COUN533-Counseling Ethics and Professional Identity 1

Part 2: Ethical Self-Reflection (Chapters 7-12)

1. The Picnic

In the case study The Picnic, I would consider meeting Lucia in the park but explaining

the expectations of the session. The change in location does not bother me as much as bringing

lunch for a picnic. Consistent yet flexible boundaries are often therapeutic and can help develop

trust in a relationship. Once a meal is involved, the nature of the session changes. It is more

social than therapeutic. At first, this may be a boundary crossing, but the potential of becoming a

boundary violation is high. I want to avoid putting myself in situations that have potential ethical

ramifications. Boundary crossings may be unavoidable as a counselor, such as attending special

events of clients, but boundary violations are unethical and unprofessional.

I want to keep my professional and social roles separate. Managing multiple relationships

may be difficult. There are many considerations to take into account. Discussing boundary and

privacy issues with clients upfront will ensure clarity. Therapists should not avoid relationships

but manage them professionally and thoughtfully. As a beginning counselor, I want to lessen the

risks for myself and avoid engaging in multiple relationships when possible.

As a school counselor, I may function in multiple roles, such as teacher, counselor,

sponsor, or chaperone. While this is not necessarily unethical, I must consider the possible

conflicts of interest. If Lucia was a student, I could see the possibility of a meeting over lunch. I

would keep the conversation on topic and outline the goals for the session. Meeting a student

somewhere other than my office may be helpful and appropriate. As I reflect on this topic, I will

consider adding a statement to the informed consent process. Hence, students understand the

location of therapy does not change the nature of our therapeutic relationship.
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2. Competence

A counselor's ability is not easy to assess, but competence is a concern and a lifelong

process. Competence can change over the life of a career. To remain current, I must participate

in continuing education to maintain my knowledge and skills. According to the textbook,

competence is the counselor's ability to perform tasks and roles effectively. Competence has the

necessary self-awareness, knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide adequate services. An

incompetent counselor may cause harm to a client and be vulnerable to malpractice suits.

The ethical codes on professional competence all agree that a counselor must practice

within their boundaries of competence based on levels of education, experience, and training.

Completing the graduate program will give me the knowledge and skills, but the experience

piece will take time. Being a competent professional means, I may need to go beyond the

minimum standards to help clients.

The APA says peer review boards or other bodies assess competence. Assessing

competence involves ongoing self-assessment and honest self-reflection. I evaluate my

competence by passing the required coursework and exams. Supervisor comments during the

practicum and internship will provide valuable information on my skills. Asking clients for

anonymous feedback will be beneficial in assessing how clients view my competence.

I will maintain my competence by seeking continuing education opportunities and

practicing self-care. The ASCA ethical code specifies that a school counselor practices wellness

for professional effectiveness. To be a competent helper, I must attend to more than the training

but mental health.

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3. Supervision

Being under supervision as a graduate student is an integral part of my professional

training. Supervision is a requirement in my training. The practicum and internship are two ways

to gain competence to fulfill my counseling responsibilities. A competent professional must be

willing to be occasionally supervised when faced with ethical and clinical dilemmas. Clinical

supervision protects the clients, promotes my growth and development, and gives me the

confidence to counsel clients independently.

Supervisors are ethically and legally responsible for monitoring the quality of my care of

clients. I hope to have a positive supervisor-supervisee relationship. The relationship is a

partnership where we can voice our thoughts and ideas. I will actively participate in the process

and welcome advice and suggestions. I expect the supervisor to discuss my rights and

responsibilities during the informed consent process in the initial meetings. To be successful, I

want to be fully aware of the expectations of the field experiences. I want to avoid

misunderstandings and uncomfortable situations.

As the supervisee, I have several responsibilities to ensure a positive experience. My

participation is crucial to the process. I will come to supervision sessions prepared with a list of

questions and client notes. I would not want to waste our time unprepared to discuss important

matters. I will keep an open mind, ask for help, and use the supervisor's recommendations to

improve my techniques.

I am nervous about the practicum in the fall. As excited as I am to get practical

experience, there is a bit of uncertainty in my mind. I worry I will not have the knowledge and

skills to build rapport with the students. Having honest communication with my supervisor will

be vital in making the most of the practicum and internship.

