Chapter 6: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Professional Counselings

After reading this chapter, you will understand more about: The professional ethics for counselors, including awareness of professional counseling associationsThe ACA Code of Ethics (2014) and how it is used to guide professional practice and relationships with clientsEthical decision-making models to assist students in navigating ethical dilemmas, values conflicts, and application of ethical and moral principles.Differences between law and ethics and associated implications for counseling practice.Counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence therapeutic practice and relationships.The following CACREP standards are addressed in this chapter: Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: Ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling (CACREP, 2016, Standard 2.F.1.i.)Strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation and implications for practice (CACREP, 2016, Standard 2.F.1.k.)Counseling and Helping Relationships Counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence the counseling process (CACREP, 2016, Standard 2.F.5.f.)