I will be using this model and outline …show more content…
A counselor outlines and explains client rights with an Informed Consent document, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the counselor and the client. Part of this informed consent includes confidentiality information (ACA Code of Ethics, Section A.2, p.4).
Section B.1.c of the Code of Ethics highlights the "Respect for Confidentiality" and says, specifically that "Counselors do not share confidential information without client consent or without sound legal or ethical justification" (ACA Code of Ethics, 2005, p. 5). Section B.3 of the ACA Code of Ethics describes the conditions under which client information can be shared in reasonable circumstances, otherwise client confidentiality is regarded to be secure (p. 6).
The ethics of the present dilemma include breaking client confidentiality for reporting reasons which are not included in the "Information Shared with Others" section of the Code of Ethics. However, Section B.7.b states that counselors must adhere to not only state and federal ethical policies regarding information sharing, but also to agency or institutional guidelines (ACA Code of Ethics, 2005, p. 8).
Determine the nature and dimensions of the …show more content…
In providing the client files to the director, Jean takes what belongs to the client and robs them of their autonomy by not honoring their confidentiality. By robbing the client of their autonomy, Jean may be causing the client harm as she is betraying a confidential relationship which, in turn, betrays the principle of nonmaleficence. Freeman and Francis highlight the obligation for the counselor to not cause harm intentionally (2006). Certainly, by turning over the client list, the counselor is engaging in a premeditated and purposeful decision to breaking client confidentiality which would likely cause the client a great deal of emotional