Emily And Mr. Pearson, Emily's Wellspring Counseling Center

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This paper addresses a case study involving Emily and Mr. Pearson, Emily’s mental health counselor who directs the Wellspring Counseling Center. The case involves his inappropriate behavior towards Emily, a client of his, diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Mr. Pearson's inappropriate actions towards Emily include boundary violations, such as physical contact, recommending alcohol consumption, and suggesting inappropriate behavior from Emily. Ms. Meade, a registered intern under Mr. Pearson's supervision, became aware of these issues. This paper uses an ethical decision-making model to identify the problem, consider relevant ethical codes and statutes, identify the nature of the dilemma, explore potential courses of action, evaluate …show more content…

This problem is both an ethical and professional issue, as Mr. Pearson's actions breach the trust and integrity expected in the counselor-client relationship. This is an ethical issue from the counselor, Mr. Pearson, who hires a client to work for him and continues seeing her for sessions, inappropriately touches her, encourages dancing in front of him and wearing provocative clothing, recommends drinking, and seeks an intimate relationship with her. Step 2: Apply the ACA Code of Ethics and Florida statutes: ACA Code of Ethics A.5.a Sexual and/or Romantic Relationships Prohibited: “Sexual and/or romantic counselor-client interactions or relationships with current clients, their romantic partners, or their family members are prohibited. This prohibition applies to both in person and electronic interactions or relationships (ACA, 2014).” Mr. Pearson's behavior of holding Emily's hand, giving long hugs, and kissing her constitutes sexual harassment, violating this code. Mr. Pearson's suggestion of a romantic relationship with Emily is a clear violation of this

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