Always recommend what is right for your client, even if it is not in your agency’s best financial interests. Think before you act. Before agreeing to a
Abstract The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) both provide guidelines for the education, care and protection of consumers and practitioners. Although the two organizations have several guidelines that are similar in nature (fees and pro bono contribution) they also present guidelines that are distinctly different (primary goal and ethical foundation). This document will elaborate on these similarities and differences as well as comparing the confidentiality, records, and sexual intimacy guidelines of each. American Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics Comparison Similarities and Differences Similarities The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) both seek to provide guidelines that will serve consumers while recognizing and protecting their dignity. The ACA (2005) Code of Ethics list this as a primary responsibility (p. 4) while the AACC (2004) Code of Ethics list it as a mission of the code (p. 4).
Dealing with confidentiality, competence, research and publication the two have very common instructions. Although, many parts are common there are also some differences that can be seen in each of the codes. Confidentiality in both of the organizations is very important. The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) have similar strict guidelines that they would like all counselors to follow as it relate to confidentially. Both of the organizations value whether the client’s records are safe and secure.
The American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA) is a professional counseling association which also represents mental health counselors and this organization is also governed by a code of ethics which members are expected to follow in education, training, and practice. The code of ethics offered by the AMHCA is a guide to support and educate its members in making sound ethical decisions and to define ethical behavior (AMHCA, 2010). In my option, one of the greatest obstacles in the field of mental health counseling is the taboo associated with services based on cultural concerns. Once counselors have acquired the skills needed to communicate effectively with people
However, when using this approach little value is given to the fact that some of the psychology tends to contradict with theology beliefs. This seems to cause problems since Christian therapists usually look for guidance with the scriptures and are using two contradictory doctrines to create one intervention plan to assist their clients. The “Nothing Buttery” approach, states that scripture is the only doctrine needed to assist clients. In this approach psychology techniques are not needed because God’s word will provide everything needed to have a healthy
The Right of Informed Consent is both an ethical and a legal requirement and one which must be woven into our therapeutic process from the beginning. Informed Consent helps us to form a therapeutic alliance with our client by being honest and intentionally advocating for them and with them. This allows us to communicate respectfully and honestly about the process and purpose of the therapy.
Code of Ethics Comparison Patrick A. Sims Liberty University ABSTRACT The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) established a code of ethics in 2001 in order to synergize the efforts, provide guidance, and codify behavior for professional counselors incorporating a biblical worldview in their counseling endeavors. The American Counseling Association (ACA), established in 1952, has long been the stalwart for providing and setting the ethical standard for the counseling profession. The organization’s prominence is evidenced in the fact that the AACC acknowledges the consultation of the code in the formation of the AACC Code of Ethics. This fact alone will bear similarities between the two codes; however, the ACA’s secular worldview is limiting because it leans on the finite and changing understandings and practices of man. The AACC recognizes and adopts the prudent particulars set forth by the ACA, yet always uses the infinite and unchanging word of God as its ultimate authority.
Can Your Code of Ethics Be Wrong? Section one of this paper will introduce the general similarities and differences in the American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics and the American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC) code of ethics. Both ethical codes have the same basic vision for us to “do no harm” (AACC, Section, ES1-100, p. 6) while in a counselor-client relationship. Counselors promote change at all levels to enhance the quality of life for individuals and groups, as well as eliminate possible obstacles that make it difficult to receive proper services offered. Christian counselors promote the same quality of life for individuals and groups with a focus of honoring Jesus Christ.
It will also feature a more in depth comparison and contrast in the areas of Fees, Informed Consent, and Termination. Section One In general the American Association of Christian Counselors and the American Counseling Association are alike, yet they are different in many ways. First looking at the mission statements of both of these ethical codes. The AACC code of ethics (2004) missions states that “ The mission of this Code is to (1) help advance the central mission of the AACC - to bring honor to Jesus Christ and promote excellence and unity in Christian counseling; (2) promote the welfare and protect the dignity and fundamental rights of all individuals, families, groups, church, schools, agencies, ministries, and other organizations with whom Christian counselors work; (3) provided standards of ethical conduct in Christian counseling that are to be advocated and applied by the AACC (ABCC and CNN) and that can be respected by other professionals and institutions.” On the other hand the mission statement for the ACA code of ethics (2005) states “ The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors,
Congruency is not merely a technique employed by counsellors; it is an attitude and philosophy – a state of realness. Congruent people are comfortable with themselves therefore allowing them to be comfortable in their interactions with other people; congruency requires high levels of self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-trust – basically a complete understanding and knowledge of one’s own self. Congruency in the therapeutic setting will allow the client to view the helper as trustworthy which will be helpful in the process of facilitation. Congruency requires whatever the helper says to be real and genuine, no matter what reaction is elicited. Example A helper working with a man who openly admits to abusing his wife does not agree with his actions but is still employed to help with the feeling the client has surrounding the abuse.