The difference between values and morals are not always clear. Certain values are universal, but this does not mean that they are absolute. For example, killing may be permitted in certain circumstances to execute a criminal, in war, or to preserve one’s life. But in each case, it is recognized as an exception to be justified in terms of value taking precedence. The ethical dilemma raises the question whether or not the therapist can keep their values out of their counseling session. This chapter suggests there are reasons why it might be inappropriate for a counselor to impose a system of values or philosophy on the client.
In my opinion, counselors must be confident within themselves. Counselors must know themselves and be able to recognize what they can
...and can’t deal with. Counselors must be able to say, “No” and refer clients to someone who can be objective in helping them come to a resolve of their issue without imposing their beliefs on them. I believe counselors should never make the counseling session about them. I feel counselors need to be able to departmentalize their issues from that of their client’s. For some this may be a difficult task.
There will be some issues that arise that may get to you as a counselor such as the killing of a child along with many others, so counselors must be able to learn the art of desensitizing. I feel I can desensitize myself from the client’s issues to a certain degree without imposing my values on them. As an educator it is already apparent I must demonstrate this skill when working in
the best interest of my students. I feel the same is for counseling. I view it as my “profession. ” On the other hand, there may be things that will get to me and cause me to impart my belief system on the client.
Such issues as sexual attitudes and behavior and spirituality are a bit of a challenge for me. It would be very difficult for me to understand this type of behavior because I am totally against same-sex marriage. Therefore, I wouldn’t view myself as an objective and effective counselor due to my religious beliefs. I would not be more inclined to give my opinion based on my emotions and religious beliefs which are not in line with that of my client, nor is it in the best interest of my client.
Sexuality and moral values and attitudes are important aspects of personality. However, clients value each of these functions in different ways. Therefore, therapist should not attempt to persuade clients but rather assist clients to determine their own values even in dealing with clients from multicultural background. I feel it is imperative that counselors take the extra precautions to explore their own culture and explore that of their client’s prior to therapy sessions.
In my opinion this will lend itself to a more open line of communication between the therapist and client, in which the client will feel comfortable and willing to open up knowing that the counselor understands his /her world views and ideals as it relates to their culture. In turn the counselor has an overall better understanding of behaviors that are acceptable in their client’s culture.
I feel strongly these and other precautions when dealing with clients of a different cultural background will provide a framework from which the counselor can operate in order to be effective in making decisions in the best interest of the client.
- Belief essays
- Deontology essays
- Ethical dilemma essays
- Moral essays
- Normative Ethics essays
- Values of Life essays
- Virtue essays
- Virtue Ethics essays
- Work Ethic essays
- Ageism essays
- Cultural Diversity essays
- Discrimination essays
- Diversity essays
- Gender Discrimination essays
- Multiculturalism essays
- Oppression essays
- Peer Pressure essays
- Racial Profiling essays
- Sexism essays
- Adult essays
- Aggression essays
- Altruism essays
- Archetype essays
- Behavior essays
- Certainty essays
- Conformity essays
- Deception essays
- Human Behavior essays
- Human Sexuality essays
- Maturity essays
- Morality essays
- Obedience essays
- Procrastination essays
- Reinforcement essays
- Role Model essays
- Adaptation essays
- Adventure essays
- Adversity essays
- Aging essays
- Alcohol essays
- Barbie Doll essays
- Beauty essays
- Care essays
- Carpe diem essays
- Change essays
- Chess essays
- Chicken essays
- Choices essays
- Contrast essays
- Crops essays
