Rules of Conduct

Question 1

What is meant by “competency”?

Answer 1

The ability to conduct psychological acts in which the RC is trained and qualified to do.

Question 2

Describe limits in competency.

Answer 2

Stay within the boundaries of RC scope of practice.
1. Education
2. Training
3. Supervised experience

Question 3

How does an RC maintain competency?

Answer 3

Through continuous professional development and supervision.

Question 4

When can a RC add new competencies?

Answer 4

ONLY when engaging in continuous appropriate supervision, education, and training.

Question 5

What must the RC do when adding or acting on a new competency?

Answer 5

RC MUST inform the client that the method or technique is new to field and or to RC.
This allows for freedom of choice from the client.

Question 6

What are extraordinary circumstances that may challenge competencies?

Answer 6

In an emergency care must NOT be denied from client. Even when RC is not professionally competent within that scope.

Question 7

Describe personal impairment related to competency.

Answer 7

Personal circumstances that could PREVENT competency and potentially harm the client.

Question 8

How can an RC prevent incompetent/impaired performance?

Answer 8

1. Refrain from undertaking professional activities when likelihood of personal circumstances that could influence space and client.
2. Stay alert of personal signs and triggers.
3. Obtain appropriate professional assistance (supervision).

Question 9

What are appropriate measures that should be taken when becoming aware of personal circumstances that could potentially interfere and harm client?

Answer 9

(Done with assistance of appropriate professional).
1. Limit
2. Suspend
3. Terminate

Question 10

To whom can an RC delegate?

Answer 10

Delegate to someone who is competent and can be expected to perform necessary roles. (Consider education, training, and supervised experience).

Question 11

What can happen when delegating to someone who has multiple relations with the client?
(Applicable to self-RC as well).

Answer 11

Multiple relations can lead to:
1. Exploiting
2. Loss of objectivity

Question 12

Explain professional competency with interpreters.

Answer 12

Interpreter must be fluent in the 2 languages involved.
Must act competently and have no multiple relations with the client.
(Used when client is not fluent in RC’s language).

Question 13

In a professional relationship what are the different aspects a RCs should respect?

Answer 13

• Dignity
• Human rights and human worth
• Client’s right to having different values, beliefs, and opinions.

(ADDITIONAL FACTOR):
- Respect a client’s rights to not be subjected to any procedure without informed consent (shall not coerce or compel).

Question 14

What should RC’s strive to do?

Answer 14

RC should strive to preserve and protect client’s fundamental human rights.

Question 15

In addition to respect, client’s are entitled to:

Answer 15

Rights over bodily and psychological integrity (security and control over self - body and person).

Question 16

An RC should ensure what in relation to informed consent? (2)

Answer 16

1. Documented (written) consent/assent/permission.
2. Presented in language easily understood by client.

Question 17

What are the three situations that affects the process of informed consent?

Answer 17

1. Capacity to consent.
2. Legally incapable of giving informed consent.
3. Ordered

Question 18

Explain steps within the capacity to consent.

Answer 18

• Provide the client with necessary information and answers to asked questions.
• Explain exceptions to confidentiality.
• Discuss costs and rumination.

Question 19

Explain the steps to gain assent when client is legally incapable of consenting.

Answer 19

• Provide client with explanation.
• Seek assent (approval and agreement).
• Get permission.

Question 20

What makes an individual legally incapable of consenting?

Answer 20

• Unable to understand.
• Substance influence.
• Asleep or unconscious.
• Age (14 and under).

Question 21

Explain the steps of informed consent when client is court/organisation ordered for counselling.

Answer 21

• Inform the client of the services to be provided.
• Discuss exceptions to the requirements of confidentiality.

Question 22

Discuss factors within discrimination and harassment.

Answer 22

DO NOT:
- Harass
- Impose stereotypes
- Unfairly discriminate
- Harm client

DO:
Make sure that psychological services are culturally appropriate and language comfortability.

Question 23

Define psychological services.

Answer 23

Acts of psychological assessments and interventions. (RC may not diagnose - refer).

Question 24

Conflict of interest(s) described.

Answer 24

Refrain from entering a professional role when there are interests/relationships that could negatively affect the counselling relationship.

Question 25

What could occur when there are conflicts of interest?

Answer 25

Leads to loss of objectivity. Affects competency, effectiveness, and an increased risk to exploit or harm the client.

Question 26

What should the RC do when there are third party requests for services?

Answer 26

• Clarify nature of relationships.
  Clarify confidentiality exceptions.

Question 27

What leads to multiple relationships?

Answer 27

Multiple relationships occur when RC enters a professional relationship at the same time as:
- Having relations with people/organisations associated with the client.
- In a relationship with someone closely associated with client.
- Promises to enter a relationship with someone associated with client.

OR
- Enters another role/relationship with client.

Question 28

What should the RC do when the law requires multiple relationships?

Answer 28

Discuss role expectations with client as well as exceptions to confidentiality.

Question 29

What should the RC do when a multiple relationship develops?

Answer 29

• Refer
• Wait 24 months before entering another relationship with client.

Question 30

Discuss cooperation.

Answer 30

Cooperate with other APPROVED and relevant professionals (consults and referrals).

ALWAYS act in the best interest of client.

Question 31

How can the RC avoid interruptions in the in counselling environment?

Answer 31

DO NOT terminate abruptly and pre-maturely.

If there is a foreseeable absence make arrangements for clients (emergencies or unavailability).

• Plan for continuity in case of illness, death, or relocation.

Question 32

What is the process the RC should take when psychological services are offered to or through an organisation?

Answer 32

• Inform the client of relevant information (roles and expectations).
• Discuss confidentiality exceptions.
• As soon as feasible share the results and conclusions with appropriate people. (GAIN CONSENT/ASSENT).