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4. Diagnosis

I would start by explaining that assessment and diagnosis are important realities of

mental health counseling. Competent counselors use some assessment to arrive at a diagnosis

that may require insurance companies to pay for expenses. While assessment and diagnosis have

their uses, they are a small part of therapy. I will not make all my counseling decisions based on

a diagnosis. Clients are more than their symptoms and struggles. There are many ways of

understanding a client, and building a positive therapeutic relationship is a priority.

Diagnoses have their place in counseling. I hesitate to diagnose without knowing all the

relevant information about a client. Often, labels are given to individuals without proper

consideration, affecting their future. Labels follow clients and may give them the impression

they are their condition. DSM diagnoses do not adequately consider a client's social and cultural

factors.

I would explain to clients that a diagnosis is beneficial, especially when the disorder is

best treated with medication and therapy. Although I may not be qualified to diagnose or

prescribe medicine formally, I would have an understanding of the treatment and symptoms.

Another advantage of a diagnosis is to have a common language when consulting other therapists

and team members.

The reality of counseling is that diagnoses are required for several reasons. Although I

am not a proponent of diagnosing clients, I understand the value. As a school counselor, I would

be cautious in the language I use regarding symptoms and treatments. I would not hesitate to

refer students for further services if I believed they would harm themselves or others. The fact is

that sometimes therapy alone is not what is best for students.

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5. Ethics in Group Work

One of my biggest concerns in facilitating a group is that members know their rights and

the services I would provide as the group leader. During the informed consent process, I would

present all relevant information to potential members to enable them to decide if they want to

join or not. My professional disclosure statement lists my qualifications, techniques used in the

group, and the risks and benefits of participating.

Confidentiality is another subject that must be explained to group members. The nature

and limitations of privacy and confidentiality differ in a group setting. Both are important but

cannot be guaranteed, so clients should be cautious about what they share.

Another consideration in forming groups is the screening and selection of group

members. It is a counselor’s ethical responsibility to screen potential members for compatibility

and determine if they would benefit from the services. I would interview and evaluate

individuals to determine if they are a good fit. Not everyone would benefit from a group

experience; the experience may harm some. The responsibility of choosing group members feels

overwhelming. I would research possible screening tools to use in the selection process. Failing

to evaluate potential group members properly could harm other members. I would use my

professional judgment in making the final selection.

As the group leader, I would not make judgmental or sarcastic comments in the session. I

would set boundaries and foster a trusting and safe environment for group members. I expect

open and honest communication between members. Facilitating a group is challenging. There are

many considerations for members to have a positive and successful experience.

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6. Advocacy

Social justice advocacy is especially needed in rural areas because they are typically

underserved communities. By addressing the concerns of the community, the lives of individuals

change. Rural communities tend to have scarce resources, high rates of poverty, less formal

education, limited insurance coverage, fewer mental health resources, and less access to

employment than people living in urban areas. Because of the mental health stigma, rural

community members may be less likely to seek counseling services.

One potential ethical issue is boundary crossings and violations. Counselors are visible in

a small community, living and working in the same communities as potential clients. A rural

counselor faces complications associated with being in multiple roles in the community. My

actions as a social advocate could have implications.

I feel strongly about advocating for students and others who need to be heard. I currently

work and live in a rural community. As a teacher and soon school counselor, I must support and

guide students to resources in the community. It does take a village to educate and empower

adolescents.

Advocacy is a professional and ethical responsibility of a school counselor. Members in

rural communities often feel disregarded by policymakers on issues that are relevant to small

towns. Services and opportunities may be more limited than in urban areas. I want students to

know that they can have large dreams and goals. In my experience, students feel confined and

disadvantaged from living in a rural community. Although small communities may lack some

amenities, students and families can still find the help they need and have someone on their side.

As an advocate, I am willing to take on risks others are uncomfortable with. I want to be

the voice of those who want to accomplish big things but need to know how. Students and
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families in rural communities deserve service opportunities to be successful. Counseling and

advocacy go hand in hand.

