Ethical principles in counseling

course content for students of guidance and counseling

1. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN COUNSELING PRESENTATION BY- DR.SARVJEET KAUR BRAR, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, G.H.G.HARPARKASH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION SIDHWAN KHURD, LUDHIANA.

2. Ethical Principles in Counselling Counselling as a helping professional suggests that one has assumed the responsibilities of the profession in providing for the clientele and serving the public. A profession’s commitment to appropriate ethical and legal standards is critical to the profession’s earning, maintaining and deserving the public’s trust. Adhering to such guidelines is, therefore, the responsibility of all members of the profession (Gibson & Mitchell, 2003).

3. Counselling requires commitment Commitment to acceptable standards of performance or competence, Commitment to an accepted code of personal conduct in relationships with clients and the public and Commitment to contribute to the public well - being that transcends monetary gain.

4. The use of ethical principles is a method of guiding: The quality of the services provided by the counsellors. The quality of training provided to counsellors The duty of protecting the clients.

5. According to Daniluk and Haverkamp (1993) “the main ethical framework referred to in many discussions of therapy is based on the concepts of autonomy, fidelity, justice, beneficence, non- maleficence and self-respect.”

6. Confidentiality Counsellors should respect the privacy of their clients and preserve the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of their work. It is the legal duty of counsellor not to disclose the information about client.

7. Autonomy Counsellors should make every effort to foster self-determination and individual responsibility on the part of clients. It’s a respect for the client’s right to be self governing. It is ethical responsibility of counsellor to encourage client’s independent thinking and decision making.

8. Beneficence Beneficence is commitment to promoting the clients well being. This principle means to act in the best interest of the client. To provide service based on training/ experience .

9. Non-maleficence Non-maleficence is commitment to avoiding harm to the client. This principle is to avoid sexual, financial and emotional or any form of exploitation of client.

10. Justice Counsellor needs to provide fair, impartial and adequate service to all clients. Counsellor must provide just and equal opportunity, disregarding client’s personal and social characteristics which might give rise to discrimination/ oppression. Respect for human rights and dignity should actually reflect in their work.

11. Self Respect Self Respect is fostering the self-knowledge and care for self . Seeking counselling for appropriate personal, professional support and development. To keep update on training, active encouragement in life enhancing activities and relationships.

12. Basic ethical Principles of counseling Respecting human rights and dignity Respecting client’s right to be self governing Commitment to client’s care and well being Fair treatment and providing equal opportunities Provision of adequate counseling services Ensuring integrity in counsellor and client relationship Commitment to professional excellence Responsibility to the society

13. REFERENCES Amercian Psychological Association (1990). Ethical principles of psychologists (amended June 2, 1989). American Psychologist, 45, 390-395. Gibson, R.L. and Mitchell, M.H. (2003). Introduction to Counselling and Guidance, Delhi: Pearson Education, Inc. Remley, T. and Herlihy, B. (2001). Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counselling. Upper Saddle River NJ: Prentice Hall.