Relevant+Ethical+Codes+and+Considerations

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

Professional Interview | Ethical Decision Making Model
Allison is breaching several ethical codes in this case. First of all she did not develop a counseling plan jointly with Carmen to best aid in their therapeutic relationship. This breaches code: **A.1.c. Counseling Plans** Counselors and their clients work jointly in devising integrated counseling plans that offer reasonable promise of success and are consistent with abilities and circumstances of clients. Counselors and clients regularly review counseling plans to assess their continued viability and effectiveness, respecting the freedom of choice of clients. A feminist theoretical approach to this case is not suitable to meet Carmen’s needs. Carmen is a young Latina woman, and it appears she has a collectivistic view where Allison is emphasizing individualism. This causes the two to misunderstand each other and hinders any therapeutic work from occurring because a plan for their counseling relationship was not devised together. Allison was creating a problem where one may not have existed for Carmen and basing the entire counseling plan on the “enmeshed family” and “helping Carmen break free of her father’s seemingly oppressive grip and assert her independence.” In a similar manner, Allison has overlooked the importance of Carmen’s culture. This seems to be a breach of code: **A.2.c. Developmental and Cultural Sensitivity** Counselors communicate information in ways that are both developmentally and culturally appropriate. Counselors use clear and understandable language when discussing issues related to informed consent. When clients have difficulty understanding the language used by counselors, they provide necessary services (e.g., arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator) to ensure comprehension by clients. In collaboration with clients, counselors consider cultural implications of informed consent procedures and, where possible, counselors adjust their practices accordingly.

Again, Carmen is Latina while Allison is a young Caucasian woman. Allison does not seem to be competent in the general Latino culture. Also she never asked Carmen to help her better understand the culture and the collectivistic views she holds and the importance of her family, especially her Popi’s opinion and input. Telling Carmen “she was a woman now and did not need her father, or any man for that matter, giving her permission to live her life and pursue a career,” was not culturally appropriate. In fact, that statement is in itself a breach of code: **A.4.b. Personal Values** Counselors are aware of their own values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors and avoid imposing values that are inconsistent with counseling goals. Counselors respect the diversity of clients, trainees, and research participants. Allison was imposing her feminist and individualist beliefs on Carmen. She was trying to persuade Carmen that she needed to fit the contemporary woman in American society. While Carmen is living in America, it is inaccurate to assume she holds the same beliefs, values and attitudes as other contemporary American women. She is a Latina, and she holds her own beliefs, values and attitudes. Allison would have been wise to check in with Carmen about what those values and beliefs were, as opposed to assuming they were the same as her own. Another code Allison should have considered in this case is: **B.1.a. Multicultural/Diversity Considerations** Counselors maintain awareness and sensitivity regarding cultural meanings of confidentiality and privacy. Counselors respect differing views toward disclosure of information. Counselors hold ongoing discussions with clients as to how, when, and with whom information is to be shared. Allison’s almost immediate reprimand for Carmen’s decision to disclose and discuss information with her father before making a decision did not respect the standards set by this code. Carmen is entitled to share whatever she would like from the counseling session with whomever she would like. Discouraging this because it is different from what Allison believes is inappropriate. Overall, it seems that many of these ethical mishaps could have been avoided if Allison had taken the time to learn from her client about her culture, values, beliefs and attitudes. Because Allison failed to do so, it also seems she is failing to uphold code: **A1.a. Primary Responsibility** The primary responsibility of counselors is to respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients. It does not seem that Carmen’s dignity was respected or her welfare promoted. She prematurely terminated, because her goals and Allison’s goals were not in sync. Carmen was seeking career counseling and Allison was not necessarily providing Carmen with what she needed. media type="youtube" key="Kshld46KzN0" width="616" height="346" align="center"

References: American Counseling Association (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. Photograph retrieved from http://prosintraining.com/ssm/2012/01/ethical-dilemma/