What does it mean to you to be a competent professional? How will you acquire competence in counselling?
2.1. Having Personal Values
It is essential that counsellors be aware of their personal values when choosing a helping profession as a career, as their values will have an impact on the counselling process and their moral development. Although many personal needs can be met through helping others, it is crucial that these needs not be met at the expense of the client. Those who make a lifetime commitment to helping others have a responsibility to be clear about what they are getting from their work and how their personal characteristics play a vital role in their ability to make appropriate ethical decisions.
Review what the codes of ethics have to say about this topic and incorporate this into your discussions:
- During your therapeutic practice, you will inevitably incorporate some of your personal value orientations. What is your ethical obligation in informing clients about your value orientation, and how can you do it in your practice?
- Should professionals always put professional ethics above all other values?
2.2. Meeting Professional Competence
Effective counselling and psychotherapy depend on the therapist’s ability to provide objectivity and single-minded commitment to the client’s welfare. When the practitioner has a special personal or professional relationship with the client, objectivity, selfless commitment to the client, and client trust are exposed to the risks associated with the treatment process. The continuation of more than one relationship with a person with whom a professional relationship exists or has existed is called multiple relationships or unprofessional interactions.
Review what the codes of ethics have to say about this topic and incorporate this into your discussions:
- There is an ongoing debate in mental health professions about the value of professional qualifications such as licenses and certifications. Some argue that such credentials serve to protect professions rather than protect the public. What’s your opinion on this issue?
- What does it mean to you to be a competent professional? How will you acquire competence in counselling? How will you maintain your competence?
4.2. Providing Services Across Diversity and Cultures
Changing demographics have mandated that both counselling and its ensuing ethical processes be expanded to consider people and situations across a variety of cultures and diversities. These changes mean that counsellors will need multicultural competencies that prepare them for providing effective service to culturally diverse clients. The current versions of the codes of ethics place substantial emphasis on multicultural issues and diversity.
Review what the codes of ethics have to say about this topic and incorporate this into your discussions:
- What are some ethical concerns in failing to address cultural diversity matters, and what are the major challenges you may encounter in understanding the role of cultural diversity in your work?
What are some of the main challenges you expect to face in reaching diverse client populations? How might the values you hold either help or hinder you in working effectively in the area of sexual orientation
