Confidentiality In Counseling

Standards To Uphold Providing Free/Bono Work

When professional counselors are establishing fees, counselors should establish the the financial status of clients and locality. Christian counselors are encouraged, beyond their fee schedule, to make a portion of their time and services available without cost or at a greatly reduced fee to those unable to pay. (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). (AACC Code of Ethics, Y-2014).

Disclosure of Personal Information

Counselors should make sure to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of clients, and this is maintained by subordinates, including employees. Counselors discuss confidential information only in settings in which they can reasonably ensure client privacy. Counselors protect the confidentiality

of deceased clients, consistent with legal requirements and the documented preferences of the client. When counseling minor clients or adult clients who lack the capacity to give voluntary, informed consent, counselors protect the confidentiality of information received. Counselors work to establish, as appropriate, collaborative relationships with parents/guardians to best serve clients. Christian counselors avoid stating or implying that confidentiality is guaranteed or absolute, and discuss the limits of confidentiality, privacy and privileged communication with clients at the onset of counseling. Christian counselors accept the limits of confidentiality when human life is imperiled or abused. Counselors can take action which include the necessary disclosures of confidential information, if the client threatens serious bodily harm to others, and/or the abuse of children, elders, and dependent persons. Christian counselors will preserve, store, and transfer written records of client communications in a way that protects client confidentiality and privacy rights that may be required by state/federal law. Christian counselors hear some of the most private and detailed accounts of people’s lives. This information must be guarded from public disclosure. With the expansion of electronic information networks increasingly threatens client privacy rights. (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). (AACC Code of Ethics, Y-2014).

Objectivity

Remaining objective for the client is important because the ultimate goal of the counselor is to help the client who is experiencing personal challenges and be able to resolve them and improve their emotional well being.

The counselor must establish a trustworthy relationship with the client which will create the foundation in order to effectively reach the goals for the client. It is important for the counselor to listen to the client’s story, make sure to take good notes, and establish clear objectives based on the specific needs of the client. The counselor should be empathetic, make sure your focus is on the patient, always make sure your relationship is professional, make sure proper procedures are followed and also that the importance of confidentiality. By communicating a set of objectives, with milestones along the way, you can help your client feel hopeful and their issues can come to a resolution.

(http://locktonmedicalliabilityinsurance.com/build-trusting-counselor-patient-relationship).

Balancing Your Life
Balancing your career and life is very important to your success.

You must have downtime in your schedule. It is important to stay active, exercising at least three times a week is very important. Making sure to eat a balance meal which is healthy is also very important. You should also make time for fun, this will also give balance to your life. Make boundaries clear between work and family and even personal time can be an effective approach to balancing work and home. Making a little time and space for you is really important for your own happiness and will have a positive effect. Just 10 minutes of mindfulness practice or 20 minutes of exercise can make a huge difference. Also make sure to have your priorities aligned. Prioritizing is very important and necessary for your

success.

Spirituality
Christian counselors are bound to honor the ethics and rules of their profession, church, or employing organization in every way possible. When these ethics and rules are in direct opposition to God, and if unable to harmonize the mandates of Scripture with these rules, Christian counselors support their right to elect non-adherence to those ethics and rules that offend the way of Christ. Christian counselors always seek first peaceable and biblical resolution of disputes. (AACC Code of Ethics, Y-2014).

References