Ethics - Chapter Three

Question 1

What are the components of ethical practice?

Answer 1

• Balance clients’ needs against your own needs
• Learning steps to make good ethical decision
• Educate clients about their rights, parameters
  of confidentiality, etc.

Being an ethical practitioners is far
more complex than a set of rules.

Question 2

What are the types of ethics?

Answer 2

Mandatory Ethics

Question 3

What are Mandatory Ethics?

Answer 3

Mandatory ethics refer to the basic standards of behaviour that are required by law or professional codes.

These are the minimum standards that professionals must adhere to in order to avoid legal or
professional sanctions.

Examples:

• Confidentiality: A therapist must maintain client confidentiality unless there is a risk of harm to the
  client or others. For example, if a client reveals plans to harm someone, the therapist is ethically and
  legally obliged to report this to prevent the harm.
• Informed Consent: Therapists must obtain informed consent from patients before proceeding with any
  treatment. This involves explaining the procedure, potential risks, and alternatives so the patient can
  make an informed decision.

Question 4

What are Positive Ethics?

Answer 4

Positive ethics go beyond the minimum standards and focus on the profession’s aspirational goals. This
approach encourages professionals to strive for the highest ethical ideals and promote good practices even when not legally required.

Examples:
* Proactive Ethical Practice: A counselor demonstrates positive ethics by actively incorporating and supporting clients’ cultural practices within the therapeutic process. For example, when working with Indigenous clients, the counselor may discuss and facilitate the use of sweat lodges for healing, help secure an elder for clients to speak with, or integrate traditional ceremonies and rituals into the treatment plan.

• Beneficence: A social worker may go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of their clients, such as advocating for better community resources or providing follow-up support to ensure the client’s needs are continually met.

Question 5

What are Aspirational Ethics?

Answer 5

Aspirational ethics represent the highest standards of ethical behavior, embodying the ideals
professionals strive for. These ethics are not merely about following rules but about seeking excellence
and the greatest good.

Examples:

• Social Justice Advocacy: A psychologist might work pro bono for marginalized communities, not just
  because it’s part of their job but because they are dedicated to advancing social justice.
• Professional Development: A teacher continually seeks out advanced training and education to better
  serve their students, aspiring to provide the best possible education and to be a role model for lifelong
  learning.

Question 6

What are the steps of ethical decision making?

Answer 6

To the degree it is possible, include the client in all
phases of your ethical decision-making process.
Steps in making ethical decisions:

• Identify the problem or dilemma
• Identify potential issues
• Look at the relevant ethics codes and laws
• Consider the applicable laws and regulations
• Seek consultation
• Brainstorm various possible courses of action
• List consequences
• Decide, and document the reasons for your
  actions