Ethical Counseling Essay

The code of ethics was created to assist and benefit members of the American Counseling Association. The code of ethics mission statement discusses what counselors should aspire to do in an ethical manner and also explains how they can be responsible counselors who protect themselves against complaints. The code of ethics is sometimes revised because individuals of the ACA develop useful material that will protect counselors. The code of ethics focuses on examining benefits of interactions with clients, students, and supervisees within and outside the clinical setting. (Herlihy&Corey, 2006) Similarities in Code of Ethics When comparing the ACA and the AMHCA code of ethics, one will notice they both provide guidance, training and direction toward making ethic decisions for their members. They both explain a variety of professional situations to a practicing counselor. The two codes also share relation due to their commitment of students, employee, and supervisory relationships. When employees become involved with clients this could cause issues and end horribly for all parties involved including companies. Differences in the Code of Ethics One huge difference in the ACA and the AMHAC code of ethics is how violations of the code of ethics are addressed by the organizations and codes. The ACA code of ethics mentions a process for processing ethical violations. The AMHAC does not adjudicate, investigate or mention ethical complaints but it does say actions may be taken regarding a member’s membership based upon their licensure. Record keeping is also different between these two codes. The AMHAC code of ethics has certain guidelines regarding communication, record keeping, use of assessment tools and retention. The ACA code of ethics does not specify such requirements. Future Code of Ethics and Counseling Code of Ethics for counselors was created in order to guide and protect counselors from making unethical decisions and avoiding legal issues. Once I become a counselor I will always refer to the code of ethics, lawyers, mentors, and colleagues for advice with troubling cases. The ethical standards casebook presents different case studies that will allow me to analyze and manage cases of my own. When counseling my clients I will refer to the code of ethics for assurance of unethical choices. The code of ethics will also provide me with guidance and information that will protect me from complaining and dissatisfied clients. Being a counselor involves making ethical decisions and I know decisions will be challenging to arrive at during times. I plan to look at all of my cases in an ethical and professional way. I will take multicultural and diversity values and beliefs into consideration when counseling clients from different cultures. I fully understand that being bias and influencing clients is not ethical performance. (Herlihy&Corey,2006) (page 14) Code of Ethics This course explains the code of ethics and introduces certain dilemmas counselors could very well face while practicing. Referring to the code of ethics may still leave a counselor puzzled as to how to handle a special case if it has not been addressed before. Members of the ACA make revisions to the code of ethics because times are changing and new events occur. I look forward to learning more about ethics, legal and professional issues in this course so I can be an excellent counselor.