Professional Practice and Ethics

Question 1

What is informed consent in counseling?

Answer 1

A process where clients are fully informed about counseling goals, risks, benefits, confidentiality limits, and their rights before treatment.

Question 2

When can a counselor break confidentiality?

Answer 2

When there is risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse, court orders, or client waives confidentiality.

Question 3

Define dual relationships and why are they problematic?

Answer 3

Relationships outside counseling that impair objectivity or exploit clients, risking harm and ethical violations.

Question 4

What differentiates a boundary crossing from a boundary violation?

Answer 4

Crossings are minor, harmless deviations; violations cause harm or exploitation.

Question 5

Name the five core ethical principles in counseling.”

Answer 5

Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Justice, Fidelity.

Question 6

What is mandated reporting?

Answer 6

Legal obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable populations.

Question 7

What should counselors include in record keeping?

Answer 7

Accurate, timely, and confidential documentation that complies with legal and ethical standards.

Question 8

Define negligence in counseling practice.”

Answer 8

Failure to provide reasonable care resulting in harm to a client.

Question 9

How is confidentiality handled in group counseling?

Answer 9

Counselors explain limits since confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to multiple members.

Question 10

What is the difference between competence and scope of practice?

Answer 10

Competence: having skills and knowledge; Scope of practice: authorized counseling activities.

Question 11

How should counselors handle client complaints ethically?

Answer 11

Listen, document, respond professionally, follow procedures, and refer if necessary.

Question 12

What ethical considerations apply to technology use in counseling?

Answer 12

Ensure privacy, informed consent, secure data, and comply with laws.

Question 13

What is the duty to warn or protect?

Answer 13

Obligation to warn potential victims or authorities when a client poses serious threat.

Question 14

Why is cultural competence important in counseling?

Answer 14

It ensures effective, respectful work with diverse client backgrounds.

Question 15

What does client autonomy mean in ethics?

Answer 15

Clients have the right to make their own informed decisions.

Question 16

How should counselors respond to suicidal clients?

Answer 16

Assess risk, ensure safety, develop a plan, and involve emergency resources if needed.

Question 17

What role does supervision play in ethical counseling?

Answer 17

Supports competence, ethical decisions, and professional development.

Question 18

Define an ethical dilemma.

Answer 18

A situation with conflicting ethical principles and no clear solution.

Question 19

What sanctions can result from ethical violations?

Answer 19

License suspension, fines, retraining, or legal penalties.

Question 20

What is informed refusal?

Answer 20

Clients’ right to decline treatment after being informed of consequences.

Question 21

Differentiate confidentiality and privileged communication.

Answer 21

Confidentiality is an ethical duty; privileged communication is a legal protection.

Question 22

When is client confidentiality not legally protected?

Answer 22

Client waives it, court subpoenas, or mandated reporting applies.

Question 23

Why is continuing education essential?

Answer 23

To maintain competence, stay updated, and meet licensure requirements.

Question 24

What does advocacy entail for counselors?

Answer 24

Supporting client rights and access to services ethically.

Question 25

What are counselors’ ethical duties regarding fees?

Answer 25

Transparency, fairness, no kickbacks or overcharging.

Question 26

Explain beneficence in counseling ethics.

Answer 26

Acting in clients' best interests to promote good and prevent harm.

Question 27

What ethical issues arise in online counseling?

Answer 27

Privacy breaches, informed consent, technology risks, and verifying identity.

Question 28

What is cultural humility?

Answer 28

Recognizing limits of one’s cultural knowledge and committing to ongoing learning.

Question 29

How should counselors manage conflicts of interest?

Answer 29

Avoid or disclose conflicts, prioritizing client welfare.

Question 30

What are ethical responsibilities in termination?

Answer 30

Provide proper closure, discuss plans, and offer referrals.

Question 31

Define nonmaleficence.

Answer 31

Avoiding harm to clients.

Question 32

What standards govern advertising in counseling?

Answer 32

Truthfulness, non-deceptiveness, and respect for client dignity.

Question 33

How should impaired counselors act?

Answer 33

Seek help, avoid practicing impaired, and protect clients.

Question 34

Difference between confidentiality and privacy?

Answer 34

Privacy: client’s right to control info; confidentiality: counselor's duty to protect it.

Question 35

What are record retention obligations?

Answer 35

Keep records for legally required periods and dispose securely.

Question 36

Ethical guidelines for counseling minors?

Answer 36

Obtain assent, consider parental consent laws, balance confidentiality and safety.

Question 37

Steps when client threatens harm to others?

Answer 37

Assess threat, warn potential victims, notify authorities.

Question 38

Process for informed consent with minors?

Answer 38

Use age-appropriate language; obtain parental consent per law.

Question 39

Counselor’s duty regarding client gifts?

Answer 39

Evaluate intent and impact; avoid exploitation.

Question 40

What does the ACA say about counselor competence?

Answer 40

Practice only within areas of competence; seek training when needed.

Question 41

Common social media ethical issues?

Answer 41

Maintaining boundaries and confidentiality.

Question 42

How to address colleague ethical violations?

Answer 42

Confront directly if appropriate; report if necessary.

Question 43

What is fidelity in counseling?

Answer 43

Being trustworthy, keeping promises, and professional integrity.

Question 44

Termination responsibilities with suicidal clients?

Answer 44

Ensure safety, provide resources, arrange follow-up.

Question 45

What is the counselor’s role with client records and confidentiality?

Answer 45

Protect records, limit access, and follow laws.

Question 46

Explain the difference between open and closed groups regarding confidentiality."

Answer 46

Closed groups have fixed members, often stronger confidentiality; open groups have changing membership, less confidentiality assurance.

Question 47

What is the importance of client screening before group counseling?

Answer 47

Ensure suitability and protect group dynamics and safety.

Question 48

How do you ethically handle multiple relationships in counseling?

Answer 48

Avoid or manage to prevent harm and conflicts of interest.

Question 49

What is the counselor’s responsibility if the client refuses treatment?

Answer 49

Respect informed refusal and document it.

Question 50

How to handle ethical concerns regarding cultural differences?

Answer 50

Practice cultural competence and seek supervision/training.

Question 51

What are some common ethical issues with telehealth?

Answer 51

Data security, informed consent, emergency protocols.

Question 52

Explain the importance of professional boundaries.

Answer 52

Maintain trust and protect clients from harm or exploitation.

Question 53

Under what circumstance can a counselor legally break client confidentiality?

Answer 53

When there is an imminent risk of harm to self or others

Question 54

A client gifts their counselor an expensive item. What is the best ethical response?

Answer 54

Consider the intent and potential impact

Question 55

Which of the following best describes dual relationships?

Answer 55

Relationships outside counseling that impair objectivity or exploit the client.

Question 56

A counselor discovers a colleague is violating ethical guidelines. What should they do first?

Answer 56

Address the concern directly with the colleague if possible before reporting.

Question 57

What is the counselor's primary ethical responsibility when terminating counseling?

Answer 57

Ensure proper closure