Ethical Code Violations Case Study

While approaching this case of ethical code violations the idea that counselors “facilitate growth and development in ways that foster the interest and welfare of the clients and promote formation of healthy relationships” (Birrell & Bruns, 2016) repeatedly came to mind. Most of my rationale in the decision-making process of this case comes back to what is expected of LPC and how the disconnection of this was viewed in the accused LPC and his clients. Birrell and Bruns (2016) informed more of how autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, and veracity contribute to the principles of counseling and the therapeutic process. Birrell and Bruns (2016) state that ethics is to be the core of work as therapists. Having this research

I do believe there are steps in place to identify counseling students who may be at more risk to violate codes. While moving through this case I was reminded of the ethical code concerning gatekeeping (ACA, 2014). I believe that preventing future violations begins in the forefront of an LPC educational training. Letourneau (2016) realized with the updated codes of ethics in 2014, that counseling professionals become more responsible for identifying and addressing problematic behaviors observed in counseling students. Letourneau (2016) did provide readers with the idea that interactions between counseling professionals and their students may be a cross cultural interaction due to the power difference in the educator-student relationship. With this statement in mind, I believe that students should show professionalism in their interactions inside and outside of the counseling profession. If I notice behaviors in myself that evoke unprofessionalism with my professors who are my guidance for this profession, I will wonder what behaviors a client could possibly evoke in me in a session. I believe self-awareness is a huge aspect in knowing if someone is a good fit for this profession, but I also am seeing how the responsibility of gatekeeping could limit or reduce ethical code

Burkholder and Hall (2014) visit the topic of gatekeeping as well as how personal values can directly impact the competency of an individual in the counseling profession. As a student in a counseling program, this ethical case has brought to my attention how my personal values can impact my therapeutic work. From behaviors clients may view as passive aggressiveness to the direct advice giving to a client, this case and the related research allowed me to understand that awareness, supervision, and consultation will help guide my counseling career more than I realize. Herlihy and Dufrene (2011) provided more support in viewing that one of the most prominent issues counseling professionals are pressed with is the act of practicing ethically. Herlihy and Dufrene (2011) found most complaints made to licensure boards include inappropriate dual relationships, incompetence, practicing without a license or misrepresenting one's qualifications, sexual relationships with clients, and breach of confidentiality. Although the case analyzed throughout this paper does not meet all of those listed as frequent complaints, it is very similar. Ponton and Duba (2009) realized that the expectations as well as the ethical guidelines for LPC are constantly changing based off how society is changing. I think it is important as a student