The counseling relationship is a specific guideline within the ACA Code of Ethics and the state of Maryland’s legal and ethical guidelines. I selected the counseling relationship guidelines, since it’s importance ranges from informing clients about counseling to avoiding dual relationships. When working with clients it is extremely important to follow the guidelines given in order to avoid harm and benefit clients. As a future counselor, I appreciate the guidelines given, thus giving me the opportunity to become an ethically and culturally bound counselor.
The ACA Code of Ethics
The counseling relationship is discussed in lengthy detail within the ACA Code of Ethics. Section A of the ACA Code of Ethics, describes …show more content…
It is essential for counselors to adhere to the ACA Code of Ethics as well as their own states guidelines. The Maryland Government legal and ethical guidelines, 10.58.03.05, explain the importance of the counseling relationship. A counselor must inform the purpose of goals, techniques, and any services being conducted with the client. Explaining the implications of diagnosis, reports, and billing is necessary for the counselor to conduct with clients. Counselors may not put clients in harms way, discriminate, abandon, or foster dependent relationships. Counselors are required to put the welfare and rights of the client first in counseling (Division of State Documents, …show more content…
The Maryland Government legal and ethical guidelines, 10.58.03.03, states professionals shall practice within the boundaries of professional competence, based on training, supervised experience, and professional credentials. When acquiring new competencies, a counselor must have additional training and education in the new area. It is essential for counselors to uphold professional competence by maintaining qualifications to practice and continuing educational requirements through the board. If counselors should become impaired it is their duty to suspend, terminate, or limit profession until able to return at full health. Professional Competency is an essential characteristic counselors are necessary to consume (Division of State Documents,