JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY.

COHRED

Timothy Ongaga.

HDE212-C006-0109/2019

Unit: Counseling Skills

Unit Code: HEH 2404.

Class Assinment.

1. What is value imposition?

This is the act of a counselor imposing their personal values, beliefs, or biases onto a client during the
therapeutic process. It occurs when the counselor tries to influence or persuade the client to adopt their
own values, regardless of whether they align with the client's beliefs or cultural background. Counselors
are ethically required to maintain a neutral and nonjudgmental stance, allowing clients to explore their
thoughts, feelings, and values without interference. Value imposition can be detrimental to the
counseling process because it may hinder the client's ability to freely express themselves and make their
own decisions. It can lead to a breakdown of trust.

2. Explain client’s dependency as an ethical issue.

Client dependency in counseling is an ethical issue because it hinders client autonomy, blurs therapist-
client boundaries, may affect informed consent, and make therapy termination difficult. Counselors
should promote client independence, set clear boundaries, and address dependency during therapy.

1. Autonomy and Empowerment: One of the core ethical principles in counseling is the promotion
of client autonomy and empowerment. Counselors should strive to help clients develop the skills and
confidence to make their own decisions and take charge of their lives. Client dependency may hinder
this process by perpetuating reliance on the counselor rather than encouraging personal growth and
self-sufficiency.

2. Therapist-Client Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining clear boundaries between the

therapist and the client is vital in counseling. Client dependency can blur these boundaries, leading to
potential ethical violations, such as dual relationships or the therapist feeling responsible for the client's
well-being outside the therapeutic context.

3. Informed Consent: Informed consent is a crucial ethical principle that requires counselors to
explain the nature of the counseling relationship, potential risks and benefits, and the client's rights and
responsibilities. Clients need to be aware that counseling is a collaborative process and that their active
participation is essential. Client dependency may compromise the ability to obtain genuine informed
consent, as the client might not fully understand the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.
4. Termination of Therapy: Counseling is often time-limited and has an endpoint. If a client
becomes overly dependent on the counselor, the termination of therapy may be difficult for them,
leading to feelings of abandonment or distress.

3. Suggest six examples of Dual relationships.

A dual relationship, in the context of counseling and psychotherapy, occurs when a professional
counselor or therapist has multiple roles or relationships with a client beyond the established
therapeutic relationship. In other words, it involves the counselor and client having additional
connections or interactions beyond the professional counseling setting.

Examples include:

Sure, here are six examples of dual relationships in counseling:

1. The counselor and client become close friends and socialize outside of the therapy sessions.

2. The counselor hires the client as an employee at their workplace.

3. The counselor and client are members of the same religious or social group and interact in that
context outside of counseling.

4. The counselor provides financial advice or loans to the client outside the scope of therapy.

5. The counselor and client engage in a romantic or sexual relationship.

6. The counselor becomes the client's academic advisor or supervisor in an educational setting.

Explain four disadvantages of dual relationships in counselling.

a) Compromised Boundaries: Dual relationships can blur the boundaries between the counselor
and the client, making it challenging to maintain a clear and professional therapeutic relationship. This
blurring of boundaries can hinder the client's ability to feel safe and secure in disclosing personal and
sensitive information.

b) Impaired Objectivity: When a counselor has a dual relationship with a client, it may impact their
objectivity and impartiality. The counselor might find it difficult to remain neutral and make unbiased
clinical decisions, potentially leading to compromised treatment decisions or interventions.

c) Conflict of Interest: Dual relationships can create conflicts of interest between the counselor's
professional duties and their personal or other professional roles with the client. This conflict can
undermine the client's best interests and may lead to decisions that are influenced by the counselor's
personal or other obligations.

d) Potential Harm to the Client: Dual relationships can increase the risk of harm to the client
emotionally, psychologically, or even financially. In some cases, the power differential inherent in the
therapeutic relationship may lead the client to feel pressured or obligated to participate in the dual
relationship, leading to negative outcomes.

5. Explain unintentional dual relationships and three situations in which they are likely to happen.
Unintentional dual relationships occur when a counselor or therapist unknowingly enters into multiple
roles or relationships with a client beyond the therapeutic one. These situations can arise inadvertently,
without the counselor's intentional effort to establish such connections. While they may not be
deliberate, they can still raise ethical concerns and have potential negative effects on the therapeutic
process.

1. Small Communities or Social Circles: In smaller communities or closely-knit social circles, it is

common for counselors and clients to have pre-existing connections, such as belonging to the same
religious group, attending the same events, or being part of the same community organizations. These
shared affiliations can lead to unintentional dual relationships, as the counselor might not be aware of
the client's involvement until after the therapeutic relationship has begun.

