197 ACA Code of Ethics 2026 Updates With Dr. Bret Hendricks Ed.D, LPC-S

The ACA Code of Ethics is being rewritten, and if you supervise, teach, manage clinicians, or practice counseling, these changes affect you directly.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bret Hendricks, who served on the ACA Ethics Code task force, to walk through the biggest proposed revisions and what they mean for counselors in real-world practice. We unpack how the profession is moving beyond impairment language into wellness and self-care accountability, why administrative supervision finally has its own ethical framework, and what supervisors need to clarify in their documentation and relationships.We also spend time talking about something I know many supervisors struggle with: role confusion. Clinical supervision, administrative supervision, evaluation, mentorship, workplace expectations, these areas overlap constantly. Dr. Hendricks explains how the revised language pushes supervisors to define boundaries more clearly and revisit those conversations throughout the supervisory relationship.Another major conversation centers around the new expectation for a professional will. Counselors are now being asked to think proactively about records access, continuity planning, and ethical responsibility if practice operations are interrupted.This episode is not about fear or “gotcha” ethics. It is about building stronger systems, clearer communication, and healthier supervision structures that protect both clinicians and clients.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why counselor wellness is now part of ethical responsibility  What a professional will is and why supervisors need one  How administrative supervision differs from clinical supervision  Why supervision role clarification matters more than ever  What supervisees should expect from ethical supervision systems If you have ever felt uncertain about supervision boundaries, documentation expectations, or workplace ethics, this conversation will help you think more clearly about the systems supporting your practice.Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training.If this episode raised questions about ethical supervision, documentation systems, or sustainable practice structures, join us inside the Step It Up Membership.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.