Eight Step Ethical Decision Making Model

Ethics is often indeed perplexing for practitioners because when it comes to making ethical decisions, it is important for them to question themselves, in terms of what values do they rely on and why. In the code of ethics, it states that when counselors are met with an ethical dilemma, it is expected of them to carefully consider an ethical decision making process. Often as practitioners, your feelings, values and beliefs may clout the way you interpret both you and your client’s behavior. An essential way to work through this issue is, firstly to recognize it and secondly to discuss with a colleague or supervisor about it (Corey, 2011).
The definition of morality is especially concerned with personally held ethical beliefs, theories and obligation,
The model is also being used in the substance abuse treatment field. Workers in the substance abuse field are constantly faced with ethical dilemma relating to personal belief, judgment and values. The history of how society views people, who are addicted to drugs, is fraught with emotions, misperceptions, and biases have affected the care of drug abusers. For example, it is no different in health care setting for a patient to be seen negatively just by being labeled a drug abuser (Carroll, 1995). Another
The implication of this model is that it does have good and bad sides to it. For an example, a good side of this model is, according to (Barnett & Johnson, 2010); it is crucial to slow down the decision making process so that you would be able to engage in a premeditated ethical consultation and action. Another example would be, through the process of actions and consultations, the end goal of any ethical decision making model is to help you to take into account of all the information that you have collected and reason through the dilemma that leads you to the best possible course of action. (Corey, 2011). Also, the bad implication of this model is that it is a linear process that follows the clearly defined and predictable steps, leaving no room for a slight flexibility (Corey,