A Multiple Relationship Case Study Using Welfel’s Model for Ethical Decision-Making
A Multiple Relationship Case Study Using Welfel’s Model for Ethical Decision-Making
Abstract
Many times in counseling sessions, situations arise that require the ability to make ethical decisions. When confronting these types of situations, counselors often refer to the Elizabeth Reynold Welfel’s Ethical Model, comprised of 10 steps, to guide them in making an ethical decision. These steps provide a framework which counselors may use to help with ethical dilemmas. Below are the 10 steps in the Ethical Decision-Making Model provided by Elizabeth Welfel in the book Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy to examine the multiple relationship case described in Herlihy and Corey’s ACA Ethical Standards Casebook (2006, p. 242) "A Resistant Supervisee.”
Keywords: Ethical steps, ethical model, decision-making process, multiple relationships
Counselors and other helping professions are often confronted with situations which require them to make sound ethical decisions (American Counseling Association, 1996). To help in such situations, various scholars have constructed models comprised of steps to take when faced with an ethical dilemma.
Elizabeth Reynolds Welfel, in her book, Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy (2012, p. 30) has developed a model to rely upon when faced with an ethical dilemma. The purpose of this model is to offer professional counselors a framework for comprehensive ethical decision-making. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Develop ethical sensitivity.
Step 2: Clarify facts, stakeholders, and the sociocultural context of the case.
Step 3: Define the central issues and the available options.
Step 4: Refer to professional standards and relevant laws/regulations.
Step 5: Search out ethics scholarship.
Step 6: Apply ethical principles to the situation.
Step 7: Consult with supervisor and respected colleagues.
Step 8: Deliberate and decide.
Step 9: Inform supervisor, implement and document decision-making.
Step 10: Reflect on the experience.
Abstract
Many times in counseling sessions, situations arise that require the ability to make ethical decisions. When confronting these types of situations, counselors often refer to the Elizabeth Reynold Welfel’s Ethical Model, comprised of 10 steps, to guide them in making an ethical decision. These steps provide a framework which counselors may use to help with ethical dilemmas. Below are the 10 steps in the Ethical Decision-Making Model provided by Elizabeth Welfel in the book Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy to examine the multiple relationship case described in Herlihy and Corey’s ACA Ethical Standards Casebook (2006, p. 242) "A Resistant Supervisee.”
Keywords: Ethical steps, ethical model, decision-making process, multiple relationships
Counselors and other helping professions are often confronted with situations which require them to make sound ethical decisions (American Counseling Association, 1996). To help in such situations, various scholars have constructed models comprised of steps to take when faced with an ethical dilemma.
Elizabeth Reynolds Welfel, in her book, Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy (2012, p. 30) has developed a model to rely upon when faced with an ethical dilemma. The purpose of this model is to offer professional counselors a framework for comprehensive ethical decision-making. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Develop ethical sensitivity.
Step 2: Clarify facts, stakeholders, and the sociocultural context of the case.
Step 3: Define the central issues and the available options.
Step 4: Refer to professional standards and relevant laws/regulations.
Step 5: Search out ethics scholarship.
Step 6: Apply ethical principles to the situation.
Step 7: Consult with supervisor and respected colleagues.
Step 8: Deliberate and decide.
Step 9: Inform supervisor, implement and document decision-making.
Step 10: Reflect on the experience.
References: Kitchener, K. (1988). Dual role relationships: What makes them so problematic?. Journal of Counseling and Development. Koocher, G., Ph.D, & Keith-Spiegel, P., Ph.D. (2013, August 30). Boundary crossings and the ethics of multiple role relationships. Retrieved July 20, 2014, from http://www.continuingedcourses.net/active/courses/course066.php Welfel, E. R. (2012). Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy. Pacific Grove, CA, Brookes/Cole.