Abstract The purpose of this paper is to show how ethics play a significant role in the success of group therapy. Group therapy sessions can be very beneficial and can also have different results than individual therapy due to the dynamics of what goes on in a group including things like exercises. A group an work off each others ideas and socialize in ways that are similar to role play. The ethical boundaries established by the leader early on in the beginning stages of the group will set the tone for how the group runs, processes, and respects each other. Expectations of issues like confidentiality must ethically be addressed so the clients understand the severity of the information they are being asked to keep private.
Code of Ethics Comparison between AACC and ACA When considering similarities and differences of ethical codes one should perhaps begin by clarifying what ethics are as well as the purpose of a code of ethics. In the profession of counseling one might consider the statement from Corey, Corey, and Callanan which reads, “The primary purpose of a code of ethics is to safeguard the welfare of clients by providing what is in their best interest” (Corey et al., 2011 p.9). While this is not the only purpose a code of ethics serves, it is the one that best takes into account one important consideration in counseling which is “Do no harm" (Sossin, n.d.). “Ethics codes are also designed to safeguard the public and to guide the professionals in their work so that they can provide the best service possible” (Corey et al.,2011 p.9). The AACC or American Association of Christian Counselors is intended; as the name implies, for those counselors practicing with Christianity as their spiritual emphasis while the ACA
McLeod also suggests that counselling skills can be used in a range of self help groups such as sliming groups or Alcohics Anonymous or in life coaching – although this focuses on the promotion of positive effectiveness or achievement. Users of counselling skills often have dual responsibilities both to the recipient of their skills and the organisation that they are operating within. (Stokes in Aldridge and Rigby). This can be a cause of conflict. Counsellors can avoid this conflict by starting the counselling relationship with a contract that ensures confidentiality and helps create a safe environment that supports a client by setting down guidelines for a working/ professional relationship that includes boundaries, conduct, timekeeping.
One issue that maybe encountered is involuntary group members. Corey, Williams, and Moline (1995) explained that ethically a counselor should advise clients of their rights, privileges and duties, as well as, advise them of any probable concerns they face if they choose to follow treatment. Another issue that may be encountered in group therapy is informed consent, which is extremely important when participation is mandatory. Informed consent is something that all counselors and counselor have to obtain from clients. Fallon (2006) states it is important because certain guidelines have to be followed by the counselor during a session and when a client becomes involuntary this puts the counselor in a comprising position.
Meta ethics tries to make sense of the terms and concepts used in ethical theories such as Utilitarianism and Natural Law. Some people believe that ethical language is extremely meaningful as they argue it is essential to be able to define terms such as “good” and “bad” before we can even begin to discuss ethical theories. However others disagree with this and argue that moral statements are subjective so are meaningless, as they cannot be described as either true or false. Those who hold cognitive theories about ethical language would argue that ethical statements are not meaningless as they are about facts, and can therefore be proved true or false. Ethical Naturalism is a cognitive theory of meta ethics which holds the belief that
They were designed to help guide the counseling profession and to serve as what Ponton and Duba (2009) called the “framework for ethical thinking” (p. 119). The ACA and AMHCA have codes that are similar in nature. However, there are some specific differences between the two. The ACA serves as the primary organization for the entire counseling field. The organization is considered to hold the standard ethical code for professional counselors of all areas.
Counselors should respect the need for informed consent regarding the structure and process of counseling. Early in counseling, counselor and client should discuss and agree upon issues that may occur during sessions. Rather it from the nature of and course of therapy; accurately explains the purpose and procedures to be followed; clients issues and goals; describe the benefits or changes in individuals or organizations that might be reasonably explain; confidentiality and its limits; and fees and financial procedures. Another similarity is that both codes of ethics require counselors in the act of a person are incapable of giving informed consent. They must obtain consent from the parents or the legally authorized
Essay Response: Crisis Counseling Lisa R. Jensen Liberty University With an example, consider the differences between crisis counseling strategies and psychotherapy. Crisis counseling strategies and psychotherapy share many similarities as well as distinct differences. Both are employed to aid hurting people. Both share a goal of restoring and building positive functioning. Additionally, both crisis counseling strategies and psychotherapy must be carried out in an ethical manner by individuals trained appropriately to render the aid.
The main therapeutic techniques are: Logotherapy, the “I-thou model”, and the self-in-world concept. However since existential counseling is not a technique driven therapy, techniques from other therapies can be used effectively with an existential therapeutic focus. It appears applicable to a wide variety of counseling situations in which clients are seeking to resolve issues concerning the ultimate ‘meaning of life’ and does focus on the collaborative nature of the counselor – client relationship. Running Head: EXISTENTIAL COUNSELING 3 Existential therapy or counseling is classified as a humanistic theory by Maslow due to its focus on helping people achieve their full potential in life (Maddi, 1978). It is viewed more as an attitudinal or philosophical approach to counseling rather than a theory of therapy because it is loosely based on existential philosophy and it is not tied to any particular therapeutic technique (Sharf, 2004).
Many professionals have created rules and guidelines to follow when ethical questions or dilemmas arise in the workplace. Interpreters have followed this pattern, as the RID and AVLIC have Codes of Ethics. Although these guidelines are helpful, they do not cover every situation. Interpreters must not only follow the Code of Ethics, but must also have strong personal morals as well as ethical judgment to be tested in the workplace. This essay will cover a situation in which an interpreter is faced with an ethical dilemma; whether or not to turn in a hearing student they catch cheating.