Ethical Principles of

Counseling
 ETHICS
Mandatory ethics
Aspirational ethics
Positive ethics
 THE ROLE OF
ETHICS CODES AS A
CATALYST FOR
IMPROVING
PRACTICE
 SOME STEPS IN
MAKING ETHICAL
1. Identify the DECISIONS
problem or dilemma.
2. Identify the potential issues.
3. Look at the relevant ethics codes for general guidance
on the matter.
4. Consider the applicable laws and regulations.
5. Seek consultation from more than one source.
6. Brainstorm various possible courses of action.
7. Enumerate the consequences of various decisions.
8. Decide on what appears to be the best possible course
of action.
 INFORMED CONSENT

Involves the right of the clients to be

informed about their therapy and to
make autonomous decisions pertaining
to it.
 CONFIDENTIALITY

Is an ethical concept, and in most states it

is the legal duty of therapists not to
disclose information about a client.
 PRIVILEGED
COMMUNICATION

Is a legal concept that generally bars the

disclosure of confidential
communications in a legal proceeding.
 SOME OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH
INFORMATION MUST LEGALLY BE REPORTED BY
COUNSELORS:

• When the therapist believes a client under the age

of 16 is the victim of incest, rape, child abuse, or
some other crime.
• When the therapist determines that the client
needs hospitalization.
• When information is made an issue in a court
action
• When clients request that their records be released
to them or to a third party.
 DUAL OR MULTIPLE
RELATIONSHIPS

Either sexual or nonsexual, occur when

counselors assume two (or more) roles
simultaneously or sequentially with a
client.
 WAYS OF MINIMIZING RISK IN
MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS
1. Set healthy boundaries early in
the therapeutic relationship.
2. Involve clients in on-going
discussions and in the decision-
making process.
3. Consult with fellow professionals.
4. Work under supervision.
5. Self-monitoring
 ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
o Respecting human rights and dignity
o Respect for the client’s right to be self-governing
o A commitment to promoting the client’s well-being
o Fostering responsible caring
o Fair treatment of all clients and the provision of adequate
services
o Equal opportunity to clients availing counseling services
o Ensuring the integrity of practitioner-client relationship
o Fostering the practitioner’s self-knowledge and care for self
o Enhancing the quality of professional knowledge and its
application
o Responsibility to the society