Counselors who identify as LGBTQ+ often struggle with whether to disclose this identity to their clients. We will explore some of those struggles and review literature that addresses how disclosure may be performed ethically, as well as how disclosure of LGBTQ+ identity may serve to advocate for the LGBTQ+ population by role modeling and normalization. We will present an ethical decision-making model specifically for LGBTQ+ identity disclosure and apply the model to case vignettes through a group discussion.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn about the challenges that LGBTQ+ counselors face when considering disclosing this identity to clients through research and case examples.
Attendees will review literature concerning self-disclosure and advocacy while exploring how these two concepts may interact specifically in regards to LGBTQ+ identity disclosure.
Attendees will engage in an experiential activity in which they utilize an ethical decision making model to approach a number of vignettes regarding LGBTQ+ identity disclosure.
Although counselors in 44 states are mandatory reporters of child maltreatment, they may lack an understanding of their legally designated role. This article presents the results of a systematic review of child maltreatment reporting laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The authors apply relevant legislation to real-life contexts for counselors.
Learning Objectives:
Examine the laws and subsequent responsibilities of counselors as mandated reporters in all states and the District of Columbia
Understand how state laws vary regarding acts that constitute abuse and neglect; types of reportable abuse; which professionals are labeled as mandatory reporters; and the penalties and liabilities for failure to report
Over the last decade, conscience objections have surfaced in the public arena, raising questions as to whether counselors may legally refuse services to LGBTQ+ clients due to a counselor’s personally held beliefs. These laws not only deny services to LGBTQ+ clients, but are in direct violation of the ACA Code of Ethics (2014). In addition to values-based referrals, this presentation will address other challenging and complex ethical and legal issues all counselors, particularly those working with LGBTQ+ adults, need to know.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the impact of conscience clause legislation on the counseling profession.
Examine the intersection of values and ethics in counseling.
Description: Sometimes the work of a clinician is full of surprises regardless of how careful one is to practice in an ethical and professional manner. The popular slogan of Nationwide insurance, "Life comes at you fast®," seems to capture the spirit of these moments. All of us can recall times when we were caught off guard as supervisors or as trainees, when thinking on our feet was necessary but insufficient to meet the demands of a particular situation. During those times, referring to the ethics codes of our professional associations was of paramount importance.
Objectives:
Identify the most critical ethical issues in supervision
Define the ethical responsibilities a supervisor must assume in supervision
Examine relationships between the supervisor and supervisee beyond the formal process
Source: Clinical Supervision in the Helping Professions: A Practical Guide, Second edition by Gerald Corey, Robert Haynes, Patrice Moulton, Michelle Muratori
*Counselors requiring New York State approval must contact ACA upon completion to obtain customized CE certificate
This chapter discusses specific issues related to promoting the well-being of clients with EDs, including counselor self-awareness, scope of practice, and practicing according to best-practice guidelines, which include the counselor’s ethical duty to protect the client from self-harm. Next, the issue of client autonomy is highlighted, describing issues related to informed consent and determining client competence to make rational treatment decisions. An ethical decision-making process is explained using a decision-making model and a case to illustrate the model’s steps.
Source:
Eating Disorders and Obesity: A Counselor's Guide to Prevention and Treatment by Laura H. Choate. To purchase the book visit www.counseling.org/publications.
New technology offers new opportunities for counselors and their clients—but it also offers ethical and legal complications which must be thoroughly considered. Distance counseling is a growing industry in which counselor and client do not necessarily meet in person but communicate through other devices such as computers and cellular phones. Marlene Maheu, PhD., defines and discuses distance counseling and its compatibility with HITECH and HIPAA regulations. She also provides information on complicate with the law and the ACA Code of Ethics. Dr. Maheu is a licensed psychologist, the executive director of the TeleMental Health Institute and editor-in-chief of the TeleMental Health Newsletter.
Summarize the basic tenets of Dr. Marlene M. Maheu webinar presentation.
Discuss Distance Counseling, HITECH, and HIPAA regulations.
Provide viable information on compliance with the law and code of ethics.
*Counselors requiring New York State approval must contact ACA upon completion to obtain customized CE certificate
One of the most popular services provided by the American Counseling Association is its ethics consultation for members. The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics is a key tool for all counselors looking for guidance in navigating ethical quandaries in their practices. Perry C. Francis, Ph.D., and Linda Shaw, Ph.D., address the issues of referrals, value, and competence in a clear and practical fashion. They review the ethics code and provide an illustrative case to help counselors provide a quality standard of care for a diverse client population. Dr. Francis is a practicing counselor, supervisor, and counselor educator at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Shaw is a professor and department head in the Department of Disability and Psycho-educational Studies at the University of Arizona.
Summarize the basic tenets of Dr. Perry Francis and Dr. Linda Shaw’s webinar presentation: Ethics, Competence, Values, and Referrals.
Address the issues of referrals, values, and competence in a clearer fashion.
Review ethics and a illustrative case that will help you provide a quality standard of care for a diverse client population.
*Counselors requiring New York State approval must contact ACA upon completion to obtain customized CE certificate
What is the best way for a counselor to resolve an ethical dilemma? One of the first resources should an ethical decision-making model. Jeannette Baca, Ph.D, LPCC, provides an overview of the fundamental principles of professional ethical behavior. She also discusses values and competence as it relates to termination and referrals. Dr. Baca served as president of the New Mexico Counseling Association and was Ethics Chair for six years. She also served on the American Counseling Association’s Ethics Revision Task Force.
Summarize the basic tenets of Dr. Jeannette Baca’s webinar presentation: Resolving Ethical Issues.
Provide an overview of the fundamental principles of professional ethical behavior.
Discuss values and competence as it relates to termination and referrals.
*Counselors requiring New York State approval must contact ACA upon completion to obtain customized CE certificate
Description: To frame the discussion of topics to be explored in this chapter, we begin with Mary Hermann's perspective on the legal issues surrounding dual relationships. She makes it clear that if clients can prove they were emotionally harmed because of a dual relationship, they could prevail in a malpractice lawsuit against the counselor.
Objectives:
Examine ethical guidelines with respect to sexual dual relationships
Explore factors that make sexual dual relationships unethical
Reflect upon efforts counselors can take to address sexual exploitation
Source: Boundary Issues in Counseling: Multiple Roles and Responsibilities, Third Edition, Barbara Herlihy and Gerald Corey
*Counselors requiring New York State approval must contact ACA upon completion to obtain customized CE certificate
Description: In this chapter, we focus on nonsexual dual relationships that can arise in all settings. One of our guest contributors, Arnold Lazarus, makes a case for the potential benefits of transcending boundaries. He takes the position that benefits can accrue when therapists are willing to think and venture outside the proverbial box.
Objectives:
Examine ethical guidelines with respect to dual or multiple relationships.
Explore factors that make dual relationships problematic
Learn strategies for reducing risk when dual or multiple relationships cannot be avoided.
Source: Boundary Issues in Counseling: Multiple Roles and Responsibilities, Third Edition, Barbara Herlihy and Gerald Corey