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7. Good Will Hunting

The movie Good Will Hunting is about a 20-year-old who works as a janitor at MIT. He

has a photographic memory and wins a prize for solving a complex math problem. Will is gifted

in many areas but lacks impulse control and self-destruction tendencies. As a condition of Will's

release from jail, he is ordered by the court to see a therapist. I watched this movie years ago, not

noticing the connections to counseling. After viewing the film again recently, I see the positive

and negative examples of a counselor's role in therapy.

Issue #1

Step1: Identify the problem

An unethical behavior occurred during the first session with Sean, the therapist, where he

physically assaulted Will. Will antagonizes Sean by discussing his wife. Sean has many

unresolved issues regarding his relationship with his wife and her death. As seen with previous

attempts at therapy, Will is good at analyzing others and finding their weaknesses.

Step 2: Identify potential issues

Countertransference is interfering with Sean's ability to work with Will objectively. A helping

professional should not let their traumas affect the client. Sean losing his temper with Will and

physically assaulting him is unethical and illegal.

Step 3: Review relevant ethical codes

Sean appears to disregard the two ethical codes: A.4 Avoiding Harm and Imposing Values and

A.6 Managing and Maintaining Boundaries and Professional Relationships. Sean harmed Will

physically and violated professional boundaries by imposing his attitudes and beliefs.

Step 4: Know applicable laws and regulations

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Physical assault is illegal. If this scene were not part of a movie, but real life, Sean would have

been arrested and charged with assault.

Step 5: Obtain a consultation

As Sean's colleague, I would want to address the physical attack and countertransference issues.

I would advise Sean that he overstepped and abused his position in power with Will. Sean should

not have lost his temper with him. I would urge Sean to work through his feelings about losing

his wife. By the movie's end, Sean realizes he needs to step back from counseling and work on

himself.

Step 6: Consider possible courses of action

I would not have attacked Will. I may have become unnerved by his accusations, but I would

have handled that interaction calmly and professionally. Will did not seem upset and even

expected Sean to act violently. This could be because of his past abuses in foster care. The

physical attack was dramatic and made for a good scene in the movie. I do not believe a

counselor would assault a client. Will responded to Sean's unorthodox and unethical techniques,

so I am not convinced that changing the dynamics of the sessions would have affected him in the

same way. Would I conduct the first session the same as Sean? No, but it worked.

Step 7: Consider possible consequences

Countertransference becomes problematic when not recognized, monitored, and managed. Sean's

unresolved personal conflicts became intertwined with his therapeutic relationship with Will.

Sean's strong methods broke Will's defenses and finally got him to open up. By Sean using the

same language (which was quite offensive) and matching non-verbal cues, he showed Will he

was listening and caring about his viewpoints.

Step 8: Choose what appears to be the best course of action

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Several techniques Sean used with Will got him to participate in the sessions and reflect

on his behaviors actively. The best course of action for the counselor is to act professionally and

use appropriate language to build a positive relationship with Will.

Issue #2

Step1: Identify the problem

Sean had difficulties maintaining professional boundaries with Will. Sean held sessions in a

park, used improper language, and engaged in inappropriate self-disclosure.

Step 2: Identify potential issues

 Conducting therapy sessions outside of an office setting may be a boundary crossing, but

the potential of becoming a boundary violation is high. Boundary crossings may be

unavoidable as a counselor, but boundary violations are unethical and unprofessional.

One advantage of using an alternate location is that it can help build trust in a

relationship.

 Sean's use of language was harsh and unprofessional. Although it matched Will's tone

and words, using profanity is still unacceptable.

 There were many examples of inappropriate self-disclosure in the movie. Sean talked

about intimate details of his relationship with his wife. The self-disclosure was adequate,

but too much.

Step 3: Review relevant ethical codes

A.6 Managing and Maintaining Boundaries and Professional Relationships.

Step 4: Know applicable laws and regulations

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While no laws were broken, many conversations and interactions were nearly unethical. Sean

used several techniques and interventions I would not consider, but in the end did seem

compelling.

Step 5: Obtain a consultation

As a colleague, I suggest Sean not use profanity. I advise Sean to be cautious in his self-

disclosure. When self-disclosure is used sparingly, professionally, and appropriately can build

trust, foster empathy, and strengthen the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client.

