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Ethics in Action

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Submitted By aquilam
Words 1272
Pages 6
Comparing and Contrasting the Code of Ethics
Aquila' Mahdi
Counseling 501 Liberty University
February 26, 2012
Dr. S. Sadik

Abstract

This paper will attempt to examine the code of ethics from the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). It will take a look at the differences and similarities shared between the two organizations, respectfully. It will examine confidentiality, dual roles and sexual intimacies.

Comparing and Contrasting the Code of Ethics

This paper will attempt to examine the code of ethics from the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). It will take a look at the differences and similarities shared between the two organizations, respectfully. It will examine confidentiality, dual roles and sexual intimacies.
Establishing trust between the client and therapist is crucial in developing a relationship within the therapeutic structure. In the role of counselor, it is imperative that confidential information shared by the client isn’t divulged outside of the confines of therapy unless the client has given the therapist permission to do so. The only exception in which a therapist can break the client-therapist confidentiality is within the context of the law. It is important for a therapist to discuss confidentiality and its limitations within the initial consult of therapy. When counseling a family or more than one person during a session, confidentiality should be implicitly defined so that the clients understand the role of the therapist and the therapist’s responsibility to the clients or all parties involved with respect to keeping the information disclosed private.
The role of counselor is one of complete secrecy in the sense that client confidentiality must be held at the highest standard. It is common for therapists to consult with other therapists. Even then, the therapist must not release identifying factors that may disclose the client’s identity or break confidentiality. When conducting research or articles in publications, the therapist must refrain from using identifying descriptions of the client unless they have been provided with written permission to do so. The exception of both codes in which confidentiality can be broken is if the client discussed killing someone else, suicide or abuse to children and the elderly.
The two codes of ethics examine some distinct exceptions to disclosing client’s personal information. According to the American Counseling Association (2005), section B.3.f goes further by expressing the significance of protecting deceased patients as well as those clients with diverse cultures in keeping their information confidential. The American Association of Christian Counselors (2004) ESI-470 stands firm that Christian counselors hold some of the most private and sensitive details of the client’s lives and that the information shouldn’t be disclosed for public consumption. Christian counselors are also to protect and proactively fight for the privacy on behalf of the clients against the government, corporate or religious entities.
Controlling who a person finds attractive or falls in love with can’t be controlled but must be managed and protected with regards to the therapist-client relationship. Professional ethics and standards are set in place by both ethical committees to guard against such relations from occurring within the therapeutic process. Sexual intimacy with former and current clients is highly frowned upon as well as discontinuing therapy with the sole intention of initiating a sexual relationship with the client. While both ethic committees frown upon sexual relationships, there are some differences in their outlook on the matter.
With regards to American Association of Christian Counselor (2005), Christian counselors or educators can’t engage in any form of sexual or romantic relations with their students, trainees or subject them to any sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment. It explicitly states that a relationship of any form can’t take place until five years after the last session. They are also forbidden from pressuring clients into any questionable social relationships. The American Counseling Association (2004) takes it a step further by forbidding any sexual relationships with clients, family members or current sexual partners. Both ethical codes may differ in approach but in theory they are both consistent with protecting the client and their vulnerabilities as they discuss some of their most intimate details to their therapist.
From examining both ethical statutes, therapists can take it one step forward by taking ownership in violating the bond between therapist and client. Years of education, training and personal responsibility should prevent therapist from violating the bond between client and therapist. Clients entrust therapist with intimate details and instill trust in the therapist. This relationship can sometimes cross boundaries and cause the client to view the therapist in a different light. The same can be said of therapists who have gained the admiration and trust of their client. This places them at an unfair disadvantage and gives them the upper hand and a manipulative stance in entering any relationship outside of the proper scope of the therapist-client relationship.
Sexuality and confidentiality aren’t the only issues when it comes to dual roles and conflicts of interest in the therapist-patient relationship. Obviously the therapist’s main concern should be in preventing harm to the client. If the therapist switches roles by going from counseling one spouse to treating both spouses, disclosures must be made to both clients. The ACA ethical code (2005) explains how a therapist must disclose to both clients as well as provide them with their rights. It goes into detail how to properly counsel both spouses without violating the trust that has been built between therapist and client as well as communications discussed by both spouses about the other. AACC (2004) challenges therapists to resolve conflict and avoid conflicts by clarifying the therapist’s role and presenting themselves as a neutral entity within the therapeutic process. AACC also prohibits therapists from treating ministry participants who have close personal and business relations with them.
This poses further consideration if the therapist belongs to a smaller congregation where everyone is familiar with the other. It would be interesting to see how he therapist can avoid violating both codes if he or she is the only therapist within proximity to counsel a client in immediate need of therapy.
In summary, codes of ethics are set in place to protect both client and therapist. Although one set of codes are governed for the secular world and the other from a Christian perspective, they have similar stances on client-therapist interaction in the field of psychology. The AACC codes do go further in depth by placing more responsibility on the Christian perspective. Because this is a newer organization, they may not have a broader scope on the subject of psychology as a whole as ACA does. AACC was created to give Christians an alternative code of conduct. Because Father God is the creator of all mankind and ask us to love all of mankind equally regardless of gender, sexuality or ethical differences, Christians have to maintain a certain level of behavior.
With all due respect to ACA, their codes are designed to protect those who do have an alternate view of Christians. ACA doesn’t hold the same standards as AACC. Their secular view point doesn’t merge Christianity into their standard of treatment. Because God is such a merciful God who encourages us all to seek him diligently, ACA is a sufficient code of conduct to protect those who have not sought the love of God who is the truth, the light and the way.

References
American Association of Christian Counselors, AACC Law & Ethics Committee. (2004). AACC Code of ethics: The Y2004 final code. Forest, VA: Author.
American Counseling Association (2005). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

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