2. Online Interactions: With the rise of telehealth and online counseling, it can be challenging for
counselors to ascertain all aspects of a client's life. The online environment may not reveal certain
connections or relationships that could create dual roles. For example, a counselor might unintentionally
engage with a client on social media, leading to a dual relationship outside of therapy.

3. Professional Networking: Counselors might come across clients in their professional circles,
conferences, or workshops, without recognizing their existing therapeutic relationship. This situation
could inadvertently create dual relationships if the counselor assumes a different professional role with
the client in another context.

7. Explain three reasons why a bartering relationship is not recommended in counseling.

Bartering, which involves exchanging goods or services instead of using monetary payment, is generally
not recommended in counseling due to several reasons:

1. Impaired Objectivity and Focus: Bartering can compromise the objectivity and focus of the
therapeutic relationship. When a counselor engages in a bartering relationship with a client, their
attention may shift from the client's therapeutic needs to the exchange of goods or services. This shift
can detract from the primary goal of counseling, which is to address the client's emotional and
psychological concerns effectively.

2. Ethical Boundaries and Dual Relationships: Bartering can lead to ethical boundary issues and potential
dual relationships. The counselor-client relationship is based on a professional and therapeutic
foundation that relies on appropriate boundaries and the avoidance of dual roles. Engaging in bartering
can blur these boundaries and create a non-traditional and potentially unprofessional dynamic between
the counselor and the client.

3. Unequal Value Perception: In a bartering relationship, the value of goods or services exchanged might
be subjective and open to interpretation. This can lead to disparities in perceived value between the
counselor and the client, potentially resulting in feelings of indebtedness or resentment. If the bartered
exchange is not considered fair by either party, it can negatively impact the therapeutic alliance and the
overall effectiveness of counseling.

Instead of bartering, it is recommended that counselors maintain a clear and transparent fee structure
for their services. A standard fee-for-service arrangement helps ensure that the counseling relationship
remains focused on the client's well-being, maintains professional boundaries, and avoids potential
ethical dilemmas related to dual relationships and value perceptions. By providing consistent and
predictable fees, counselors can foster a more secure and ethical therapeutic environment for their
clients.

8. Explain five factors to consider in determining the appropriateness of gift giving and receiving in
counseling.

Determining the appropriateness of gift giving and receiving in counseling requires careful consideration
of several factors to ensure that the therapeutic relationship remains ethical, transparent, and focused
on the client's best interests. Here are five important factors to consider:

a) Therapeutic Intent: The counselor should evaluate the intent behind the gift, both from the
client and themselves. Gift giving should be primarily driven by the client's desire to express gratitude or
appreciation, rather than an attempt to influence or manipulate the counseling process. Similarly,
counselors must assess their own intentions to ensure that accepting or declining the gift aligns with the
therapeutic objectives and does not compromise the counseling relationship.

b) Cultural and Contextual Relevance: Cultural norms and values play a significant role in gift-giving
practices. What might be considered appropriate in one culture could be inappropriate or
misunderstood in another. Counselors should be sensitive to the cultural background of the client and
consider how the act of giving or receiving a gift may be perceived within that context.

c) Gift Value and Implications: The value of the gift can influence its appropriateness. Expensive or
lavish gifts may create a power imbalance and raise ethical concerns. Additionally, counselors should be
aware of the symbolic meaning attached to certain gifts, as some items may carry specific implications
that could affect the therapeutic process.

d) Client Vulnerability: The counselor must consider the client's emotional vulnerability and power
dynamics within the therapeutic relationship. If a client is highly dependent on the counselor or has a
history of experiencing abusive relationships, accepting or rejecting a gift may have a significant impact
on the client's well-being and feelings of acceptance.

e) Ethical Guidelines and Codes: Counselors should refer to their professional ethical guidelines
and codes of conduct regarding gift giving and receiving. Many professional counseling associations
explicitly address this issue and provide guidance to ensure that counselors navigate potential ethical
dilemmas appropriately.

