Ethical Principles in Counseling

Abstract

Kitchener, K.S. (1984). Intuition, Critical Evaluation and Ethical Principles: The Foundation for Ethical Decisions in Counseling Psychology. Counseling Psychologist, 12(3), 43–55.

Facilitating an Experiential Group in an Educational Environment: Managing Dual Relationships

“…When working with an experiential group, the welfare of the student takes priority, but the limits are made clear. Confidentiality and subsequent boundaries within the facilitator-group relationship are delineated (Van Hoose, 1986) on the first day in class: threat of harm to self or others, child/elder abuse, or a court order are instances in which confidentiality would be broken. Further, clarification about the dual roles of instructor and group facilitator (Goodrich, 2008) are given to specify that the information shared within the group will remain separate from disciplinary action and academic grades (Association of Specialists in Group Work, 2000).…”

The Use of Touch in Counseling: An Ethical Decision‐Making Model

“…Ethical codes are essential to the practice of counseling and all other helping professions. Unfortunately, ethical codes do not answer all ethical questions, and counselors are often faced with dilemmas for which no action seems satisfactory (Van Hoose, 1986). Whether or not to use touch within the counseling relationship is just one of these ethical dilemmas.…”

“…The fourth ethical principle counselors should consider prior to engaging in touch is fidelity. Applying this principle, counselors should honor their contracts and commitments to clients (Jennings et al, 2005; Van Hoose, 1986). Fidelity is strongly related to the ethical principle of autonomy.…”

“…Counselors who use deception to convince clients of the benefits of touch are violating the principle of fidelity, and they should not use this intervention with clients. If clients are not adequately and honestly informed about all aspects of treatment, the client's right to enter into a voluntary counseling relationship has been compromised (Van Hoose, 1986).…”

A Case for Standards of Counseling Practice

“…The time has undoubtedly come, as VanZandt (1990) stated, for professionalism in counseling to become a matter of personal initiative. Also, Hopkins and Anderson (1990), Corey, Corey, and Callanan (1988), Tennyson and Strom (1986), Van Hoose (1986), and Kitchener (1984) have advanced calls for counselors to rise to a higher standard of ethical reasoning and responsibility. It is evident that the profession must outline agreed-upon standards of practice.…”