Posted: October 4th, 2024

Ethical Decision-Making in Counseling: A Case Study Approach

Benchmark Ethical Dilemma Presentation Assignment Instructions

Overview

Ethical Decision-Making in Counseling: A Case Study Approach

Ethical dilemmas are a common challenge in the counseling profession, requiring practitioners to navigate complex situations with care and integrity. This paper explores the application of the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) ethical decision-making model to a specific case scenario. The aim is to demonstrate how ethical standards and values guide counselors in resolving dilemmas while maintaining professional integrity.

Ethical Decision-Making Model
The ACA’s ethical decision-making model provides a structured approach to addressing ethical dilemmas. It involves several steps, including identifying the problem, considering potential consequences, and evaluating the chosen course of action. This model ensures that counselors make informed decisions that align with ethical standards (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Identifying the Ethical Dilemma
In the presented case, a counselor faces a conflict between maintaining client confidentiality and the need to disclose information for the client’s safety. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counseling profession, yet there are circumstances where breaching it may be necessary to prevent harm (Hansson et al., 2022).

Considering Potential Consequences
Each potential action carries distinct consequences. Maintaining confidentiality might protect the client’s privacy but could risk their safety. Conversely, disclosing information could safeguard the client but breach trust. The counselor must weigh these outcomes carefully, considering the impact on all parties involved (Rustad et al., 2022).

Determining a Course of Action
After evaluating the consequences, the counselor decides to disclose the necessary information to prevent harm, supported by ethical guidelines and state laws (FL Stat § 491.0147, 2023). This decision aligns with the ethical principle of beneficence, prioritizing the client’s well-being (Varkey, 2021).

Evaluating the Chosen Action
The chosen action is evaluated using three ethical tests: Justice, Publicity, and Universality. Justice ensures fairness in decision-making, while Publicity considers how the decision would be perceived if made public. Universality examines whether the decision could be applied consistently in similar situations. The action passes all three tests, confirming its ethical soundness (Varkey, 2021).

Implementing the Course of Action
Implementing the chosen action involves a clear, step-by-step plan. The counselor must inform the client of the decision, explaining the reasons and ensuring support is available. This approach maintains transparency and supports the client’s understanding of the situation (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Conclusion
Ethical decision-making in counseling requires careful consideration of various factors, including ethical standards, potential consequences, and the well-being of all parties involved. By applying the ACA’s ethical decision-making model, counselors can navigate dilemmas effectively, ensuring their actions are ethically justified and professionally responsible.

References
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics: As approved by the ACA governing council. [Electronic version]. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1

Hansson, K. M., Romøren, M., Weimand, B., Heiervang, K. S., Hestmark, L., Landeweer, E. G. M., & Pedersen, R. (2022). The duty of confidentiality during family involvement: ethical challenges and possible solutions in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders. BMC Psychiatry, 22(1), 812. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04461-6

FL Stat § 491.0147 (2023). 2023 Florida Statutes Title XXXII – Regulation of Professions and Occupations Chapter 491 – Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services 491.0147 – Confidentiality and Privileged Communications.

Rustad, J. K., Schlozman, S. C., Hendler, R. A., Rasmussen, M. J., Rader III, G. L., & Stern, T. A. (2022). Developing, losing, and regaining trust in the doctor-patient relationship. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 24(3), 41531. https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/developing-losing-regaining-trust-doctor-patient-relationship/

Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119

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The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate the ability to apply the values, ethical standards, and the ethical decision-making model provided by the American Counseling Association to a case scenario. This assignment will also encourage the development of professional presentation skills.

Instructions

Your will use the information written on your Ethical Vignette Paper Assignment to continue with the Ethical Decision-Making Model outlined in the Practitioners Guide for Ethical Decision Making and apply the content to the Ethical Dilemma Presentation PowerPoint template. Once complete, you will record a 10-15 min video (approximately 11-15 slides, including the title and references slides) presenting your ethical dilemma as you work through the Ethical Decision-Making Model. Follow the steps below:

Step 1:Review the feedback received from the instructor on the Ethical Vignette PaperAssignment and make anycorrections noted. Make sure you incorporate all feedback provided.

