The Duty Of Ethics For Christian And Secular Counselors - Term Paper Example

? Two s, One Purpose: The Duty of Ethics for Christian and Secular Counselors HERE HERE This paper explores similarities and differences between the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics published in 2005 and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Code of Ethics. Though both associations have a published code of ethics, and both associations seek to counsel those who come to them with problems, concerns, and issues of a personal and private nature, the approaches that are taken through the ACA are both similar and different to the AACC, as the ACA uses only secular or non-religious means to counsel its clients, with no mention of spirituality, and the AACC takes the approach of counseling based on Christian teachings, including those of the Bible and other spiritual texts. Supported by outside examples from peer-reviewed journals and articles, this paper will explore the similarities and differences between the two codes of ethics, both in general and in the specific areas of confidentiality, fees and payment, and sexual relations or intimacy between counselor and client. Keywords: Code of Ethics, Christian Two Codes, One Purpose: The Duty of Ethics for Christian and Secular Counselors Introduction Ethics, or the study of what is right and wrong (in broad terms), is a very serious part of the counseling profession. For a patient to trust the counselor, they must believe that the counselor will uphold the patient’s best interests and do their best to see that they are treated in a righteous and just manner. For those that choose to ignore or skirt the boundaries of what can be considered ethical practices, often disastrous and costly consequences can result. Therefore, it is important to read any code of ethics carefully, and to ask for assistance and guidance on unclear details. Most importantly, health professionals should abide by any code of ethics published by their respective organizations, unceasingly and unflinchingly. In this paper, we compare the similarities and differences found in two codes of ethics, one with a secular (non-spiritual) base and one from a Christian organization. Though they seek to serve the same purpose, they are also filled with differences between them. Section 1: General Comparison of the Two Codes The Code of Ethics from the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Christian Counseling Association (AACC) Code of Ethics have both general similarities and differences. Both seek to promote the welfare (quality) of their patients, while also promoting the quality of their respective organizations. However, the ACA wishes to improve the quality of life of the individual by the development of professional counselors, while the AACC wishes, first and foremost, to help and advance the central mission of its association, which is to bring honor to Jesus Christ as well as excellence and unity in Christian counseling (American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004). These statements in and of themselves show differences between the two associations, albeit slight, since the ACA makes no mention whatsoever of anything beyond a secular development of counselors, and the AACC seems already to be deferring to a “higher power”. Both codes, at the beginning of each, have listed their main purposes for having a code of ethics, and each seeks to note to any reader that the main purposes involve supporting the mission of their respective organizations. They also define principles of behavior and allow for a resolution process of complaints, whether between the counselor and the client or two colleagues that are both counselors. However, the AACC code of ethics has also included seven foundations, all of which have to do with accepting Christianity, as well as the works of the bible and spiritual healing techniques. The ACA code of ethics does not contain anything remotely mentioning Jesus Christ or any biblical teachings and spiritual techniques in its mission or goals. Overall, the biggest similarity is that they are both codes of ethics, while the biggest difference is that the AACC code is based on Christian principles and spiritual guidance, almost as though they believe that God and Jesus Christ are working through the person to counsel the individuals, while the ACA code is based upon completely secular, medically-learned counseling principles. Section II: Specific Comparison of Three Particular Areas Confidentiality Confidentiality is an issue that all patients, whether for physical or mental health treatment, have come to expect from their medical practitioners. Counselors are no different, whether they belong to the ACA or the AACC. The ACA code of ethics in section B.1.a. states that counselors “do not share confidential information without client consent or without sound legal or ethical justification”. This privilege is taken so seriously, in fact, that there is even a provision, B.3.f., stating that confidentiality is not superseded even by death. Different provisions provide for confidentiality with a minor, though at times the privacy of a minor is guarded more closely, particularly if the minor child has experienced untrustworthy adults in his or her life (Lenyard, 1998). Both codes of ethics also provide for disclosure in the face of legal action; the AACC code states that it shall be the first response of its counselors to protect the client and any records, while the ACA code states that its counselors will do the same, barring written permission being secured from the client. There are cases, however, that provide guidelines for the counselor to break confidentiality, namely for the issue of the client threatening to do harm to others or themselves. School counselors, in particular, face hard choices in deciding when to disclose information. Though