Importance Of Code Of Ethics In Counseling

Ethics have many definitions. Ethical codes are in place to assist people in different fields. Ethics in counseling are in place to assist both the counselor and clients. “The ethical codes or standards formulated by professional associations represent a consensus of the membership normative values, beliefs, and concerns about ethical behavior” (Freeman et al., 2004). The codes are in place to protect confidentiality, dual relationships and to assist each person in a group setting.

In order to protect both the counselor and client, the ACA Code of Ethics was developed. According to “The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing

According to American Counseling Association (2014), “The ACA Code of Ethics serves six main purposes: 1. The Code sets forth the ethical obligations of ACA members and provides guidance intended to inform the ethical practice of professional counselors. 2. The Code identifies ethical considerations relevant to professional counselors and counselors-in-training. 3. The Code enables the association to clarify for current and prospective members, and for those served by members, the nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by its members. 4. The Code serves as an ethical guide designed to assist members in constructing a course of action that best serves those utilizing counseling services and establishes expectations of conduct with a primary emphasis on the role of the professional counselor. 5. The Code helps to support the mission of ACA. 6. The standards contained in this Code serve as the basis for processing inquiries and ethics complaints concerning ACA members” (p.3). This code is to help the counselor resolve any difficult

According to Piper (2008), “The patient in group therapy is continuously exposed to others. Confidentiality is impossible to guarantee in a group. There is also a diminished sense of safety for many patients in a group. This is related to the control issue but more explicitly to the fact that criticism may come from many different directions from a number of different people. Being overwhelmed with criticism in a group is a common anticipatory fear of patients. In summary, issues related to a lost or diminished sense of control, individuality, understanding, privacy, and safety can lead to greater anticipatory and experienced anxiety for patients in group therapy compared with those in individual therapy” (p.130). In order to avoid an ethical issue involving confidentiality, the leader must assure that rules and regulations are set and abided by the group members. In the initial meeting, the leader should explain confidentiality to the group, in efforts to avoid an ethical