Ethics and Issues in Counselling 2020

(Question 1)

Discuss how the therapist may have differing views on the role of confidentiality when working with
families? Elaborate your answer with FIVE (5) arguments. Provide appropriate examples for each
argument.

1. Systemic Approach vs. Individual Privacy

- Argument: Therapists adopting a systemic or family systems approach may prioritize the overall family
dynamics over individual privacy.
- Example: A systemic therapist might believe that sharing certain information among family members is
essential to address underlying relational patterns, even if it breaches the confidentiality of an
individual family member.

2. Cultural Sensitivity

- Argument: Therapists may differ in their views based on cultural considerations, as some cultures
emphasize collective well-being over individual autonomy.
- Example: A therapist working with a collectivist culture might prioritize sharing information with the
family to ensure communal support, even if it challenges the Western individualistic concept of
confidentiality.

3. Legal and Ethical Obligations

- Argument: Therapists may interpret legal and ethical guidelines differently, influencing their stance on
confidentiality.
- Example: Some therapists may adhere strictly to legal requirements, disclosing information only when
mandated by law, while others may choose a more cautious approach, erring on the side of protecting
the family system.

4. Client Autonomy and Informed Consent

- Argument: Therapists might vary in their commitment to upholding individual client autonomy and the
importance of obtaining informed consent for disclosure within the family context.
- Example: A therapist who strongly values client autonomy may be hesitant to share information
without explicit consent, even within a family therapy setting, emphasizing the importance of open
communication with clients about potential breaches of confidentiality.

5. Safety Concerns and Risk Assessment

- Argument: Therapists may differ in their assessment of potential harm or risk, impacting their decision
on whether to breach confidentiality for the sake of safety.
- Example: A therapist may choose to disclose information if there are concerns about harm to a family
member, such as a child at risk of abuse, even if it means breaching the confidentiality of another
family member.
(Question 2)

Suggest FIVE (5) ways on how you would prepare yourself as an effective multicultural counsellor.
Justify your answers with appropriate examples.

1. Cultural Competence Training

- Justification: Attend workshops, courses, or engage in ongoing training to enhance cultural

competence. This involves developing an understanding of various cultures, values, and
communication styles.
- Example: Participate in a cultural competence training program that focuses on specific aspects of
diversity, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. This can provide practical insights and
strategies for working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

2. Self-Reflection and Awareness

- Justification: Engage in continuous self-reflection to recognize and challenge personal biases,

assumptions, and stereotypes that may impact counseling relationships.
- Example: Regularly examine personal beliefs and cultural biases through self-reflection exercises,
journaling, or supervision. Acknowledge areas where personal biases might affect interactions with
clients and take steps to address them.

3. Language Proficiency

- Justification: Develop language proficiency in relevant languages to facilitate effective communication

and build rapport with clients from different linguistic backgrounds.
- Example: If working in a community with a significant non-English speaking population, acquire basic
proficiency in languages commonly spoken by clients. This can enhance communication and trust, as
clients may feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their native language.

4. Cultural Humility

- Justification:* Embrace a mindset of cultural humility, recognizing that cultural competence is a

continuous learning process that involves acknowledging one's limitations and seeking to understand
others' perspectives.
- Example: Approach counseling sessions with curiosity and openness, asking clients about their
cultural background and experiences. Avoid assuming expertise in all cultural matters and be willing to
learn from clients about their unique cultural contexts.

5. Familiarity with Diversity Issues

- Justification: Stay informed about current diversity and inclusion issues, recognizing the evolving
nature of societal attitudes and the impact on clients' well-being.
- Example: Regularly read literature, research, and news related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For
instance, staying informed about evolving LGBTQ+ rights and challenges can help counselors provide
sensitive and informed support to clients within this community.
(Question 3)

As a secondary school counsellor, Raymond was asked by his principal to conduct interviews regarding
the common abuses happened among teenagers. The interview data will be used to raise the society issues
for counselling purposes. All respondents will be given an inform consent before the interviews started.

Discuss FIVE (5) teenage abuses that that has always been a concern in the society. Explain your answers
with appropriate examples

1. Substance Abuse
- Explanation: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug misuse, is a prevalent issue among
teenagers. It can have severe consequences on physical health, academic performance, and social
relationships.
- Example: Raymond may encounter teenagers who engage in binge drinking at parties or experiment
with illicit substances. Understanding the reasons behind their choices can help tailor counseling
interventions to address underlying issues such as peer pressure or emotional distress.

2. Cyberbullying
- Explanation: With the rise of digital communication, cyberbullying has become a pervasive problem,
impacting teenagers emotionally and psychologically.
- Example: Interviews might reveal instances where students are targeted through social media,
messaging apps, or online forums. Exploring the impact on the victims and understanding the
motivations behind the cyberbullying can guide counseling strategies to promote digital resilience and
healthy online behaviors.

3. Teen Dating Violence

- Explanation: Abuse within teenage relationships, including physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, is a
concerning issue that can have lasting effects on mental health.
- Example: Raymond may encounter cases where students experience dating violence, such as
controlling behaviors, verbal threats, or physical aggression. Understanding the dynamics of these
relationships can inform counseling interventions to empower victims and promote healthy relationship
skills.

