ACA+Ethical+Decision+Model

== Case Study | Ethical Codes and Considerations | Laws and Legal Considerations | Literature Review ==

Professional Interview | Ethical Decision Making Model
//** Identify and define the problem. **// While I believe she has good intentions, Allison is lacking multicultural competency. She has been unsuccessfully counseling Carmen, focusing on feministic and individualistic goals. Her client has not returned for counseling and it can be assumed that this is due to Allison’s lack of knowledge regarding Carmen’s culture, values and beliefs, as well as Allison’s imposition of her own culture, values and beliefs onto the client.

Perhaps the two most relevant principle ethics to this case are respect for autonomy and justice. Allison has disrespected Carmen’s right to act in accordance with her beliefs and control her own life. While Allison is trying to aid Carmen in independent decision-making, it directly goes against Carmen’s collectivistic thinking and decision-making process. Justice is relevant because Carmen is not being treated fairly. This is because she does have a differing view and decision-making process from Allison, and Allison is not validating it, but instead trying to impose her own ways onto Carmen. While it does not appear Allison is maliciously doing so, she is being discriminatory of Carmen’s collectivistic beliefs and values. As for the virtue ethics, it seems Allison is lacking self-awareness. She is unaware of how her own assumptions and biases are affecting the counseling relationship with Carmen. She also seems unable to discern the ethically relevant aspects of her case with Carmen.
 * // Consider the principles and virtues. //**

//** Tune into your feelings. **// Allison possibly tuned into her feelings of frustration with Carmen’s perceived lack of independence, desire for empowerment of women and/or her fear of being unsuccessful with Carmen. She probably should have tuned into feelings of curiosity about Carmen’s culture, family dynamics, beliefs and values. This could have given her a better idea of how to best counsel Carmen. Now that Carmen has not returned, Allison may feel confused or disappointed. She should tune into these feelings and consider reaching out to Carmen to check in and see why she has not returned.

//** Consult with colleagues or experts. **// As Allison is considering what could have gone wrong, she should seek consultation from a supervisor and/or colleague at the agency where she works. She may gain insight into the lack of multicultural consideration on her part as she recants her experience through consultation.

//** Involve your client in the decision-making process. **// Allison should contact Carmen and check in with her about what has kept her from returning to counseling. If Carmen is honest with Allison, it is possible that the therapeutic relationship can be mended and Allison can assist Carmen as she tries to choose a career path. If Carmen and Allison can establish the problem and set up an appointment for another session, Allison needs to be sure to educate herself by asking Carmen about her culture, family dynamics, values and beliefs. Allison also needs to be sure to validate Carmen in the way she views decision-making and be respectful of her autonomy, even though it does not necessarily match her opinion of autonomy. Allison should also work with Carmen to develop a counseling plan if they decide to continue the therapeutic relationship.

Allison probably wants to help Carmen as she tries to choose a career. The desired outcome is likely that Carmen will be able to make a decision about a career path, feel confident and excited about her choice and start taking steps to begin the chosen career.
 * // Identify desired outcomes. //**

Since Carmen has not returned, Allison could chalk it up as a loss and leave the case “unfinished,” and not reach the desired outcomes. The only other option is to contact Carmen and try to reestablish the therapeutic relationship by trying to set up another session to collaborate and create a new counseling plan to best meet Carmen’s needs.
 * // Consider possible actions. //**

Allison can call or email Carmen and see if she would be interested in trying to mend and continue their therapeutic work together.
 * // Choose and act on your choice. //**

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References Remley, T. & Herlihy, B. (2010). Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling  (Third ed.). Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education River, NJ: Pearson Education Photograph retrieved from http://www.gmccc.gaaoc.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=37