Professional Orientation and Ethics

Question 1

Autonomy

Answer 1

principle that addresses the concept of independence. The essence of this principle is allowing an individual the freedom of choice and action. It addresses the
responsibility of the counselor to encourage clients, when appropriate, to make their own decisions and to act on their own values. There are two important considerations in encouraging clients to be autonomous. First, helping the client to understand how their decisions and their values may or may not be received within the context of the society in which they live, and how they may impinge on the rights of others. The second
consideration is related to the client’s ability to make sound and rational decisions. Persons not capable of making competent choices, such as children, and some individuals with mental handicaps, should not be allowed to act on decisions that could harm themselves or others

Question 2

Nonmaleficence

Answer 2

Concept of not causing harm to others. Often explained as “above all do no harm”, this principle is considered by some to be the most critical of all the principles, even though theoretically they are all of equal weight (Kitchener, 1984; Rosenbaum, 1982; Stadler, 1986). This principle reflects both the idea of not inflicting intentional harm, and not engaging in actions that risk harming others (Forester-Miller & Rubenstein, 1992).

Question 3

Beneficence

Answer 3

Reflects the counselor’s responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the client. Simply stated it means to do good, to be proactive and also to prevent harm when
possible (Forester-Miller & Rubenstein, 1992).

Question 4

Justice

Answer 4

Does not mean treating all individuals the same. Kitchener (1984) points out that the formal meaning of justice is “treating equals equally and unequals unequally but in proportion to their relevant differences” (p.49). If an individual is to be treated differently, the counselor needs to be able to offer a rationale that explains the necessity and appropriateness of treating this individual differently.

Question 5

Fidelity

Answer 5

Involves the notions of loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments. Clients must be able to trust the counselor and have faith in the therapeutic relationship if growth is to occur. Therefore, the counselor must take care not to threaten the therapeutic relationship nor to leave obligations unfulfilled.

Question 6

Warning Signs for Suicide

Answer 6

Joking about suicide, giving away property, previous attempts, detailed plan, saying goodbye

Question 7

Statement of Disclosure

Answer 7

Includes: counselor qualifications, theoretical orientation, crisis information, hours, billing, confideniality

Question 8

Privileged Communication

Answer 8

Legal term that protects what a client says to a counselor, laws vary from state to state

Question 9

Reciprocity

Answer 9

Having the ability to become licensed in another state based on your license in the current state

Question 10

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 1974

Answer 10

Parents/guardians can see a minor’s school records and legal adults can see their school records

Question 11

Computer Managed Counseling

Answer 11

Computers deal with scheduling, canceling, bookkeeping, etc.

Question 12

Computer Assisted Counseling

Answer 12

Counseling is done via the computer

Question 13

Consultation

Answer 13

Peer to peer communication about client concerns, relationship is voluntary

Question 14

Referrals

Answer 14

Should be done with the clients issues are out of your scope or training, there is an unethical dual relationship issue, client needs different services, client is moving, you are no longer working, etc.

Question 15

PL94-142

Answer 15

Education Act for All Handicapped Children states that children between 5-21 receive free education, should have the least restrictive environment, receive an individualized education plan