9. Explain five issues addressed in the counseling code of ethics.

a) Confidentiality and Privacy: Counselors are bound to maintain the confidentiality of their clients'
information, unless there's a risk of harm to the client or others. They must explain the limits of
confidentiality to clients and obtain informed consent for sharing information.
b) Informed Consent: Counselors are required to provide clients with clear and comprehensive
information about the counseling process, including the goals, techniques, potential risks, and benefits.
Clients must give informed consent before starting therapy.

c) Dual Relationships: Counselors are advised to avoid dual relationships, where they have multiple
roles with the same client (e.g., counselor and friend, counselor and employer). Such relationships can
compromise objectivity and the client's well-being.

d) Boundary Issues: Counselors must establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with their
clients to prevent any form of exploitation, harm, or discomfort. This includes emotional, physical, and
social boundaries.

e) Cultural Competence and Diversity: Counselors should be sensitive to the diverse backgrounds,
cultures, and identities of their clients. They should strive to provide inclusive and culturally competent
services, avoiding any form of discrimination or bias.

f) Competence and Professional Development: Counselors are responsible for maintaining a high
level of competence in their field. This involves continuous professional development, staying updated
on the latest research, and seeking consultation or supervision when needed.

g) Conflict of Interest: Counselors must avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their
objectivity or undermine the client's well-being. This includes financial, personal, or other interests that
might influence their professional judgment.

h) Professional Responsibility: Counselors have a duty to advocate for the well-being of their
clients, promoting their autonomy and self-determination. They must adhere to ethical principles even
in challenging situations and should take appropriate steps if they believe a colleague is acting
unethically.

10. Explore five limitations of codes of ethics in counseling.

a) Ambiguity and Interpretation: Ethical codes often use broad language and general principles to
guide counselors' behavior. This can lead to differing interpretations of what constitutes ethical behavior
in specific situations. What is considered ethical in one context might be perceived differently in
another, leading to potential confusion and ethical dilemmas.

b) Cultural and Contextual Variations: Ethical codes are often developed based on a particular
cultural or societal perspective. However, counseling is practiced in diverse cultural and social contexts,
which can lead to clashes between the universal principles in the code and the cultural norms and values
of clients. It may be challenging to navigate situations where ethical guidelines conflict with clients'
cultural expectations.

c) Rapidly Changing Landscape: The field of counseling evolves with advances in technology,
changes in societal norms, and emerging therapeutic modalities. Ethical codes can struggle to keep up
with these rapid changes, potentially lagging behind in addressing new ethical challenges that arise in
contemporary practice.
d) Lack of Enforcement: Ethical codes rely on self-regulation by the counseling profession. While
they provide guidance, they often lack mechanisms for effective enforcement. This can result in
instances where counselors engage in unethical behavior without facing significant consequences,
potentially undermining the public's trust in the profession.

e) Complex Ethical Dilemmas: Counseling often involves complex and multifaceted situations that
may not have clear-cut solutions based solely on the code of ethics. Counselors might encounter
situations where adhering to one ethical principle could conflict with another principle. Navigating these
dilemmas requires nuanced judgment and decision-making skills beyond what the code can provide.

11. Explain benefits of belonging to a counseling association.

a) Professional Development: Counseling associations often offer a wide range of resources for
professional development, including workshops, webinars, conferences, and seminars. These
opportunities allow members to stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and trends in the field.

b) Networking Opportunities: Membership in a counseling association provides access to a

network of colleagues and peers within the profession. Networking can lead to collaborations,
mentorship, and the exchange of ideas, which can contribute to career growth and success.

c) Access to Resources: Associations typically provide members with access to resources such as
research publications, journals, newsletters, and online libraries. These resources can help counselors
stay informed about evidence-based practices and advancements in the field.

d) Ethical Guidelines and Standards: Counseling associations often develop and maintain codes of
ethics and professional standards that guide ethical behavior in the practice of counseling. These
guidelines provide a framework for ethical decision-making and ensure high-quality client care.

e) Advocacy and Public Awareness: Many associations advocate for the counseling profession on a
larger scale. They work to raise public awareness about the importance of mental health, advocate for
policy changes that benefit the profession and clients, and engage in initiatives to reduce stigma around
seeking help.

f) Credentialing and Certification: Some counseling associations offer credentialing and

certification programs that can enhance a counselor's professional credentials and credibility. These
designations demonstrate a commitment to high standards of practice.

g) Continuing Education Opportunities: Counseling associations often provide opportunities for

members to earn continuing education credits required for license renewal. This helps professionals stay
current in their knowledge and skills.