4. Self-Harm and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

- Explanation: Some teenagers engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with emotional pain or
stress, even though they might not have suicidal intentions.
- Example: Interviews might reveal instances of cutting, burning, or other self-harm behaviors.
Understanding the emotional triggers and underlying mental health issues is crucial for providing
appropriate counseling support and connecting students with mental health resources.

5. Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

- Explanation: Sexual abuse and exploitation are serious concerns affecting teenagers, with potential
long-term consequences on their mental health and well-being.
- Example: Interviews could uncover cases of sexual harassment, assault, or exploitation within or
outside the school environment. Sensitivity and support are essential in these cases, and counselors like
Raymond play a critical role in helping survivors navigate the emotional aftermath and seek
appropriate assistance.
(Question 4)

Discuss FIVE (5) ways to upgrade your skills as an ethical counselor. Justify your answers with relevant
examples.

1. Regular Supervision and Consultation

- Justification:Engage in regular supervision or consultation with experienced colleagues or mentors to

receive feedback and guidance on ethical dilemmas and case management.
- Example: A counselor facing a complex ethical situation, such as dual relationships with clients, can
discuss the case with a supervisor to gain insights into maintaining professional boundaries while
providing effective counseling.

2. Ethics Training and Workshops

- Justification: Attend ethics-focused training sessions and workshops to stay informed about the latest
ethical guidelines, legal updates, and best practices in the counseling profession.
- Example: Participating in a workshop on technology and ethics can help counselors navigate the ethical
challenges posed by online counseling platforms, ensuring that they provide secure and confidential
services to clients.

3. Case Conferencing with Peers

- Justification: Collaborate with fellow counselors through case conferencing to share experiences,
discuss ethical dilemmas, and learn from each other's perspectives.
- Example: A counselor may present a challenging case involving confidentiality concerns in a group
setting, allowing peers to provide diverse insights and alternative solutions based on their ethical
experiences.

4. Cultural Competence Training

- Justification: Enhance cultural competence through training to navigate ethical considerations related to
diversity and inclusion, ensuring equitable and respectful counseling practices.
- Example: Attending a cultural competence training program can help a counselor better understand the
unique ethical challenges faced when working with clients from diverse backgrounds, such as
addressing cultural biases and promoting culturally sensitive interventions.

5. Regular Review of Ethical Codes

- Justification: Stay updated on ethical codes and guidelines established by professional counseling
organizations, regularly reviewing them to ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards.
- Example: A counselor might make it a routine to review the American Counseling Association (ACA)
Code of Ethics or other relevant ethical guidelines, ensuring that their counseling practices align with
the latest ethical standards and principles.
(Question 5)

Based on the Counsellor Act 1998, discuss FIVE (5) malpractices that could be happening in counselling
professionalism. Justify your answers with appropriate examples.

1. Breach of Confidentiality
- Breach of confidentiality is a serious ethical violation in counseling that occurs when a counselor
discloses private information about a client without their explicit consent. Confidentiality is a
cornerstone of the counseling relationship, and breaches can have significant consequences for the trust
between the counselor and the client.
- Example: Sharing confidential client information without proper consent. For instance, a counselor
revealing details of a client's sessions to a third party, violating the client's right to privacy.

2. Dual Relationships
- Dual relationships in counseling refer to situations where a counselor holds two or more roles
simultaneously with a client, or has a relationship with a client outside of the therapeutic context.
While not all dual relationships are inherently unethical or harmful, they can pose risks to the
therapeutic alliance and the well-being of the client.
- Example: Engaging in multiple roles with a client, such as being both a counselor and a business
partner. This can create conflicts of interest and compromise the objectivity and well-being of the
client.

3. Incompetence or Lack of Professionalism

- Incompetence or a lack of professionalism in counseling refers to situations where counselors do not
meet the standards of competence, expertise, and ethical conduct expected within the profession. This
can manifest in various ways and may jeopardize the well-being of clients and the integrity of the
counseling process.
- Example: Providing counseling services without the necessary qualifications or failing to maintain
professional boundaries. For instance, a counselor offering advice outside their scope of competence or
engaging in inappropriate relationships with clients.

4. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

- Failure to obtain informed consent in counseling is a serious ethical violation that occurs when a
counselor neglects to properly inform clients about the nature of the therapeutic process, the potential
risks and benefits, and the limits of confidentiality. Informed consent is a crucial aspect of the
therapeutic relationship, emphasizing transparency, autonomy, and respect for the client's right to make
informed decisions about their treatment
- Example: Providing counseling without adequately informing the client about the nature of the
counseling, potential risks, and the limits of confidentiality. This lack of transparency can undermine
the client's autonomy and informed decision-making.

5. Negligence or Harmful Practices

- Negligence or harmful practices in counseling refer to situations where counselors fail to provide a
standard of care that prioritizes the well-being of their clients. This can result in harm, whether
physical, emotional, or psychological, and may be a breach of ethical and professional standards.
- Example: Conducting counseling interventions that are harmful or ineffective, either due to outdated
practices or a lack of awareness of evidence-based approaches. This can result in harm to the client's
mental health and well-being.