Code Of Ethics In Counseling Field Analysis

Professional ethics are standards set by the professionals in a career field. I would think in the counseling field the ethics are being tweaked as people became aware or encounter different situations and as the technology field is changing how we communicate with the world. They are used to give people in the field a basic guideline to refer to when needed or a matter is in question. I think there should be a code of ethics in any career field that involves people especially in the counseling field. There are so many different situations that can happen and you need a basic guideline to follow. We all think differently and handle issues in various ways therefore some kind of guideline is definitely needed in the counseling field. I also …show more content…
It has made me realize that I need to become even more open minded about people and situations. I think when I am in a dilemma and it is a right vs right choice I will be challenged to choose what I would do as a counselor. I feel being ethically fit will help me be a better counselor to my clients. I have been made aware of the different codes in the counseling field such as AAMFT, ACA, APA and the AMHCA to name a few. In some of the cases that Kidder wrote about challenged my thinking with the paradigms; truth vs loyalty, individual vs community, short term vs long term and justice vs mercy. (p. 6) We say a lot of things about how we would react but until you are face to face with a situation you can never know how you will handle …show more content…
What process would you personally engage in when faced with a professional issue in which your ethical responsibility was not immediately clear?
I think for myself I would first research the matter and see if the issue has been covered before. Secondly, I would discuss the situation with my trusted colleagues and counselors that have the experience and knowledge in handling that particular area of counseling. In the Air Force we called them “wingmen” and I think if a person is in the counseling field they will have “trusted colleagues” they can discuss issues with in confidence to help them resolve the matter. However as a counselor you have to know the beliefs and values of your colleagues which sometime might not agree with yours. That can become an issue, however as long as everyone is abiding by the code of ethics it should not become a problem. I think knowing what your scope of competence as a counselor is very important. I feel not knowing your own competence level can not only put your license in question but it can gravely harm a person’s life and possibly others involved with your