Should a counselor remain value-objective about controversial issues presented b
ID: 3499592 • Letter: S
Question
Should a counselor remain value-objective about controversial issues presented by a client (such as abortion, suicide, adultery, drug use, domestic violence, child abuse, etc.)? Some counselors might argue that they should not express their values or criticize their clients for these behaviors, while others would say that expressing moral judgment is appropriate. Consider the information above and Chapter 3 of the textbook. Write a 1,000-1,250-word paper addressing the following: Analyze the ethical implications of a counselor expressing their values to a client. Identify actions a counselor might take when confronted with clients they find difficult to treat due to differences in values/beliefs regarding one or more of the following issues: abortion, suicide, adultery, drug use, domestic violence, child abuse Some of the legislation and government policies related to clinical mental health counseling Identify factors that might lead a counselor to consider referring a client to another counselor. Describe steps a counselor should take if referral is not an option. Be sure to use the ACA and NAADAC codes of ethics as guidelines when constructing your paper. Include three additional scholarly resources in your paper in addition to the course textbook. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. This assignment assesses the following programmatic competency: 2.3: Analyze ethical issues in the practice of professional counseling. This assignment meets the following CACREP Standard: 5.C.2.j. Cultural factors relevant to clinical mental health counseling. This assignment meets the following NASAC Standards: 20) Understand the addiction professional's obligation to adhere to generally accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the helping relationship. 21) Understand the importance of ongoing supervision and continuing education in the delivery of client services. 35) Seek appropriate supervision and consultation. 66) Demonstrate respect and nonjudgmental attitudes toward the client in all contacts with other professionals or agencies. 116) Demonstrate ethical behaviors by adhering to established professional codes of ethics that define the professional context within which the counselor works, in order to maintain professional standards and safeguard the client. 120) Utilize a range of supervisory options to process personal feelings and concerns about clients. 121) Conduct culturally appropriate self-evaluations of professional performance, applying ethical, legal, and professional standards to enhance self-awareness and performance. 122) Obtain appropriate continuing professional education. 123) Assess and participate in regular supervision and consultation sessions. 124) Develop and utilize strategies to maintain physical and mental health.
Explanation / Answer
When it comes to counseling, sometimes it gets difficult as a counselor do have his/her own set of beliefs, may judge a client completely knowing the fact that it should be avoided.
The topics mentioned here of abortion, suicide, child abuse etcare definitely heavy and at times it would be too tiring to continue the sessions with utmost empathy.
For example,let me share a personal experience here, my client was cheating on his wife. He seemed to feel bad for it too and would tell me in every session he is going to stop being in touch with the other woman. However empathic I tried to be, somewhere he was a cheater for me! Eventually I realized I can't continue the sessions as the fact that he was still in touch with the other woman diaturdisme more! However as referral was a option in my case, I referred him to another counselor.
Where there is no option for referral, maybe the counselor can discuss his/her case with another professional. He could also be clear about how he finds it difficult.
Another option is, to remind yourself as a counselor the Rogerian Therapy of unconditional positive regards for the client. Maybe the counselor can attend a workshop.
The counselor should remain professional and follow the ethics, the client is not a friend.