12

Disciplines and Ideas

in the Applied Social
Sciences
Quarter1- Week 3- Module 7
ETHICAL AND UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR AMONG
COUNSELORS

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Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences – Grade 12
Quarter 1- Week 3- Module 7: Ethical and Unethical Behavior Among Counselors

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government
agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such
work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition
the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Veronique R. Crucillo
Editors: FLORENIA C. TORALDE / RICARDO M. GAMUROT JR.
Reviewers: JARME TAUMATORGO / JERSON V. TORALDE
Illustrator: KIM ARTHUR B. CARGULLO / RICHARD M. MUÑOZ
Layout Artist: KIM ARTHUR B. CARGULLO / RICHARD M. MUÑOZ

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Module 7
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ETHICAL AND
UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR AMONG COUNSELORS

Introduction: (GET STARTED)

The profession in Counselling is one of the youngest sciences ever given

attention to. The science of human behaviour and the different principles underlying the
understanding of it is very much complex. Understandably, it is so because humanity is a
specie which has intricately evolved into a very sophisticated being, thus the concept of
the working of the human mind which dictates behaviour is also so complicated that no
theory could singly explain how behaviour is manifested and therefore understood. A
practitioner, therefore, in the social sciences should focus not only in figuring out the
twists and turns of human behaviour, but must be able to absorb and practice it in their
own system. As an area of discipline, all courses dealing with Human Behavior not only
demands mastery of theories but application in their own lives. This is what makes the
profession difficult. Easy to master the basic principles of human nature but difficult in
application as many are blinded by the idea of perfection and idealism and blinded by
their own inadequacies sticking to their own reality of the ideal. Oftentimes, even the
trained find it hard to master the relationships they build both in the personal and
professional level.
This module will deal with the different ethical principles by which a Counselor must
adhere to and the Standards of Behavior that every practitioner must manifest. Followed to
the heart, this will ensure a very sound and good practice. Every “Humanista” should
manifest a light that shines to guide humanity. But our light will never guide those in the dark
if it is not bright enough to guide our own way. To the students, welcome to this module. Let
this not only feed your mind but also the heart, that no matter how difficult the way.. you still
will have the courage to take the torch and carry on.

Learning Objectives:

This module aims that at the end of the lesson, the students can:
a. Identify Ethical principles and behaviours expected of a Counselor.
b. Value the importance of acquiring proper behaviour required of a Counselor.
.
Vocabulary Check

Ethics - represents the moral code that guides a person’s choices and
behaviors throughout their life. The idea of a moral code extends
beyond the individual to include what is determined to be right, and
wrong, for a community or society at large.
Ethical - is defined as moral or conforming to standards of conduct
Unethical - not conforming to a high moral standard

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Pre-Test

Write TRUE if the statement is TRUE. Answer FALSE if the statement is FALSE.

1. There are 10 articles in the Code of Conduct fo4 Guidance Counselors in the
Philippines.
2. The nature of the work of a Guidance Counselor demands competence,
excellence, integrity and service.
3. Information of counselee can be given to everyone who requested it.
4. A counsellor can go social drinking with his/her counselee or client after session.
5. A counsellor can do misrepresentations for the client’s benefit.
6. When doing research, there is a need to fully acknowledge sources of information.
7. Counselors need not initiate peer relations.
8. Professional relationships should not be used for profit, power or prestige, or for
professional gratification not consonant with the welfare of the counselee.
9. It is a responsibility of the counsellor to grow professionally and know current
trends.
10. When unable to handle certain cases due to lack of skills, it is ethical to refer a
counselee to other practitioners.

Discussion: Presentation of Concepts

The Ethical Code of Conduct for Counselors are stated in the Guidance and
Counseling Act of 2004 and further reinforced by the Republic Act 9258. Provisions for
the proper practice of Guidance and Counselling in the Philippines are stated in the said
Laws. Instances of violations and sanctions are also found in the said laws.

Learning Activity 1

Arrange the order of the following articles of the Code of Ethics for Guidance
Counselors.

Relationship with Counselee Relationship with the

Community

General Ethical Principles Miscellaneous Provisions

Relationship with Colleagues Research and Publication

in the Profession

Under each Article, ethical practices of a Counselor

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Learning Activity 1

COUNT THE STARS. Place a star on what you consider as Ethical Behaviors
from a Counselor.

Obtain power and prestige

Grow professionally
Truthful devotion to profession
Keep confidential data
Involved in petty quarrels
Misrepresent
Refer clients to specialized workers
Establish professional relationship with the client.
Intimidate client
Argue with counselee
Keep test results to Himself
Divulge confidential information
Copy research of others
Give information of counselee to others when there is a threat to life
Establish relationship with community
Give accurate information to clients
Maintain high standards of professional competence
Understand research and its importance
Hold responsibility for researches and its proper use

Processing Questions:

1. Why do counsellors need to manifest ethical nehavior?

2. How can they uphold proper values?
3. Is there a difficulty in following the Code of Ethics?

Post-Test

1. Enumerate 10 Ethical Behaviors of Counselors.

2. Why is there a need for counsellors to follow the Code of Ethics?

References:

1. https: //beyondwordscounselling.ca/rights-responsibilities/
2. http://counpsychphil.blogspot.com/2007/03/code-of-ethics-for-counselors.html
3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/intro_1.shtml
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/ethics-and-morality
5. https://www.yourdictionary.com/ethical
6. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unethical