Premium Essay

Ethics in Multicultural Counseling

In:

Submitted By assert11
Words 3168
Pages 13
Ethical Issues in Multicultural Counseling

Abstract In the past, counselors have lacked the knowledge and skills to interpret ethical guidelines in multicultural counseling. The ethical guidelines dictate how a counselor should have the necessary tools when conducting a counseling session. There is a shortfall of training and education when dealing with race, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds in today’s society. Ethics is a hot topic for counselors, partially because there are so many different situations that can be affected by ethical behavior. These situations can range from betraying the clients trust to injustice. There tends to be a lot of ambiguity for how to handle a situation ethically since there are a lot of variables involved in ethical issues. This involves disagreements in having one response that would be the most ethical response to that situation. There are many areas of ethical issues: privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, time and role boundaries, unplanned endings, finances, competence, and therapist initiated termination.

Code of Ethics
The code of ethics in social work, psychology, and counseling will continue to go through changes over time. Mental health professionals are expected to practice with the standards, and ethical code established by their professions. According to Pack-Brown, Thomas, and Seymour (2008) the American Counseling Association has established ethical responsibility for counselors to have enhancing human growth, embrace culturally appropriate strategies that honor dignity and uniqueness of the persons they serve, and recognize and respect the diversity of their clients (p. 296).
Purpose for the Code of Ethics The American Counseling Association proposes five main purposes for the code of ethics: (a) to be able to clarify the nature of ethical responsibilities, (b) support the mission of

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Multicultural Awareness

...Multicultural Awareness Mental Health Counseling After reviewing the results of my multicultural self-assessment scores, I have found that overall; I am very comfortable with myself and choices. In counseling, before understanding someone else you must first be able to understand yourself. Also the awareness of your own comfort range must be apparent. If it was not apparent, then how could you counsel someone else when you are uncomfortable with yourself? This self-assessment allowed me to realize factors that seemed to be unapparent before but, led me to see that they were important after all. “If you are lucky enough to be other, don’t ever change” I identified mostly with Jason Patton, PhD when he spoke about his first day at kindergarten, and he was made to feel other. What most got my attention was that he mentioned that he was an only child and spent a lot of time with adults, and was eager to be interacting the children his own age. I too was an only child and spent a lot of time with and adults. They adored me and made me feel loved, wanted and special. My first day at school was awful. The children looked at me as though I was an alien. I remember distinctly being called a chocolate girl, and then the comments about me being so tall began. From that point on I really did not enjoy school at all. I was afraid of being different. Being different meant that people might not like me. In my mind being called chocolate...

Words: 1379 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Maria Assessment

...head: MARIA’S ASSESSMENT 1 Maria’s Assessment Ethical or Multicultural Assessment Errors Introduction Please include an introduction to describe for the reader what you will be including in your paper. It is a great way to outline the key requirements and expectations for the assignment. In scholarly writing it is important to include the introduction to provide the reader with a lens for understanding what will be presented in your application paper. The three errors the teacher made with Maria was electing to conduct no informal or formal assessment, opting to conduct assessments in English only, and not taking into consideration the environmental and cultural difference (e.g. worldview) hindering Maria’s emotional and academic development. According to Whiston (2013, pg. 323), “Knowledge of using appropriate appraisal techniques with diverse population is crucial,” the teacher’s inability to do so indicates restricted and potentially unsuitable methods and actions in acknowledging Maria’s culture (e.g. worldview) and the significance it plays in her education and emotional anxiety at school. Counselor’s Perspective on Errors The practice of assessment entails the collection of information in order to analyze, identify, evaluate, and address the issues, difficulties, and circumstances of the client in the counseling relationship. Not assessing a client either by informal, formal, or both types of assessments...

Words: 892 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Multicultural Awareness in Counseling

...Multicultural Awareness Multiculturalism has a vital role in counseling. According to Hays (2010) this type of counseling pays attention to the cultural diversities of clients in order to offer better services. To achieve multicultural awareness, the counselor has to know his or her own cultural characteristics. This article will contain the results of the multicultural-assessments I completed, my reflection on being “other,” as well as my statement of counseling identity and the explanation why multicultural awareness is important in the mental health counseling profession. Results of Self-Assessment Completing Petrone’s (2004) multicultural self-assessment was interesting and eye opening. In this test, choice number 1 means seldom, if ever; number 5 means almost always. Most of my scores were either fours or fives; these results tell me that I am interested in other people, paying attention to listen, and I am comfortable with new situations. I scored three threes in the following subjects: 1) I ask questions until I am sure I understand what others are saying; 2) If I were at an event with people who differed from me, I would make every effort to talk with them; 3) I try not to assume anything. Reaction to Self-Assessment After I finished the self-assessment, I immediately started thinking about the results. I realized that my not asking questions until I understand what others are saying is connected to the lower score about not assuming anything. Levitt (2010) talked...

