A Decision‐Making Model for Addressing Problematic Behaviors in Counseling Students

Abstract

Gatekeeping is the subject of continued discourse in the counseling profession. With revisions to the ACA Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association, ), recent litigation (Keeton v. Anderson‐Wiley, ; Ward v. Wilbanks, ), and focused attention on value conflicts in counseling (Francis & Dugger, ), counselor educators' role as gatekeepers is expanding. In addition to this expanding role, counselor educators are responsible for being culturally and developmentally sensitive in interpreting, applying, and enforcing the codes and standards with counseling students. This article proposes a decision‐making model that integrates feminist, multicultural, systems theory, and social‐constructivist ethical decision‐making principles to address problematic behaviors in counseling students.

Ethical remediation practices addressing values conflicts: A delphi study

“…The experts participating in this study strongly agreed collaboration and consultation was necessary for effective and ethical remediation efforts. It was suggested by panelists that multiple faculty members partake in the remediation process, which coincides with recommendations found in the counselor education literature (Goodrich & Shin, 2013; Letourneau, 2016; McAdams et al., 2007). A team‐based approach can aid in the reduction of the personal bias of faculty from influencing the remediation process and plan creation.…”

Trainee confidentiality: The hidden challenge of competence problems.

“…Further complicating peer group dynamics is the lack of attention in training programs to how diverse backgrounds (e.g., cultural differences associated with privacy, confidentiality, and sharing) intersect with judgments about competence problems (Goodrich & Shin, 2013;Letourneau, 2016;Shen-Miller et al, 2009, 2015; also see Chapters 1 and 4, this volume). Shen-Miller et al (2012) found that faculty differed in how they conceptualized the intersection between diversity and competence: some trainers described a color-blind approach, whereas others reported using a culturally attentive approach that integrates attention to race, gender, and other identity variables.…”

A Dilemma Within Doctoral Supervision: Applying an Ethical Decision‐Making Model

“…Options that cause additional problems or do not produce desirable results should be eliminated (Forester-Miller & Davis, 2016). When an ethical dilemma occurs within a counseling department, faculty should jointly consider available options and most appropriate course of action (Letourneau, 2016). Sixth, when a course of action has been chosen, it should also be evaluated to consider any new ethical considerations.…”