minor students often need someone to talk to, and they are subject to the same ethical treatment as adults, counselors facing a student threatening harm to themselves are obligated to disclose such information. Therefore, it has been suggested that different techniques as far as the disclosure be put into place; for example, the student could be given the option of calling their parents in the presence of the counselor, or having the counselor do it on their behalf. (Froeschle and Crews, 2010). In this way, the ethics of disclosure are maintained, but the student’s trust is not broken. The same guidelines on breaking confidentiality are true in the AACC Code of Ethics, and expounded on by minister Dr. Bill Blackburn, who states that all Christian counselors should familiarize themselves with the laws of their state to learn when, exactly, a counselor may have to adhere to disclosure, such as a situation where child abuse is involved. He also advises not making any “blanket promises” stating that “nothing” will leave the room or be told to anyone else (Blackburn, 2010). This is the one area that, despite repeated examination, it was found that no differences existed. Confidentiality, whether in use by Christian or secular counselors, was held in the highest regard, and expected to be taken into the highest consideration by any counselor. Fees and Payment Both the ACA and the AACC Codes of Ethics have provisions for fees and payment. Both are similar to each other, but there are differences as well. Both codes provide for payment and fees as reasonably expected, and both dictate that the counselor should discuss with the client before beginning any treatment the expected costs and fees that will be involved. In ACA code A.10. and AACC code ES1-500, payment and fees are clearly laid out. However, the AACC code provides for a more flexible payment terms, depending on the client needs and ability to pay, while the ACA code makes no mention of such financial limits. The AACC also encourages counselors to take into account client circumstances. Section 1-513 of the AACC code, encourages Christian counselors to offer their work and services for free at times, while the ACA code A.10.b. only states that, if a counselor’s fees are inappropriate to the client or the area in which they are counseling that they should assist the clients in finding appropriate counseling at an affordable price. Sexual Intimacies (Between Client and Counselor) Sexual intimacies are a main section in both codes of ethics. In the ACA Code of Ethics, it is stated clearly in code A.5.a. that sexual relations between counselor and client, along with client family members and/or romantic partners are strictly forbidden. Similar provisions exist in the AACC Code of Ethics under Section ES1-100, which states that sexual intimacies and relations are forbidden between counselors and current clients. The provisions provided under the AACC code are extensively longer than the ACA code, particularly between client and counselor, going so far as to define in great detail what is considered “sexual behavior” and stating quite plainly that it is not limited to the sexual act itself (American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004) Both codes of ethics also contain provisions for sexual intimacies when a client is no longer a client, though again, the language is different. In the ACA Code, it is stated in code A.5.b. that a relationship between a former client and counselor may begin “after five years have passed since services were discontinued”. In the AACC Code, a similar provision is included, with the only difference being the time limit. Christian counselors must wait at least two years after services have been discontinued before engaging in a relationship (American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004). Yet, despite these provisions in both codes of ethics, research that took place in 2003 revealed that over 87% of all mental health professionals admitted to having an attraction to their clients, while 9% of male and 2.5% of female therapists reported actually engaging in relations with their current clients (Gross, 2003). Conclusion Even though the two codes of ethics are, at times, differing in their specific details and approach, the reality of their necessity remains the same. Both strive to demonstrate the guidelines of ethical behavior to both secular and Christian counselors. Both cover the same material, but, at times, in widely differing ways. However, in the end, both have the same main purposes, and both strive to hold their counselors, whether they are acting as Christian counselors or secular, to the highest ideal in ethical patient/client care. References American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association. Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx American Association of Christian Counselors, L. E. C. (2004). American Association of Christian Counselors: AACC Code of Ethics Nashville, TN. Retrieved from http://www.aacc.net/about-us/code-of-ethics/ Blackburn, B. (2010). Ethical issues in pastoral counseling. Christian Ethics Today, (21), 22. Retrieved from http://www.christianethicstoday.com/cetart/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.main&ArtID=269 Froeschle, J., & Crews, C. (2010). An ethics challenge for school counselors. Journal of School Counseling, 8(14), Retrieved from http://www.jsc.montana.edu/articles/v8n14.pdf Gross, B. (2003). A touchy subject: sexual intimacies between therapists and clients. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 6, Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb013/is_2_6/ai_n29014383/ Lenyard, P. (1998). Counseling minors: ethical and legal issues. Counseling and Values, 42(3), DOI: 0160-7960 Retrieved from http://www.pc3connect.org/otherdocs/COUNSELING%20MINORS-%20ETHICAL%20AND%20LEGAL%20ISSUES.PDF Read More