Words: 1167 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Professional Counseling and Social Justice

...Running Head: COUNSELING AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Stepping up Counseling Responsibilities in a Socially Unjust Society Abstract Social Justice has been an emerging issue over the last century in today’s service environment of helping professionals. I reviewed several articles where the main theme is; we live in a world of systems that allow for injustice and oppression. The Professional Counselor’s work deals with many of the symptoms that permit for this injustice and oppression. The articles had similar recurring traits that are stressed as important practices that need to be adopted by Professionals in the helping field to increase awareness of social justice and implement actions for change in a socially unjust society. I will explain the four main attributes: knowledge, awareness, research and advocacy and explain how education and focus in each area will contribute to the social justice inequities in the communities we practice. If professional counselors want to promote social justice, to be effective, there has to be a movement to take action on the burdensome stigmatisms and unfortunate inequities that human beings bring to professionals about the communities they live in. Social justice and the counseling profession have roots that goes back to the 1900’s. It has always been understood from a social work point of view that problems such as depression, anxiety, and abuse often derive from economic...

Words: 2096 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges in Counseling

...Some of the challenges about ethics and law related to my future counseling practice include imposing my own values, beliefs and ideals on clients, maintaining the competence and skills needed to effectively abide by said ethics and laws and deciphering how to take action when laws and ethics collide. Ethics are the philosophical underpinnings of human conduct, and it is important for counselors to uphold all aspects of ethics in order to provide the highest level of care and avoid charges of unethical conduct (Bradley & Hendricks, 2008). Two forms of ethics that exist are principle ethics and virtue ethics. Principle ethics embody moral principles that are widely agreed upon beliefs that make up helping professions. The six main moral principles include autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity and veracity. The second form of ethics is virtue ethics. Virtue ethics revolve around personal characteristics and virtues and entail integrity, discernment, acceptance of emotion, self-awareness and interdependence with the community (Remley & Herlihy, 2014). According to Jennings, et al. (2005), one key to avoiding ethical dilemmas is by avoiding personal biases and views in client sessions. According the ACA Code of Ethics (2005), any personal views that are not aligned with counseling goals must be avoided, and counselors need to remain aware of these views and respect all forms of diversity when it relates to clients, trainees and research participants. Because...

Words: 1359 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Social Impact

...Multicultural Awareness Multiculturalism has a vital role in counseling. According to Hays (2010) this type of counseling pays attention to the cultural diversities of clients in order to offer better services. To achieve multicultural awareness, the counselor has to know his or her own cultural characteristics. This article will contain the results of the multicultural-assessments I completed, my reflection on being “other,” as well as my statement of counseling identity and the explanation why multicultural awareness is important in the mental health counseling profession. Results of Self-Assessment Completing Petrone’s (2004) multicultural self-assessment was interesting and eye opening. In this test, choice number 1 means seldom, if ever; number 5 means almost always. Most of my scores were either fours or fives; these results tell me that I am interested in other people, paying attention to listen, and I am comfortable with new situations. I scored three threes in the following subjects: 1) I ask questions until I am sure I understand what others are saying; 2) If I were at an event with people who differed from me, I would make every effort to talk with them; 3) I try not to assume anything. Reaction to Self-Assessment After I finished the self-assessment, I immediately started thinking about the results. I realized that my not asking questions until I understand what others are saying is connected to the lower score about not assuming anything. Levitt (2010) talked...

Words: 319 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Multicultural Competency In Finland

...The American Counseling Association (ACA) has officially approved the multicultural competencies and has put much more emphasis on these competencies. Unlike the ACA, the American Psychological Association (APA), however, has only established non-obligating instructional rules for multicultural competencies (Ridley & Kleiner, 2003). Nonetheless, a noteworthy period of progress came forth with the publication of the “Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists” (American Psychological Association [APA], 2003). Supporters of multiculturalism worked together to incorporate and combine multiculturalism into the field of psychology and specific for APA (Arredondo & Perez,...

