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Psychotherapy as a profession belongs to those areas of activity where human is the center of interest and
influence. The interpersonal relationships established by the counsellor always have an ethical dimension
and involve interference in the way of the existence of another human being. These circumstances determine
the importance of compliance with professional ethics in counsellors' activities and justify the imposition of
high ethical requirements on them. Being an ethical counsellor requires ethical awareness and knowledge,
the ability of ethical reasoning skills, and motivation to act ethically.

"John, a 30-year-old man, is a brand-new student in the MACP program. He appears eager to begin
the process of learning; since his first day of class, he's shared that he has come from his own
addiction problems. He mentioned during the introduction that he works in a substance abuse clinic.
In his discussions with his peers, he was eager to point out that he would make "the best counsellor
because he understood what his clients were going through…” John submitted the first assignment
without support from any scholarly research or evidence. In fact, he commented to a peer in class that
"life experience is far better than research." A peer colleague gently confronted him and John quickly
retorted, "I take pride in my past struggles, and no one is perfect." He paused and remarked, "I
already know how to provide counselling; I just need the degree to say that I am fit to be registered as
a counsellor." The instructor acknowledged that everyone has something to learn in the MACP
program, and John interrupted, stating, "I am sure many do, but some of us have already done all of
our personal work."

 In choosing a career in the helping professions, it is imperative that you reflect on the reasons you
are considering entering this field. Review the ethics code/standards of practice and discuss what
personal and professional issues you see in John’s presentation.

1.1.1

In order to be an ethical counsellor, one must have the required knowledge, skill and judgment.
Although some of these can be acquired by life experiences, it as well needs to be maintained by
continuing education such as additional courses, supervision, reading peer reviewed articles, and
engaging in other self-growth activities (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
[CCPA],2020; CCPA, 2021). By not fully engaging in a course and taking on a caseload without
adequate training, John is violating the ethical principles of beneficence and justice (CCPA, 2020). If a
client has trauma and substance use concerns and John assumes the addiction is more important to
the client over the trauma based off his own experiences then he is not honouring the clients right to
adequate treatment (justice) or supporting the clients’ interests (beneficence). Without exploring the
clients wants and just assuming a treatment plan, John would be violating the client’s autonomy.

In biopsychology we explored why we chose to enroll in a counselling profession. For many, this came
from personal histories and the want to “help others”. Part of being an ethical counsellor is
recognizing that everyone’s individual experience is unique and our own world view should not be
forced upon others (Collins, 2018). John believes personal experiences are superior to schooling and
therefore may not allow the client to feel safe when expressing their world view, and may accidently
force his opinions onto his clients.

Word count: 235

References
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). (2020). Code of ethics. https://www.ccpa-
 accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CCPA-2020-Code-of-Ethics-E-Book-EN.pdf
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2021). Standards of practice (6th
ed.). https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CCPA-Standards-of-Practice-ENG-Sept-
29-Web-file.pdf

Collins, S. (2018). Culturally responsive and socially just counselling: Teaching and learning

guide. Faculty of Health Disciplines Open Textbooks, Athabasca

University. https://crsjguide.pressbooks.com/

I notice that John has lack of ethical self-awareness regarding his behaviour. John believes that his personal
experience with addiction is the most important component for him to become a competent counsellor.
Moreover, John assumes that his future clients will respond, relate, and have the same feelings that he had
with his addiction problem (Shebib,2020).

Another issue with John’s scenario is his lack of acknowledgement of A12 Diversity Responsiveness
section (CCPA,2021). According to the A12 section it is crucial for counsellors to acknowledge, respect and
grasp client’s diversity (CCPA,2021). This includes of being aware of different factors that can impact
clients’ beliefs and behavior such as ethnicity or gender identification (CCPA,2021). John does not give any
consideration or acknowledgement that individuals come from different backgrounds and life experiences
and how this can make each person’s addiction experience different.

Furthermore, John discusses that he does not need to improve his current knowledge to become a counsellor
as his life experience is the most important and valuable experience that he can use to help clients. CCPA
(2021) section A1 states that counsellors are required to seek professional development and continue to
learn through educating themselves to gain more knowledge.

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA]. (2021). Standards of Practice (6th
ed.). https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CCPA-Standards-of-Practice-ENG-Sept-
29-Web-file.pdf

Shebib, B. (2020). Choices interviewing and counselling skills for Canadians. 7th edition. Pearson.

Hello Gisalle,

Very good points. I viewed John’s scenario in regards to not allowing the client potential autonomy in
the care plan as he may prioritize addictions concerns over other comorbidities. However, your point
regarding cultural diversity could as well potentially impact the client’s autonomy (CCPA, 2020). As
counsellors we strive to develop a strong relationship with our clients through mutual respect and
trust (Slay-Westbrook, 2017). If John was not to take his education seriously, he could risk not learning
adequate information regarding clients’ worldviews, culturally sensitive care, and how to navigate
difficult situations, especially difference in opinions. Moleria et al. (2018) found that although
clinicians are aware of cultural diversity, many of them are not comfortable discussing it due to
minimal experience and training. As a result, clients may go unheard or lack fulsome beneficial
therapy.

I guess this is an ethical dilemma…..

If one treats a client without the proper knowledge, they are potentially violating the ethical principle
of doing no harm. However, if they choose to neglect the cultural component with a client who sees
great value in it, they are doing an injustice (CCPA, 2020).

How would you proceed in this situation?

Word count: 194

References
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). (2020). Code of ethics. https://www.ccpa-
accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CCPA-2020-Code-of-Ethics-E-Book-EN.pdf
Moleiro, C., Freire, J., Pinto, N., & Roberto, S. (2018). Integrating diversity into therapy processes: The
role of individual and cultural diversity competences in promoting equality of care. Counselling and
Psychotherapy Research, 18(2), 190–198. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12157

Slay-Westbrook, S. (2017). Respect-focused therapy: Honoring clients through the therapeutic

relationships and process. Routledge.

1.1.3

This statement had me thinking about countertransference; when the therapist can not separate their
feelings from the client (Jenks & Oka, 2020). John believes he will be “the best counsellor ever” as he
can relate to his clients, but this can also violate the ethical principles if John is not careful. If John
begins to struggle again with addictions, he may find that his clients are filling the emotional gaps in
his life and may turn to them for comfort. As clients go to therapy to better themselves in a safe space,
one fear with countertransference is that romantic feelings can arise, which could be a violation of
code A11 (Sexual harassment), B11 (relationships with former clients), and B12 (sexual conduct)
(CCPA, 2020; Jenks & Oka, 2020). When one identifies that countertransference is occurring, it may be
useful to seek out supervision as per CCPA (2020) guidelines and increase self awareness and
development. Supervision does not increase education in the counselling profession, but allows for
the counsellor to increase their skills to be a competent and ethical counsellor (Jenks & Oka, 2020).
This includes assistance in navigating emotions one may have towards their clients, including romantic
or sexual feelings.

Word count: 199

References
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). (2020). Code of ethics. https://www.ccpa-
accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CCPA-2020-Code-of-Ethics-E-Book-EN.pdf

Jenks, D. B., & Oka, M. (2021). Breaking Hearts: Ethically Handling Transference and Countertransference in
Therapy. American Journal of Family Therapy, 49(5), 443–460. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2020.1830732