How is Ethical Practice defined in the Counseling Field? Ethical practice within the Counseling field has over the years undergone several changes as professionals continue to struggle with defining themselves due to the varying complexities and nuances surrounding the profession as a whole. Through dissecting ethical practice and examining each term independently, the word ethical is largely defined as “pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct” (Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ethical). More specifically, the word ethical in counseling, implies being in accordance with the professional rules or standards for right conduct or practice within the field.
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These qualities are further supplemented by the policies governing the organization that I am a part of, multiculturalism and competence. Such personal moral qualities were acquired through socialization primarily within my family of origin and have guided me throughout my life thus far. Within my family background, the principles of honesty, respect, empathy and humility were deemed integral components to my parents in every developmental phase of my life. As such, the expectation was to be respectful to everyone during passing encounters where my interactions would be constituted of simple etiquette phrases including those of “good morning”, “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me” and “you are welcome”. Similarly, if the actions I engaged in were considered to go against the rules either at home, school, community, church and or recreational settings, I was expected to speak up and accept responsibilities for my wrong …show more content…
Consequently, such differences may result in cultural misunderstandings and discrimination which may in turn precipitate difficulties in communication, unclear expectations, affect the quality of care dispensed and may alter clients’ willingness or ability to maintain the therapeutic process (Cayleff, 1986). Undoubtedly, this may severely impact the counseling process, thus resulting in the creation of ethical issues. Common ethical issues are experienced by counselors in the areas of confidentiality, boundaries, physical contact, gift giving/receiving, working with minors in non-school settings, in academic settings, group counseling, research, couples and family therapy, practice outside the scope of competence and multiple relationships among
These qualities are further supplemented by the policies governing the organization that I am a part of, multiculturalism and competence. Such personal moral qualities were acquired through socialization primarily within my family of origin and have guided me throughout my life thus far. Within my family background, the principles of honesty, respect, empathy and humility were deemed integral components to my parents in every developmental phase of my life. As such, the expectation was to be respectful to everyone during passing encounters where my interactions would be constituted of simple etiquette phrases including those of “good morning”, “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me” and “you are welcome”. Similarly, if the actions I engaged in were considered to go against the rules either at home, school, community, church and or recreational settings, I was expected to speak up and accept responsibilities for my wrong …show more content…
Consequently, such differences may result in cultural misunderstandings and discrimination which may in turn precipitate difficulties in communication, unclear expectations, affect the quality of care dispensed and may alter clients’ willingness or ability to maintain the therapeutic process (Cayleff, 1986). Undoubtedly, this may severely impact the counseling process, thus resulting in the creation of ethical issues. Common ethical issues are experienced by counselors in the areas of confidentiality, boundaries, physical contact, gift giving/receiving, working with minors in non-school settings, in academic settings, group counseling, research, couples and family therapy, practice outside the scope of competence and multiple relationships among