Words: 949 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Reaction Paper

...Reflection Paper Juli J. McFarland Liberty University May 22, 2014 Abstract This paper will summarize ideas learned while reading chapter 10 of “Christian Counseling Ethics” written by Randolph Sanders. It will discuss care for clients wrestling with homosexual preference. It will also discuss care for clients trying to find their sexuality. The paper will discuss disputes and ethical issues for working with sexual minority clients. It will also discuss embracing multicultural concepts when working with sexually minority clients. It will discuss the importance of informed consent when working with sexually minority clients. It will also discuss the referral process when working with clients. Then the author will discuss what the chapter means to them. They will discuss different ideas and concepts taken from the chapter. Lastly, the author will discuss the action they will take as a result of the information learned in the chapter. Summarize This chapter focuses on treating people who are confused with their sexuality or those with the homosexual preference as a Christian clinician. A Christian clinician must focus on ethical guides to treat clients. “Those guides include competence, integrity, client well-being and respect for client autonomy.” (Sanders, R. K. 2013) In order to become competent in treating sexual minority clients you must become knowledgeable of history, cause and research related to the topic. You will then be able to apply the knowledge to the...

Words: 1383 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Analysis Paper Draft

...secular and programs that currently have a religious orientation. As a director for a non-profit organization and private business owner, this organization is to be considered a “service provider” facility, working directly to house, heal, feed, clothe, and educate females experiencing homelessness. Supervise a staff of 10, including an assistant director. B. Describe the population The organization would provide services to 30 single females in a Bible-based residential recovery program. Funded by Federal, State, City and private funders. The funding will be used for staff salary, food, utilities, up keep of the building, etc. Females would range from 25-45 years of age. C. Identify the appropriate code of professional ethics Ethical Standards of Human Service Professionals (2015), Retrieved from http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals 1. Inform consent – Standard 2 Human service professionals obtain informed consent to provide services to clients at the beginning of the helping relationship. Clients should be informed that they may withdraw consent at any time except where denied by court order and should be able to ask questions before agreeing to the services. 2. Customer rights and confidentiality -...

Words: 3555 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Violence in Schools

...Events Impact on School Counseling Profession Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred December 14, 2012 in Newton, Connecticut. This was one of the deadliest mass shooting at a grade school in the history of the United States. A 20 year old male, Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and 6 adult staffers. Lanza also shot his mother. Lanza committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Lanza had significant mental health issues which psychologist say did affect his ability to live a normal life. (www.CNN.com). Today there are has been more than 100 school shootings since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary. (www.schoolsecurity). Traumatic stress and psychological distress play a major role in counseling children. School counseling has become even more valuable in the U.S. due to traumatic events such as school shootings. School shootings have had a major impact on students, families and communities. There is a more security and law enforcement present at schools across the US and metal detectors in schools also. School children are being taught how to prepare if there is a shooter or shooters in schools. Due to the increased acts of violence in schools and the need for intensive intervention in student issues, school personnel, school boards, and communities are recognizing the need to provide effective prevention and intervention programs to address social, emotional, and academic needs of students. (Davis, T., 2015, Exploring School Counseling). In the next ten years...

Words: 3319 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Code of Ethics

...This is what I am expected to do. Assignment 2: Ethics Review In this assignment, you will explore professional counseling ethical codes. You will examine multiple codes of ethics to assist in practicing CMHC in an ethical manner. You will also familiarize yourself with the sections of the codes that govern your responsibilities as a counseling student. Tasks: * Compare and contrast the ACA's, the AMHCA's, and the NBCC's codes of ethics. * Describe your responsibilities as a student as per the ACA's and the AMHCA's codes of ethics. Your final product will be a 3- to 5-page Microsoft Word document written in APA format, utilizing at least three scholarly sources. Your paper should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This is the grading rubric Assignment Components | Proficient | Max Points | | | | Compare and contrast the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA), and National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) codes of ethics. | Thoughtful and insightful understanding of the parallels and variations between the ACA, AMHCA, and NBCC codes of ethics is reflected. Accurate analysis and synthesis of the ethical codes reflects an appropriate connection between the three codes. | ...

