Ethical Issues in Counseling Practice — Chapter 3

Question 1

Define: Mandatory Ethics

Answer 1

• functioning at the minimum required level, to satisfy ethical requirements.

Question 2

Define: Aspirational ethics

Answer 2

• practicing with a focus on what is in the client’s best interest

Question 3

Define: Positive ethics

Answer 3

• an ethical approach wherein therapists strive to do what is best for clients, rather than to meet minimum requirements to stay out of trouble.

Question 4

It is ethical for the counselor to meet their own needs when counseling a client. But, it becomes UNETHICAL when?

Answer 4

• when the counselor meets their own needs AT THE EXPENSE of the client.

Question 5

What are the 3 best ways to prevent being sued for malpractice?

Answer 5

• demonstrate respect for clients
• keep client welfare as a central concern
• practice within the framework of professional codes

Question 6

List the 8 steps in ethical decision making:

Answer 6

1. Identify the dilemma.
2. Identify the potential issues at play.
3. Use relevant ethical codes for guidance.
4. Consider applicable laws and regulations, determining what bearing they have on the dilemma.
5. Consult different sources, document their suggestions.
6. Brainstorm potential courses of action.
7. Analyze each course of action and the consequences of each.
8. Decide which course of action seems best.

Question 7

How should you include the client when making an ethical decision?

Answer 7

Include the client in each step of the decision-making process.

Question 8

Ensuring informed consent empowers the _____ to be an active ________ and ________ in their therapy.

Answer 8

Ensuring informed consent empowers the client to be an active partner and collaborator in their therapy.

Question 9

Providing informed consent includes explaining what 9 things?

Answer 9

• General goals of counseling
• Potential benefits and risks of counseling
• Responsibilities of the counselor to the client
• Responsibilities of the client
• Limitations and exceptions of confidentiality
• Legal and ethical boundaries
• Background and qualifications of the counselor
• Fees
• Approx. length of counseling

Question 10

Define: privileged communication

Answer 10

a legal concept that protects clients from having their disclosures revealed in court without their permission.

Question 11

Psychotherapist-client privilege laws do what??

Answer 11

• the laws protect clients from having their revelations be made public in court.
• these laws vary from state to state.

Question 12

Privileged communication does not usually apply in what 4 counseling scenarios?

Answer 12

• Group counseling
• Family counseling
• Couples counseling
• Child and adolescent counseling

Question 13

What are the exceptions to confidentiality and privileged communication?

Answer 13

• Child abuse
• Elder abuse
• Abuse of dependent adults
• When client is a danger to themself or others

Question 14

Why don’t some theoretical orientations use diagnosis?

Answer 14

• they view diagnosis as unnecessary and detrimental to minorities and women.

Question 15

Why is it important to consider a client’s cultural and ethnic background when considering a diagnosis?

Answer 15

• Certain behaviors and personality styles might mistakenly be labeled as “neurotic” or “deviant” when they are not characteristic of the therapist’s dominant culture, when in reality, the behaviors are normal in the client’s culture.

Question 16

Describe a limit of the DSM-5 when it comes to making diagnoses for multicultural clients.

Answer 16

• DSM looks at problems as residing within the client, not within society.
• Thus, the DSM doesn’t take into account societal and cultural issues that might play a huge role in the client’s problems.

Question 17

Therapists have a clinical, legal, and ethical obligation to screen clients for what 4 life-threatening conditions?

Answer 17

• organic disorders
• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• suicidal types of depression

Question 18

What are the 3 pillars of Evidence-based Practice?

Answer 18

• Looking for the best research available.
• Relying on clinical expertise.
• Taking into consideration the client’s characteristics, culture, and preferences.

Question 19

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is most useful and less useful for what types of client concerns?

Answer 19

• Most useful for: specific emotional, cognitive, or behavioral concerns.
• Less useful for: existential concerns.

Question 20

What are 5 ways you can minimize risk when pursuing a multiple relationship?

Answer 20

• Set healthy boundaries with the client.
• Involve client in all steps of the decision making process, document all discussions
• Consult fellow professional to remain objective
• Work under supervision
• Self-monitor yourself

Question 21

How can you maintain appropriate professional boundaries?

Answer 21

• recognize boundary crossings when they occur, and prevent them from becoming boundary violations.

Question 22

Define: boundary crossing

Answer 22

• a departure from a commonly accepted practice that could potentially harm the client.

Question 23

Define: boundary violation

Answer 23

• an unethical breach which harms the client.