Ethics Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are the six core ethical principles in counseling?
Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Justice, Fidelity, Veracity
What does autonomy mean in ethics?
Respecting the client’s right to make their own decisions
What is nonmaleficence?
Do no harm to the client
What is beneficence?
Act in the client’s best interest
What is fidelity?
Being loyal, keeping promises and maintaining trust
What is veracity?
Being honest and truthful with clients
What must informed consent include?
Nature of services, risks, benefits, client rights, limits of confidentiality
When is informed consent required?
Before counseling begins and when major changes occur
What are the main exceptions to confidentiality?
Imminent harm to self or others, abuse, court order, supervision
What case established ‘duty to warn’?
Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California
What is a dual relationship?
When a counselor has more than one role with a client
What is a boundary crossing?
A non-harmful departure from standard practice (e.g., attending a client’s recital)
What is a boundary violation?
A harmful or exploitative dual role
When is bartering acceptable?
If not exploitative, culturally appropriate, and agreed upon in writing
What is the rule on social media and clients?
Avoid personal contact; maintain clear professional boundaries
What should a counselor do if they’re not trained in a client’s issue?
Refer or seek supervision and training
What is counselor impairment?
When a counselor’s personal issues interfere with their professional role
What are signs of counselor burnout or impairment?
Emotional exhaustion, poor boundaries, decreased performance
Who is responsible for the client when under supervision?
The supervisor shares legal and ethical responsibility
What is gatekeeping?
The ethical duty to prevent unfit counselors from entering the profession
What must be included in supervision informed consent?
Evaluation methods, expectations, and confidentiality limits
What is the first step in the ACA ethical decision-making model?
Identify the problem
What is a key step in resolving an ethical dilemma?
Consulting with a supervisor or colleague
What two ethical principles often conflict in complex situations?
Autonomy and Nonmaleficence