Words: 1441 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

This Is Something I Am Loading G to Get a User Name, so Cinfising

...2014 ACA Code of Ethics As approved by the ACA Governing Council AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION counseling.org Mission The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity. © 2014 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved. Note: This document may be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only. Contents ACA Code of Ethics Preamble • 3 ACA Code of Ethics Purpose • 3 Section A The Counseling Relationship • 4 Section B Section Confidentiality and Privacy • 6 C Professional Responsibility • 8 Section D Relationships With Other Professionals • 10 Section E Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation • 11 Section F Supervision, Training, and Teaching • 12 Section G Research and Publication • 15 Section H Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media • 17 Section I Resolving Ethical Issues • 18 Glossary of Terms • 20 Index • 21 •  2  • ACA Code of Ethics Preamble The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose members work in a variety of settings and serve in multiple capacities. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers...

Words: 17874 - Pages: 72

Premium Essay

Law Adn Ethics

...GRADUATE PROGRAM IN COUNSELING MINISTRY SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AT CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY CBS510 – LAW AND ETHICS FOR CHURCH BASED COUNSELORS GUIDED STUDY, SUMMER, 2016 Aine Bergin, Psy.D. An examination and explanation of current laws and ethical issues affecting Pastoral Counselors and Church Based Counseling applications. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS POLICY * All written assignments must conform to APA style and standards, and it will be necessary for the student to purchase the most current edition of The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY * A petition for Incomplete Work is filed only in cases of extreme and unforeseen emergencies. * Approval for an Incomplete is gained by petition to the dean of the school/college in which the course is offered. * It is the responsibility of the student to initiate and complete the process for incomplete work prior to the end of the semesters. (See CBU Catalog for details.) GRADE CHANGES * Students who believe a grade has been recorded in error have the responsibility to initiate the grade change request with the instructor. * There is a 5-year limit on requests for grade changes based on computation and recording errors. (See CBU Catalog for details.) STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES * If you need special accommodations for a disability, you must register with Disabled Student Services to inquire about their services. Disabled Student Services...

Words: 1191 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Sexual Minority Reaction Paper

...University Abstract The Christian counselor is discussed in how they understand and follow the ethical principals that guide them in working with sexual minorities and how to maintain the level of multicultural competence to counsel a diverse clientele. Definitions of homosexuality, sexual orientation and sexual reorientation are assessed and discussed. In addition to the different methods of sexual reorientation therapy, the importance of being a multicultural competent counselor is highlighted as well. A new form of therapy, called sexual identity therapy, is evaluated and discussed. Emphasis on written informed consent from clients is explained due to client autonomy and self-determination. Personal reflection on multicultural competence, sexual identity therapy, client autonomy and informed consent is shared along with the action plan to be a multicultural competent counselor, to provide written informed consent and to make wise decisions regarding value conflicts with clients. Keywords: sexual minority, homosexuality, sexual orientation, sexual reorientation, multicultural competence, sexual identity therapy, client autonomy, informed consent, value conflict The Sexual Minority Client Section I: Summarize Chapter 10, “The Sexual Minority Client”, in the book Christian Counseling Ethics centers on sexual minorities, who are “individuals with same-sex attractions or behavior, regardless of self-identifications” (Diamond, 2007, p. 142). Not all sexual minorities seek help to change...

Words: 1848 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Cultural

...Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists American Psychological Association Approved as APA Policy by the APA Council of Representatives, August, 2002 Copyright, American Psychological Association, 2002 Author Note: This document was approved as policy of the American Psychological Association (APA) by the APA Council of Representatives in August, 2002. This document was drafted by a joint Task Force of APA Divisions 17 (Counseling Psychology) and 45 (The Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues). These guidelines have been in the process of development for 22 years, so many individuals and groups require acknowledgement. The Divisions 17/45 writing team for the present document included Nadya Fouad, PhD, Co-Chair, Patricia Arredondo, EdD, Co-Chair, Michael D’Andrea, EdD and Allen Ivey, EdD. These guidelines build on work related to multicultural counseling competencies by Division 17 (Sue et al., 1982) and the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development (Arredondo et al., 1996; Sue, Arredondo, & McDavis, 1992). The Task Force acknowledges Allen Ivey, EdD, Thomas Parham, PhD, and Derald Wing Sue, PhD for their leadership related to the work on competencies. The Divisions 17/45 writing team for these guidelines was assisted in reviewing the relevant literature by Rod Goodyear, PhD, Jeffrey S. Mio, PhD, Ruperto (Toti) Perez, PhD, William Parham, PhD, and Derald Wing Sue...

Words: 24938 - Pages: 100