Differences in the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics

Full Answer Section

• • It is a professional guideline, and not law, unless a state has adopted it into law.  
• Other Appropriate Codes of Ethics:
  • Other relevant ethical codes may include those from:
    • The American Psychological Association (APA): Primarily for psychologists, with differences in scope and emphasis compared to the ACA code.  
    • The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): Specifically for marriage and family therapists, addressing unique ethical considerations in those contexts.  
    • State-specific professional organizations: Many states have their own counseling associations with ethical guidelines.  
  • These codes often overlap, but may have differences in specific rules. Example: differences in length of time before a sexual relationship with a former client can occur.
• State Licensed Professional Counselor Rules and Regulations:
  • These are legally binding regulations enacted by state licensing boards.  
  • They define the scope of practice, licensure requirements, and ethical standards that counselors must adhere to within that state.
  • They carry the force of law, and violations can result in disciplinary action, including license revocation.  
  • State regulations can adopt parts of the ACA code of ethics, or create their own rules. So, there can be state by state differences.  
• Key Distinctions:
  • Legal vs. Professional: State regulations are legally enforceable, while ethical codes are primarily professional guidelines.
  • Scope: State regulations define the legal boundaries of practice, while ethical codes provide broader guidance on professional conduct.
  • Specificity: State regulations may be more specific in certain areas, such as reporting requirements or record-keeping standards.

2. Personal Values vs. Professional Expectations:

• Self-Awareness:
  • It's crucial for counselors to be aware of their own values, beliefs, and biases.
  • This self-awareness helps prevent personal values from inappropriately influencing the therapeutic process.
• Professional Expectations:
  • The counseling profession emphasizes values like:
    • Respect for client autonomy.
    • Non-judgmental acceptance.
    • Cultural competence.
    • Maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Counselors are expected to prioritize the client's well-being and adhere to ethical standards, even when those standards may conflict with personal values.  
• Value Conflicts:
  • Potential conflicts can arise in areas such as:
    • Moral or religious beliefs.
    • Views on lifestyle choices.
    • Political or social issues.
  • When conflicts arise, counselors must:
    • Seek supervision or consultation.
    • Prioritize the client's needs.
    • Consider referral if necessary.
• Maintaining Professionalism:
  • It is the counselors job to maintain professionalism, and not to impose their own personal values on the client.
  • The counselor must create a safe space for the client, and not a space where the client feels judged.  

In essence, ethical practice involves a constant process of self-reflection, ethical reasoning, and adherence to professional standards and legal regulations.

Sample Answer

Understanding the ethical landscape of professional counseling requires navigating a complex interplay of professional codes and legal regulations. Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions:

1. Differences in Ethical Codes and Regulations:

• American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics:
  • This serves as the foundational ethical guide for professional counselors.  
  • It emphasizes principles like autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity.  
  • It provides detailed standards for various aspects of counseling practice, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional responsibility