Counselor Ethics and Responsibilities
Counselor Ethics and Responsibilities Assignment
Mishawna Washington
Grand Canyon University: PCN 505
July 31, 2013
Counselor Values On the issue of abortion with the 19-year old rape victim, I feel that she has a right to choose whether or not to go through with the abortion. As her counselor I have to put my personal feelings aside and help her to make the best decision for herself. My client is firm in her plans to have the abortion and since she is an adult her parents have no legal right to make her change her mind. I am unable to convince the parents to change their minds as they are not my clients and I have no input in how they feel. According to the ACA (2005) I must be sensitive to the family’s cultural beliefs and in the case of the parents I am to work with them to cultivate a collaborative relationship between them and their daughter. I am not to take sides but I need to listed to both points of view neutrally and advise my client of the dangers of abortion and the positive aspects. I am unable to change the parent’s attitudes or my client’s attitude regarding abortion. It is my responsibility to assist her in whatever decision she makes. In the case of the client who wants an assisted suicide I would encourage her to speak to her family about her decision. The ACA (2005) guidelines say as a professional counselor I must “ strive to take measures to receive complete and adequate assessments regarding their ability to make competent, rational decisions on their own behalf from a mental health professional who is experienced in end-of-life care practices.” I would refer my client to a mental health professional who can then assist her in making the appropriate decision. Her family should also be a part of this decision and it should not be taken lightly. In an article by Mitchels & Reeves (2009) they state that after receiving counseling the victim may change his/her mind or they may make a firm decision to end their life. I will put my
Mishawna Washington
Grand Canyon University: PCN 505
July 31, 2013
Counselor Values On the issue of abortion with the 19-year old rape victim, I feel that she has a right to choose whether or not to go through with the abortion. As her counselor I have to put my personal feelings aside and help her to make the best decision for herself. My client is firm in her plans to have the abortion and since she is an adult her parents have no legal right to make her change her mind. I am unable to convince the parents to change their minds as they are not my clients and I have no input in how they feel. According to the ACA (2005) I must be sensitive to the family’s cultural beliefs and in the case of the parents I am to work with them to cultivate a collaborative relationship between them and their daughter. I am not to take sides but I need to listed to both points of view neutrally and advise my client of the dangers of abortion and the positive aspects. I am unable to change the parent’s attitudes or my client’s attitude regarding abortion. It is my responsibility to assist her in whatever decision she makes. In the case of the client who wants an assisted suicide I would encourage her to speak to her family about her decision. The ACA (2005) guidelines say as a professional counselor I must “ strive to take measures to receive complete and adequate assessments regarding their ability to make competent, rational decisions on their own behalf from a mental health professional who is experienced in end-of-life care practices.” I would refer my client to a mental health professional who can then assist her in making the appropriate decision. Her family should also be a part of this decision and it should not be taken lightly. In an article by Mitchels & Reeves (2009) they state that after receiving counseling the victim may change his/her mind or they may make a firm decision to end their life. I will put my
References: American Counseling Association (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2011). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Eberlein, L. (1977). Counselors Beware! Clients Have Rights!. Personnel & Guidance Journal, 56(4), 219. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6462230&site=eds-live&scope=site Gehring, D. D. (1982). The Counselor 's 'Duty to Warn '. Personnel & Guidance Journal, 61(4), 208. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6461718&site=eds-live&scope=site Gutheil, T. G., & Hilliard, J. T. (2001). "Don 't Write Me Down": Legal, Clinical, and Risk-Management Aspects of Patients ' Requests that Therapists Not Keep Notes or Records. American Journal Of Psychotherapy, 55(2), 157. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4765412&site=eds-live&scope=site Mitchels, B., & Reeves, A. (2009). The right to die: law and ethics. Therapy Today, 20(10), 18-23. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010513145&site=eds-live&scope=site NAADAC Code of Ethics (2011) – The Association for Addiction Professionals. Alexandria, VA: Author.