaleficence, means doing only good. For counselors, this means being proactive in advancing the health and well-being of their clients.

Question 8

Justice

Answer 8

characterized by fairness. Counselors adhering to the principle of justice will not discriminate against clients and will ensure that all clients receive equal treatment.

Question 9

Fidelity

Answer 9

being faithful and loyal. For counselors, this means facilitating trust, keeping one’s word, and fulfilling any obligations they make to clients.

Question 10

Herlihy and Corey decision model

Answer 10

1. Identify the problem or concern.
2. Study pertinent codes of ethics and research.
3. Reflect on the principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity.
4. Consult with other professionals.
5. Maintain an awareness of your emotions to ensure that emotions do not cloud your judgment.
6. Include the client in the decision-making process whenever feasible.
7. Decide how you would like to see the situation resolved and brainstorm courses of action.
8. Examine the possible consequences for all courses of action and then select the one you would like to take.
9. Assess your chosen course of action.
10. Take action.

Question 11

Informed Consent

Answer 11

consent (verbally and in writing) from clients.

Question 12

assent

Answer 12

• Obtain assent from those unable to give informed consent

Question 13

Romantic or sexual relationships

Answer 13

Avoid any romantic or sexual relationships with clients, their significant others, or their family members. In addition, counselors must not engage in any romantic or sexual relationships with previous clients, their significant others, or their family members for five years after the date the client was last seen professionally.