12. Explain five unethical behaviors that counselors should avoid in counselling.

a) Dual Relationships: Engaging in dual relationships, where a counselor has multiple roles with a
client (e.g., counselor and friend, counselor and employer), can lead to conflicts of interest and a breach
of professional boundaries. Counselors should avoid entering into relationships that could compromise
their objectivity or the client's well-being.
b) Conflicts of Interest: Counselors should not engage in any activities that could create conflicts of
interest, such as accepting gifts, services, or financial arrangements that might influence their judgment
or decisions regarding a client. Financial or personal gain should not supersede the client's best
interests.

c) Lack of Confidentiality: Breaching confidentiality by sharing client information without proper

consent or a compelling reason can erode trust between counselor and client. Confidentiality is a
cornerstone of the counseling relationship, and counselors must take every precaution to protect their
clients' privacy.

d) Exploitation or Abuse: Exploiting or abusing a client's vulnerability, whether emotionally,

physically, or financially, is completely unethical. Counselors must maintain appropriate boundaries and
avoid any form of manipulation, coercion, or abuse.

e) Incompetence or Misrepresentation: Providing services beyond one's level of competence,

misrepresenting qualifications, or using interventions without appropriate training can harm clients.
Counselors should practice within their scope of expertise and seek supervision or additional training
when necessary.

f) Sexual Relationships: Engaging in any form of romantic or sexual relationship with a current
client is strictly unethical due to the power imbalance inherent in the counseling relationship. Even after
the professional relationship has ended, such relationships can be harmful and unprofessional.

g) Neglecting Informed Consent: Failing to adequately inform clients about the counseling process,
potential risks, benefits, and limits of confidentiality is a breach of ethical standards. Clients have the
right to make informed decisions about their treatment, and counselors must ensure they have the
necessary information.

h) Discrimination and Bias: Counselors must provide services to all clients without discrimination
based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Displaying bias or prejudice can harm clients and is a violation of ethical principles.

i) Unauthorized Practice: Providing counseling services without the proper qualifications, licensing,
or credentials is unethical and potentially illegal. Counselors should adhere to the licensing requirements
of their jurisdiction and only offer services they are qualified to provide.

j) Failure to Seek Supervision or Consultation: Counselors are encouraged to seek supervision or

consultation when faced with complex ethical dilemmas or challenging cases. Failing to do so could lead
to poor decision-making and inadequate client care.

13. Mary has been counseling a 17-year-old girl, Anne, for several weeks. Mary has had to work
hard to gain Anne’s trust. Anne was raised by abusive parents until she was 13 when she went to live
with her grandparent. Today she tells Mary that she is having some problems with her boyfriend. As
Anne describes these problems, Mary discovers that the boyfriend is treating her in an abuse manner.
When Mary expresses her concerns about this, Anne replies that she loves him and can get him to
change, that her grandparents don’t know about this behavior, and that she absolutely does not want
Mary to tell them or anyone else.
a) How might you apply each of the moral ethical principles to this situation?

Various principles come into play in this scenario as below:

a) Autonomy: Respect for autonomy entails valuing the individual's right to make their own
decisions, even if those decisions are different from what others might choose. In Anne's case,
respecting her autonomy means acknowledging her right to make choices about her relationship, even if
they may seem unwise or harmful. The counselor should provide Anne with information, support, and
guidance while ultimately respecting her right to decide whether to address the abusive relationship or
not.

b) Beneficence: The principle of beneficence emphasizes the counselor's responsibility to act in the
best interests of the client and promote their well-being. In Anne's case, this involves helping her
recognize the potential harm of the abusive relationship and exploring healthy alternatives. The
counselor can provide information about the dynamics of abuse and help Anne develop strategies to
ensure her safety and emotional well-being.

c) Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence refers to the counselor's obligation to do no harm and

prevent harm to the client. In this context, the counselor must consider whether refraining from
intervening in an abusive situation could result in harm to Anne. If there's a substantial risk to Anne's
safety or well-being, the counselor may need to carefully weigh the potential harm of breaching
confidentiality against the potential harm of not taking action.

d) Justice: The principle of justice involves treating clients fairly and equitably. In Anne's situation,
it's important to ensure that she receives appropriate support and resources regardless of her
background or circumstances. The counselor should also consider whether the boyfriend's abusive
behavior should be addressed to prevent further injustice or harm.

e) Fidelity: Fidelity relates to the counselor's commitment to being trustworthy and maintaining
the trust of the client. In this case, the counselor must consider how to uphold Anne's trust while also
fulfilling their duty to protect her from harm. This may involve discussing the limits of confidentiality
with Anne and exploring potential steps that can be taken to address the abusive situation without
betraying her trust entirely.

f) Veracity: Veracity emphasizes honesty and truthfulness in the counselor-client relationship. The
counselor should provide Anne with accurate and balanced information about abuse, its potential
consequences, and her options. While respecting Anne's autonomy, the counselor can gently challenge
any unrealistic beliefs Anne might have about changing her boyfriend's behavior.

In this complex situation, the counselor's approach should be guided by a thoughtful consideration of
these ethical principles, while keeping Anne's best interests and safety at the forefront. It may be
necessary to seek supervision or consultation to make an informed and ethical decision that balances
the principals involved.

END