Counselor Ethics and Responsibilities Essay Example

as the client may change their mind or decide to end their life after counseling. As a professional counselor, it is crucial for me to set aside personal feelings and provide suitable support. If my client chooses to end their life, whether or not to break confidentiality is up to me; however, consultation with a supervisor or legal party is necessary. It is my responsibility as a counselor to safeguard my client's rights, including privacy, confidentiality, freedom from discrimination, and quality care. The right to privacy emphasizes that counselors should only request private information when it benefits the counseling process (AC 2005). Personal matters unrelated to the counseling should not be discussed during sessions (AC 2005). Moreover,
confidential information cannot be shared without consent or proper justification (AC 2005).Complying with a judge's request for counselor records is an ethical duty of protecting client confidentiality (AC 2005). When seeking advice from other professionals, it is important to maintain anonymity to safeguard client privacy. According to AMANDA (2011), if a counselor needs to disclose confidential information about a client, they must inform the client about who received the information and the reason for its release. It is also essential that clients are free from discrimination based on religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, and physical challenges (AMANDA 2011).

Finding someone with similar experiences can be unlikely as people have different personal and professional lives. However, as a professional counselor, it is important for me to set aside these differences and view my clients as individuals seeking help with their issues. It is crucial for me to focus on assisting them without passing judgment on their lifestyle choices.

Moreover, clients are entitled

to receive high-quality care in line with AMANDA's guidelines (2011). As an advocate for my clients and a dedicated professional counselor, I prioritize staying informed about the latest research and counseling techniques. Bernstein (1977) advises against using new treatment styles or fads until they are accepted or approved by professional organizations.If I incorporate these techniques into my practice, it is crucial that I receive proper training. My commitment to providing excellent care includes keeping assessments up to date and delivering timely outcomes. Professionalism must be maintained at all times, and personal opinions should not be imposed on clients.

The responsibility to warn and protect originates from the Supreme Court case Attracts v Regents of the University of California (Gearing 1982). According to this case, if a psychotherapist becomes aware that their client intends to harm someone, they are obligated to inform that individual about the impending danger.

Certain situations may require breaching confidentiality. For example, if a client reveals ongoing personal issues with their neighbor and expresses a desire to teach them a lesson in response to continued harassment without specifying what this entails, or if it is known that the client possesses a locked handgun at home. In such cases, I must decide whether to report the client's statement to local law enforcement or further investigate potential physical harm or loss of life towards the neighbor.

An example scenario could involve a client expressing concerns about possible sexual abuse by her five-year-old niece's father. Although lacking evidence, the client observes significant changes in her niece's behavior and her fear of being alone with her father.The niece has shared that she takes care of her father in a

private space but does not want to provide more information. This reluctance from the niece has made it challenging for the client to gather necessary information. The client is considering involving the mother, but is unsure about how to proceed. It is now up to the counselor to determine if involving child welfare for an investigation is necessary, as they have a responsibility to protect the child. Counselors have an obligation to inform potential victims and report any crimes they become aware of, particularly mental health professionals who have a special relationship with their clients (Gearing 1982).

Regarding record-keeping, outpatient therapy allows therapists discretion while state and federal laws dictate specific rules for inpatient record keeping. Guthrie & Hilliard's (2001) highlight the importance of maintaining counseling records for both clinical and legal purposes. Keeping thorough records is vital for accurate assessment and treatment since failing to do so could result in inadequate care. From a legal standpoint, complete and precise records are crucial in case a client decides to sue or requests them through subpoena.Neglecting accurate note-taking may result in significant fines or license suspension, according to AMANDA (2011). Addiction professionals are responsible for documenting all professional services, research, and interactions with others including agencies, legal entities, and medical entities. It is crucial to securely store these confidential records either in a counselor's office file cabinet or in an inaccessible location for other professionals. Corey, Corey & Callahan (2011) recommend destroying these records after ten years of service or when a minor client turns 21. Working with a prejudiced client who believes their race is superior can pose challenges. However, if ethically obligated to work with

such a client, it is important not to let personal emotions hinder their recovery process. Advocating for equality among all races and providing equal opportunities for success holds great importance due to the history of oppression experienced by many races. Therefore, putting an end to mistreatment becomes one's determination. During the initial consultation, if the client prefers working with someone from their own race, efforts will be made to refer them to a more suitable counselor.I will inform the recommended counselor about the reason for the referral and let them decide if they are willing to work with this client. It is essential that regardless of the client's personal beliefs, they receive high-quality care. If referring the client is not possible or desired by them, I will inform them of this situation and allow them to decide how to proceed. I will assure the client that despite their preference for a counselor of their own race, I am willing to do my best within my role's limitations. To determine the appropriate action, I will consult supervisors and seek guidance from other professionals. Although challenging, I am committed to working with this client while putting aside personal feelings. However, if the client becomes verbally abusive towards me, our relationship will be terminated entirely. In conclusion, as professional counselors, we must adhere to ethical and legal obligations regarding clients by setting aside personal biases and providing optimal care. Additionally, maintaining accurate records and ensuring client confidentiality is crucial in respecting privacy during counseling sessions so that clients feel at ease and confident in our assistance.