Shanda Woody
Montreat College
Ethical Case Study 2: Sally Goes to School
A fundamental aspect of ethics in counseling is the right to informed consent. Informed consent reflects respect for the client as an individual and promotes self-governing during the counseling process (Pope & Melba, 2011). The American Counseling Association Ethical Decision Making Model provides counselors with a blueprint for making ethical decisions while placing an emphasis on values and principles and is appropriate in resolving the ethical dilemma contained in this case study (Miller & Davis, 1996).
ACA Model
The ACA Code of Ethics states, “when counselors are faced with ethical dilemmas that are difficult to resolve, they are expected to engage in a carefully considered ethical decision making model” (ACA, 2005). This model directly applies the ACA Code of Ethics while combining Kitcheners (1984) virtue ethics, counselor consultation, and self-determination (Corey, Corey & Callahan, 2011). The model also includes the work of Van Hoose and Paradise (1979), Stadler (986), Haas and Malouf (1989), Forester-Miller and Rubenstein (1992), and Sileo and Kopala (1993). The ACA model encourages a counseling relationship based on trust and states when counselors are faced with an ethical dilemma they apply careful consideration to the decision making process (Corey, Corey & Callahan, 2011).
ACA Decision Making Model Process
The ACA model identifies Kitcheners five moral principles as the cornerstone of the decision making process and they include: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity (Forester-Miller & Davis, 1996). Upon reviewing these ethical principles, the model outlines seven steps in the decision making process including: identify the problem; apply the ACA Code of Ethics, determine the nature of the dilemma, determine a possible course of
References: Forester-Miller, H. & Davis, T. (1996). A practitioner’s guide to ethical decision making. American Counseling Association (1996) Corey, G., Corey, M., & Callahan, P., (2011). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. 8TH edition. American Counseling Association (2005). Code of Ethics, Alexandria, VA: Author. Corey, G., & Herlihy, B., (2006). ACA ethical standards casebook. 6th edition Pope .