Step 2:Once you have applied the feedback from your instructor, use the information from your corrected Ethical Vignette Paper assignment to complete steps 1-4 in the Ethical Dilemma Presentation PowerPoint template. Do not just copy and paste the content. Make sure you reduce the contentinto bullet points. The slide content should be minimal. Summarize the information and make sure the required information is addressed within steps 1-4. See the Ethical Vignette Assignment Instructions for more information. Use the Ethical Dilemma Presentation Student Example Guide for additional support.

Step 3. Continue working through the remaining steps (steps 5-7) of the Ethical Decision-Making model. Add the information listed below to the Ethical Dilemma Presentation PowerPoint template to complete the remaining slides on your document:

Potential Consequences of Each Option and Determine a Course of Action

• This step has multiple sub steps. Briefly list the consequences for each potential course of action addressed in step 4. Answer the question, “If I take this course of action, what will be the consequences for all parties involved (the counselor, the client, others)?

• Eliminate the actions that will not work based on the consequences identified. Make sure you state what actions will not work and why.

• State which action or combination of actions you decided to take to fix the problem and explain why. Make sure you have scholarly sources that support your chosen course of action.

Evaluate Chosen Course of Action

• Restate your chosen action and clearly state if any ethical dilemmas still exist (the answer should be no).

• Evaluate the chosen action by applying the three tests (Justice, Publicity, and Universality). Make sure you have scholarly sources that support your position.

Implement Selected Course of Action

• Provide a step-by-step plan for how you will implement the chosen course of action.

• This may include information not stated in previous steps to effectively implement the plan (for example, calling the client is a step needed to implement informing a client of a mistake).

Your final presentation document must include:

• Approximately 11-15 slides, including the title and references slides.

• The following 7-8 references are required and must be cited verbally, intext, and included on the reference slides:

• The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, your State Ethical Codes/Mental Health Laws, the two course textbooks, and the Practitioner’s Guide for Ethical Decision Making.

• 2-3 additional scholarly sources (scholarly journal articles published within the last 5 years) related to the identified problem and moral principle specific to the counseling profession. Materials must be outside of course materials, and materials from other classes.

Step 4. Saveyour Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation file under your name and assignment title (Example: Doe_J_EthicalDilemma_Presentation).

Step 5: Record a 10-15-minute video presentation applying the Ethical Decision-Making Model to the chosen case scenario.You may record the video on any device where screen sharing is allowed. The instructor must see you and the slide presentation in the video.

Step 6: Once the video is recorded, upload the video to Kaltura. Make sure the video is marked unlisted and save it. Grab the share link.

Step 7. Paste the video link on slide 2 of your PowerPointpresentation and save it again.

Step 8: Submitthe PowerPoint presentation file via the assignment submission link in Canvas.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics: As approved by the ACA governing council. [Electronic version]. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1
Hansson, K. M., Romøren, M., Weimand, B., Heiervang, K. S., Hestmark, L., Landeweer, E. G. M., & Pedersen, R. (2022). The duty of confidentiality during family involvement: ethical challenges and possible solutions in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders. BMC psychiatry, 22(1), 812. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04461-6
FL Stat § 491.0147 (2023). 2023 Florida Statutes Title XXXII – Regulation of Professions and Occupations Chapter 491 – Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services 491.0147 – Confidentiality and Privileged Communications.
Rustad, J. K., Schlozman, S. C., Hendler, R. A., Rasmussen, M. J., Rader III, G. L., & Stern, T. A. (2022). Developing, losing, and regaining trust in the doctor-patient relationship. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 24(3), 41531. https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/developing-losing-regaining-trust-doctor-patient-relationship/
Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119