Ethical Case Analysis Six In this scenario, my client, a self-employed plumber who reports that current business is slow for him, requests that I, as his counselor, allow him to provide me with plumbing services such as new fixtures and repairs in a home a recently purchased in exchange for approximately six month’s worth of session to address his adjustment disorder. This case brings up ethical concerns about fees and payment. Bartering counseling services for services/goods as payment from the client, when requested by the client, is an acceptable ethical practice. However, it is important that the exchange does not result in exploitation, particularly of the client, but of the counselor as well. It would be easy for a counselor,
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Identify the problem: The problem is that bartering has the potential to exploit the client for the services or goods they are exchanging for counseling services. However, I also have a responsibility to ensure that my fees are fair and are affordable for the community I serve (Forester-Miller, Davis. 2016).
2. Apply the Code of Ethics: In applying both the ACA Code of Ethics and the state statutes, it is clear that, although bartering is acceptable and ethical, in some cases, it is vitally important that the counselor remain vigilant that the therapeutic relationship does not become exploitative of the client and the goods or services they trade for counseling. It is also important the all fees and payment agreements be documented and agreed upon by both the client and the counselor and kept in my records (Forester-Miller, Davis. 2016). At this point, I feel the code is fairly clear about when and under what circumstances a barter agreement might work out. However, I feel that in order to really make an educated decision one way or the other in this case, I would need to know what type of community I am working within. If I am in a community where trading good and services is normal and acceptable, then I would have no problem accepting this form of payment. However, I understand that I would have to be very vigilant and consult with other colleagues to make certain that not only is our barter agreement fair and balanced, but that I do not move into an exploitative …show more content…
References
American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA.
Forester-Miller, H., & Davis, T. E. (2016). Practitioner’s guide to ethical decision making (Rev. ed.). Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/ethics/practioner’s- guide-toethical-decision-making.pdf
Rules of Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration: Division 2095 – Committee for Professional Counselors, Chapter 3 – Professional Responsibilities. 20 Mo. Code Regs. § 2095 – 3.015. Retrieved from
Identify the problem: The problem is that bartering has the potential to exploit the client for the services or goods they are exchanging for counseling services. However, I also have a responsibility to ensure that my fees are fair and are affordable for the community I serve (Forester-Miller, Davis. 2016).
2. Apply the Code of Ethics: In applying both the ACA Code of Ethics and the state statutes, it is clear that, although bartering is acceptable and ethical, in some cases, it is vitally important that the counselor remain vigilant that the therapeutic relationship does not become exploitative of the client and the goods or services they trade for counseling. It is also important the all fees and payment agreements be documented and agreed upon by both the client and the counselor and kept in my records (Forester-Miller, Davis. 2016). At this point, I feel the code is fairly clear about when and under what circumstances a barter agreement might work out. However, I feel that in order to really make an educated decision one way or the other in this case, I would need to know what type of community I am working within. If I am in a community where trading good and services is normal and acceptable, then I would have no problem accepting this form of payment. However, I understand that I would have to be very vigilant and consult with other colleagues to make certain that not only is our barter agreement fair and balanced, but that I do not move into an exploitative …show more content…
References
American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA.
Forester-Miller, H., & Davis, T. E. (2016). Practitioner’s guide to ethical decision making (Rev. ed.). Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/ethics/practioner’s- guide-toethical-decision-making.pdf
Rules of Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration: Division 2095 – Committee for Professional Counselors, Chapter 3 – Professional Responsibilities. 20 Mo. Code Regs. § 2095 – 3.015. Retrieved from