Who has the right to counsel another person - Research Paper Example

Who has the Right to Counsel another Person? By Counseling is an important field in the broader field of psychology. Counseling has existed over the years, even in different cultures, before being adopted into academics. This simply reflects on the process of one person seeking advice from another person. This is highly based on social settings, as most problems taken to counseling lie in the areas of work, family, or school, among other social matters. A person, who offers counseling, is referred to as a counselor.

However, in the past years, there have risen considerable concerns about what individuals have the right to counsel others. This paper clarifies the kind of individuals that are well suited or who have the right to counsel others. In identifying these, focus is drawn on two major aspects, including the educational and the ethical aspects, which an individual must satisfy to a particular level in order to have a right to counsel others. The concept of counseling has existed since past decades, thus is not a new concept today.

Counseling entails the need of one individual seeking help or advice from another person. In psychology, counseling is considered a professional occupation; therefore, can only be performed by specific people, and not just anyone. The people performing counseling therefore, must have the right to perform it. This therefore, raises the question, "Who has the right to counsel another person," and this paper seeks to answer this question. According to Corey (2009), the right to counsel another person comprises both the professional rights and the ethical rights.

According to Richmond (2013), traditionally, counseling has been associated with the field of education. However, most professional counselors today have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology. Furthermore, institutions today offer Ph.D., in Counseling Psychology, which is a field that is concerned with the practice of counseling. Additionally, most counseling psychologists today consider undertaking training in vocational psychology. This particular training helps the counseling professional to experience a fulfilling and productive work life (Richmond, 2013).

Nonetheless, for one to counsel another, he or she must have attained the rightful academic qualifications, as this lays a background for expertise and knowledge in counseling. Richmond (2013) notes that if one has a doctoral degree in counseling, they might be licensed as a psychologist. On the other hand, in some states, a holder of a master’s degree in counseling might be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Therefore, education plays an important role in granting one the right to counsel.

With regard to the ethical rights, Corey (2009) argues that there are a considerable number of basic ethical principles and issues, which a person in the profession of counseling must observe and adhere to. This is paramount in helping an individual to make sound and ethical decisions during the counseling practice. These principles and issues draw from the laws affecting the counseling profession, and thus a person, who counsels others must be informed of these laws, principles, and issues in counseling.

The individual must also be updated on different changes in these principles, and stay updated on major developments in the field of counseling. According to Corey (2009), person seeking to counsel another person must have a kind of life that serves as a good model for his or her clients. The person must also “be willing to engage in honest self-examination” (Corey, 2009; p. 37). In addition, the individual must have the capability of handling and addressing their own personal issues in their life.

Furthermore, the individual must know the right kinds of questions to ask and remain open to reflection. Apart from the professional aspect of a person performing counseling, the ethical issues are of high relevance and importance to an individual in the field of counseling. Corey (2009) notes that it is important that an individual in this profession has the capability of balancing their needs and the needs of clients. Additionally, the individual must have the capability of making sound decisions during counseling.

The person must also have wide knowledge about the rights of clients, who come for counseling. He or she should therefore, be capable of educating clients on their rights. Of great importance is also the aspect of confidentiality in counseling. An individual that wishes to be a counselor must have great ability of maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of their clients. Counseling is a sensitive process, thus requires that the confidentiality of clients is maintained (Brown & Lent, 2008).

In addition, an individual with the right to counsel is one who is highly capable of counseling diverse populations, while observing the ethical issues involved. Above all, a person with the right to counsel is one that adheres to their professional code of ethics. Basing on the ethical guidelines, the individual should be able to apply them to various challenging situations in the counseling practice. Nonetheless, counseling is a noble practice, which not anyone can venture into without specific qualifications and rights.

Therefore, in as much as the aspect of education and professionalism matters, ethics is another most important factor in counseling. References Brown, S. & Lent, R. (2008). Handbook of Counseling Psychology. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy. New York: Cengage Learning. Richmond, R. (2013). Psychology: Clinical and Counseling — and Licensure. Retrieved from http://www.guidetopsychology.com/cln_cns.htm