Ethics in Action
Ethics in Action III-Module 6
Anthony Hall
April 25, 2011
COUN 501-D17 LUO
Module Six Questions
Segment One: Managing Boundaries 1. If this was your client, what would you say and do? Be specific. Why would you respond that way?
If this was my client I would start of by restating her request. I would do this to make sure I had a clear understanding of her request to conduct group outside and away from the confines of the office. I would question her about how long she has been feeling like she would like to conduct our sessions outside of the office. I would ask her how holding group outside the office would benefit her or impact her treatment. I would let the client know that from my perspective, I would like to maintain a level of professionalism with her sessions and that remaining in the office would ensure that professionalism. I would talk to her about confidentiality and my desire to protect her confidentiality. Holding a session at the park would not guarantee her confidentiality; if she ran into someone she knew she might feel uncomfortable. Although I would not want to have a session in the park or have a picnic, as the client suggested, would explore the possibility to having a session outside; at my current office we have a courtyard on the premises of the agency. I think agreeing to hold a few sessions in the courtyard would demonstrate my willingness to meet the client halfway. 2. What do the ACA and AACC Code of Ethics say regarding managing boundaries? What is your response to this?
Section C.2.a of the American Counseling Association (2005) (ACA, p.9) code of ethics states, “Counselors practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience. Counselors gain knowledge, personal awareness, sensitivity, and skills pertinent to working with a diverse client population.” Section
Anthony Hall
April 25, 2011
COUN 501-D17 LUO
Module Six Questions
Segment One: Managing Boundaries 1. If this was your client, what would you say and do? Be specific. Why would you respond that way?
If this was my client I would start of by restating her request. I would do this to make sure I had a clear understanding of her request to conduct group outside and away from the confines of the office. I would question her about how long she has been feeling like she would like to conduct our sessions outside of the office. I would ask her how holding group outside the office would benefit her or impact her treatment. I would let the client know that from my perspective, I would like to maintain a level of professionalism with her sessions and that remaining in the office would ensure that professionalism. I would talk to her about confidentiality and my desire to protect her confidentiality. Holding a session at the park would not guarantee her confidentiality; if she ran into someone she knew she might feel uncomfortable. Although I would not want to have a session in the park or have a picnic, as the client suggested, would explore the possibility to having a session outside; at my current office we have a courtyard on the premises of the agency. I think agreeing to hold a few sessions in the courtyard would demonstrate my willingness to meet the client halfway. 2. What do the ACA and AACC Code of Ethics say regarding managing boundaries? What is your response to this?
Section C.2.a of the American Counseling Association (2005) (ACA, p.9) code of ethics states, “Counselors practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience. Counselors gain knowledge, personal awareness, sensitivity, and skills pertinent to working with a diverse client population.” Section
References: American Counseling Code of Ethics (2005). American Counseling Association. Retrieved March 24, 2013 from http://www.counseling.org/resources/codeofethics/tp/home/ct2.aspx American Association of Christian Counselors (2004). AACC code of ethics: The Y2004 final code. Retrieved March 24, 2013, from http://www.aacc.net/about-us/code-of-ethics/ Corey, G. Corey, M. & Callanan, P. (2011). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.