Research and Publication 8. Resolving ethical issues While the American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC, 2004) code of ethics “mission is to designed, assist members of the organization, better serve their clients and congregants, and to improve the work of Christian counseling worldview, to help reach the primary goals of the AACC, to bring honor to Christ and His church, to promote excellence in Christian counseling, and bring unity to Christian counselors." As well as the ACA code of ethics this document was divided into three units. 1. Ethical standards 2.
Each section provides corresponding ethical standards and rules as it relates to the section heading listed. In some sections there are references made to other sections that may contain additional information or rule that is being discussed (American Counseling Association, 2005). The ACA code of ethics is an outlined document and provides easy understanding and reading with additional subtitles within each section. As there are many different areas in counseling, there are accompanying documents for these areas. Within Christian Counseling there are more complex issues that are addressed and therefore The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) created a document that addresses these issues in a more detailed format.
Abstract The objective of my paper is to show how there are several difference and several similarities in The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). By using information from each code of ethics this was how I was able to compare between the two. These codes of ethics were established to protect the overall well being of the counselors, client, and the profession. The American Association of Christian Counselors code of ethics was created specifically for Christian counselors and it has a Biblical and Christian worldview and foundation. The American Counseling Association code of ethics was established specifically for counselor to clarify, support, designed to assist members
For example, it specifically fights against “intrusive powers” whether they be personal, corporate, governmental, or even religious (AACC Code of Ethics I-470). Counselors from both the AACC and ACA are expected to keep the client’s confidentiality to their fullest capacity possible. “Confidential client communications include all verbal, written, telephonic, audio or video-taped, or electronic communications arising within the helping relationship” (AACC, p. 11, ES1-410). Confidentiality must be maintained with clear limitations and obligations, which implies the need for both parties to trust each other within the counselor and client relationship. Both the AACC and ACA code of ethics give specific limitations based on ethical dilemmas and differing legalities.
In case of both organizations, the professional and ethical guidelines for ACA and AMHCA, clients and professional counselors have clear cut boundaries, safety and confidentiality of the clients' particular information and everything discussed in the sessions, are confidential for counselors to keep as such, clients cannot have romantic relationship with professionals. Furthermore, professionally, counselors must be qualified for licensure and continue getting revised licensure as well as continue their advanced certification and education to better serve clients. ACA covenant calls for all counselors to be able to indicate cultural competency and not impose their own values and beliefs onto their clients. Any psychological / mental health
The biggest difference that defines the AACC code is their mission which is described to “… help achieve the primary goals of the AACC- to bring honor to Jesus Christ and his church, promote excellence in Christian counseling, and bring unity to Christian counselors” (AACC Code of Ethics, 2004.) The code was written with a biblical foundation which inspires all of the ethical guidelines. The AACC (2004) code began with 7 foundations outlining the base for their Professional Counselors to follow all being Christ centered. The ACA Code of Ethics focused more on being open to cultural differences. One example was found in their preamble “Association members recognize diversity and embrace a cross-cultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts (ACA Code of Ethics, 2005.)
Corey, Corey, and Callanan (1998) expresses values as the “beliefs and attitudes that provide direction to everyday living, whereas ethics pertain to the beliefs we hold about what constitutes right conduct.” (Freegard, 2012) (page #). Simmons 2015 identifies four commonly held values: Autonomy - Ability of the client to make decisions for themselves or to freely choose what they wish to do with their life. This is not an unrestricted right especially in child protection. Nonmaleficence - We don’t do anything to harm other people and workers must refrain from behaviours that might possibly put the clients at risk of harm. Beneficence - Beneficence and nonmaleficence are closely related but beneficence is stated positively as the value of promoting good and enhancing the well-being of others.
american Counseling Association & American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics Comparison American Counseling Association & American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics Comparison Abstract The following is a comparison of the ethical practices of the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). This paper will review the objectives and practices of both institution, while highlighting both the similarities and differences of these. Ending with a parallel comparison of three ethical areas; confidentiality, conflict of interest and discrimination. Introduction The primary responsibility under the American Counseling Association is to respect the dignity
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER Lisa Head Liberty University/Baptist Theological Seminary ABSTRACT This paper is designed to begin the development of identity and ethical boundaries that should be maintained so that appropriate care may be provided within the scope of this counselor's skills and capabilities. Professional partnerships are identified that may provide licensing and/or certification to contribute to the growth of this student; further, important ethical considerations are laid out for a Christian counselor. A pre-counseling package has been formulated to convey a professional identity and explain ethical guidelines to the counselee, providing the foundation for a safe and secure counseling environment. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
They should not be any hidden personal feelings towards the client. A dual relationship should be established whereby there is no connection. This gives a non biased approach to the therapy. There should be complete trust and honesty as this forms the backbone to this therapy and then only can one lead to complete co-operation that results in a successful outcome. Any hidden motives will act as a major impediment to a future course of treatment and the therapist has to gauge the intentions of the client to make sure no lines are