Just when I thought I was getting the hang of my classes this term, bam, it’s almost over. The second quarter has been busier than the first, but it has also felt more real. We transitioned from a theoretical perspective of counseling to practicing specific therapeutic skills, and addressing the ethical and legal issues we may encounter in our counseling careers. In this post, I am sharing some of the topics we have covered in our Legal and Ethical Foundations class.
The course began with a deep dive into the five foundational ethical principles: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity. These principles are the bedrock of ethical practice in counseling:
Autonomy: The respect for the client’s right to be self-governing. It highlights the importance of empowering clients. It’s a reminder that my role is to guide, not to dictate.
Nonmaleficence: “Do no harm.” It seems straightforward, but its application is nuanced and complex. It’s a reminder to weigh my actions and their implications.
Beneficence: This principle pushes me to contribute to the well-being of clients. It’s a call to action, not just intention, to foster healing and growth.
Justice: It’s about acknowledging my own biases and ensuring equitable access to resources and support.
Fidelity: Remaining faithful to the promises made to clients. It’s about building trust through consistency and honesty in my professional relationship.
After reviewing these principles, we tackled ethical dilemmas, which are tricky situations where values clash and the right path isn’t always clear. We have discussed all sorts of challenges, from confidentiality issues to dual relationships. Each one has pushed me to ask tough questions, get into the nitty-gritty of each case, and accept that there’s hardly ever a simple, one-size-fits-all solution in counseling. Like our professor often says when we dig into these dilemmas, “it depends.” How you respond to ethical challenges can vary based on the specifics of the situation, local laws, your agency’s policies, the client’s cultural background, and many other factors.
A big part of becoming a therapist is learning to live with uncertainty. But it doesn’t mean we are without a tested path to tackle these ethical dilemmas. In fact, there are many paths, known as ethical decision-making models. These models are practical tools that guide us through the complex maze of ethical issues. They help counselors systematically analyze situations, consider various perspectives, and arrive at the most ethically sound decisions.
These models encourage a step-by-step approach, from identifying the problem to considering the potential impact of decisions. They are the compass we need in the often not-so-clear waters of ethical decision-making.
Another important element in this course is the informed consent process. This involves giving clients all the necessary information about therapy, such as the methods of treatment, potential risks and benefits, the scope of confidentiality, the therapist’s qualifications, and the rights of the client. This process empowers clients to make well-informed decisions about their participation in therapy.
As a therapist-in-training, growing comfortable with obtaining informed consent is critical for several reasons. It is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, designed to protect the client’s right to autonomy and self-determination. By doing so, counselors mitigate legal and ethical risks, protecting both the clients and themselves.
The informed consent establishes trust and transparency between the client and the counselor, which are essential components of a therapeutic relationship. When clients understand what to expect from therapy, they are more likely to feel safe and open, facilitating a more effective therapeutic process.
Obtaining informed consent isn’t a one-time task during the intake session. I am required to be open to discussing any elements of the informed consent at any point during the therapeutic journey with a client.
Looking ahead, I hope to deepen my understanding of ethical standards and local regulations. My goal is to become adept at fostering a strong therapeutic relationship with my future clients. It will also enable me to build solid professional connections with peers, who are an invaluable resource when navigating ethical dilemmas. Together, we commit to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice in counseling.
The quarter is almost over. But not over yet… Residency week is around the corner and I can’t wait to share my experience with you.
I will see you next week.
Roque Neto 