Once the door of self-disclosure is open, it is hard to close. Sean taking Will to the park was

more helpful than not. The counselor's motivations must be explored before taking clients into

nontraditional therapy locations.

Step 6: Consider possible courses of action

Sean's decision to take Will to the park makes him more comfortable in discussing complicated

topics. Will is a tough case, so getting him out of the office was productive and strengthened the

therapeutic rapport. As a school counselor, I will consider alternate locations for counseling

students.

Step 7: Consider possible consequences

Counselor self-disclosure can derail the counseling process and take the focus off the client.

Sean's self-disclosure did get Will to open up and become more comfortable, but at times, I

cringed at the delivery and amount. For me, the profanity was over the top and unprofessional.

Step 8: Choose what appears to be the best course of action

The best course of action is for Sean to use his professional judgment on the sessions' location

but not use inappropriate language. Even though the amount of self-disclosure from Sean made

me uncomfortable, it worked for him. I would monitor the level and suitability going forward.
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Issue #3

Step1: Identify the problem

Sean broke confidentiality by disclosing information to Lambeau. Although the movie did not

discuss informed consent and confidentiality, I hope Sean did not skip it in the first session.

Step 2: Identify potential issues

Step 3: Review relevant ethical codes

B.1 Respecting Client's Rights and B.3 Information Shared with Others. Before sharing any

information with others, the client must give permission.

Step 4: Know applicable laws and regulations

Breach of confidentiality is unethical and could be grounds for a malpractice suit.

Step 5: Obtain a consultation

Sean is an experienced and veteran counselor. He would know the implications and requirements

of confidentiality. As a colleague, I urge Sean not to share information about sessions with Will

without permission.

Step 6: Consider possible courses of action

Sean could explain to Will that he discussed information about his sessions with Lambeau. Sean

disclosed confidential information in trying to help Will. He was explaining to Lambeau not to

push Will into making decisions about his future because he was not ready. Sean had Will's best

interests in mind but still should only talk about issues in therapy with people if Will consents.

Step 7: Consider possible consequences

Disclosing private and confidential information could fracture the therapeutic relationship. Sean

disregarded his ethical obligation to keep issues confidential. Sean was passionate about helping

Will and attempting to protect him from Lambeau's selfish motivations for him.
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Step 8: Choose what appears to be the best course of action

Sean could have urged Will to talk with Lambeau, but he may not have had the self-awareness

and ability to be heard. Sean could give him skills to advocate for himself to have his thoughts

and wishes heard by Lambeau. Will was so angry in most of the movie that he could have had a

calm and productive conversation with Lambeau.

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8. Shifts in Your Thinking about Ethics

After re-taking the self-inventory, one shift in my thinking was that I would only be ready

to counsel others after examining my life and relationships. I initially disagreed with this

statement but have since changed my mind. I now realize that I must examine my beliefs,

experiences, biases, and unresolved conflicts before working with clients. I would not want my

issues to influence others negatively. Another change in my thinking was about friendship and

therapy. I disagreed that friendship and therapy should not be mixed. Counseling friends would

pose a conflict of interest and be unethical. There are several risks in counseling a friend.

My open-mindedness allows me to stay objective in most situations with clients.

Although I may not believe in their life choices or thinking on particular topics, I could stay

understand their position and be impartial and professional. An ethical counselor must put the

welfare of the client first. The issues of informed consent, confidentiality, and boundaries have

made an impression and will be priorities in the future.

I thought I understood ethics, but this class has challenged my thinking in ways I would

not have thought possible. The case studies, forums, and podcasts provided situations to consider

when becoming a competent counselor. I can make ethical decisions in most situations.

This class has challenged my thinking more than any other. I have taken the topics in this

class seriously, as I do not wish to be part of a malpractice suit. I would not claim to know what I

would do in all possible scenarios, but I have learned essential skills and how to access support

resources. I would give my class participation a 98%. I read others' forum posts and take what is

discussed to clarify my learning. It is helpful to read others' views. Participating in class is

essential to broaden our perspectives.