Ethical Principles Code of Professional Ethics - CRCC Dual Relationships Supervisory Ethics Issues

1. Ethical Principles Code of Professional Ethics - CRCC Dual Relationships Supervisory Ethics Issues Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

2. Study of ethics • Most ethical decisions are made unconsciously • Or if conscious are made with intuition • Logic is not a large part of ethical decision making • A counselor does not typically consult all resources available or weigh all possible options. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

3. Ongoing study of ethics • Relationship between counselor and client one of most critical factors in counseling process • Trust is essential • Students with little or no experience have difficulty applying principles with limited “real world” experience • Experienced counselors are continually challenged by new situations, emerging areas of practice Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

4. Ethical principles underlying CRCC Code of Ethics • Preamble to the Code: “the fundamental spirit of caring and respect with which the code is written is based upon five principles of ethical behavior.” • Autonomy • Beneficence • Nonmaleficence • Justice • Fidelity Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

5. Autonomy • Promotion of self determination or freedom to choose one’s own direction • To honor the right to make individual decisions • Cory, Cory & Callanan, 2003 Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

6. Beneficence • Promoting good for others • To do good to others Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

7. Nonmaleficence • Avoiding doing harm which includes refraining from actions that risk hurting clients Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

8. Justice • Providing equal treatment to all people • Everyone regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural background, religion, or sexual orientation, is entitled to equal access to services Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

9. Fidelity • Make honest promises and honor commitments • Fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in a relationship Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

10. The Counseling Relationship Confidentiality Advocacy and Accessibility Professional Responsibility Relationships with other Professionals Teaching, Training and Supervision G. Evaluation, Assessment and Interpretation H. Research and Publication Electronic Communication & Emerging Applications J. Business Practices K. Resolving Ethical Issues Code of Professional Ethicsfor Rehabilitation counselors Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

11. Using the Code of Professional Ethics • The code provide guidelines of behavior for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors • It offers statements of principle that must be interpreted by the practitioner and applied to specific situations. • It does not give guidelines for every situation • The Code provides an underlying rationale for practitioner behavior that, ideally, is consistent with CRCC philosophy and mission Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

12. Dual (and multiple) relationships • Outside the professional sphere • Not inherently unethical • Mentor, friend • “power differential” • Counselor has control over client’s access to benefits, training, other resources • Empathy: not inappropriate – but counselor must monitor and manage Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

13. Examples of dual relationships • Teacher and student • Relatives • Supervisor and Counselor Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

14. Tips to avoid dual relationships • Inform recipient of what is involved and potential risks • Re-evaluate relationship periodically through discussions – clarify misunderstandings or harmful changes that have taken place • If establishing a dual relationship is necessary, set up a means to confer with an outside, objective consultant Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

15. Ethics in Supervision • Potential for conflicting obligations • Obligation is professional development of person being supervised • Equal obligation to ensure welfare of clients • Lesser obligation to protect reputation of employer or rehab couns profession Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

16. Vulnerability to ethical misconduct in supervision 1. Power difference • Boss and subordinate • “therapy-like” nature of supervisory relationship in counseling field • Vulnerable nature of client – experiencing functional limitations because of disabilit Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

17. Common issues in ethical supervision • Due process – inform supervisees of requirements, training, learning objectives, required tasks, roles, criteria for evaluation • Informed consent – disclosure to clients • clients are informed if someone else is reviewing case other than counselor • Limits on confidentiality, taping of sessions • Counseling may be time limited Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

18. More supervisory issues • Dual relationships - most obvious are: • Sexual involvement • Supervisor acting as therapist of subordinate • Degree of closeness (nonsexual) that makes objective assessments difficult • i.e. intimate friendship, common business interests • Competence • Client receive competent services • Counselor be given chance to improve skills • Supervisors must be competent themselves Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

19. Another supervisory issue • Confidentiality – supervisors are in position to hear very personal information • Concerns about what should be shared with others • Reveal only information directly relevant in evaluating ability of subordinate to function as professional • Then discuss it directly with subordinate before information si shared. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University