In clinical supervision, the supervisors are there to help the supervisees to gain the responsibility, skills, experience, knowledge, and gain the competence to be able to work in the field of psychology, as a counselor or other mental health professional. Everyday counselors and mental health professionals are faced with situations or issues where a decision or action must be made. These decisions and action must be considered professional and ethical and follow the guidelines that the ACA or APA set forth. This paper will look at the presented case study, involving the supervisor named Lily, and an intern named Jack, and the ethical issues that were presented in this case between the supervisor/supervisee. This paper will incorporate …show more content…
how this author’s own personal values correlate with the issues presented in this case. This paper will provide the ACA and APA guidelines and codes that were violated in this case as well. As a counseling supervisor, their main role is to be responsible in providing the knowledge, skills, and training to their supervisee so they can gain the experience in order to properly treat clients and work in the field of psychology.
There are different ways that the supervisors help the supervisee to gain these needed skills and experience. In the clinical portion, the supervisor evaluates and assist how the supervisees do their work and help to come up with strategies to improve their way of doing things and learning. Supervisors are also setting an example in the way they handle the situation and do their work for the supervisee would know and understand how to be ethical and professional in their work. Supervisors play a supportive role in their supervisees development by “changing, shaping, or supporting their behavior and actions” (Roles and Responsibilities of Supervisors, 2016). Lastly, supervisors evaluate the supervisee performance in how they treat patients and how they handle a certain situation or issue during the sessions. This is done so the supervisor can make sure the supervisee in behaving and doing things in a manner that is ethical and if they are not, the supervisor is there to teach them the correct …show more content…
way. In the presented case involving the licensed mental health professional Lily and the intern Jack, one of the ethical issues, in this case, is the fact that Lily had to go on medical leave for about six weeks, however, she is the only licensed mental health professional in the office. Lily decides that it will be ok for Jack to continue working in the office while she was away. During the leave, Lily was not able to be contacted or reach should anything had happened. Jack is still learning and gaining the competence that is needed to treat patients. Having a supervisor present is a must, especially in this case. One of the important issues is the fact that Jack is not ready to treat clients on his own without supervision. In this case, Jack believed he could handle things on his own and be able to treat clients. However, a new patient came into the office while Lily was away. During the session, the patient was showing signs of psychosis, Jack wasn’t sure if it really was or how to handle the situation or how to treat the patient. Jack decided to look on the internet for guidance. Jack found some techniques on the internet and incorporated them into the session to help treat the patient. In Jack’s mind, he felt that whatever happened would not be his responsibility, but it would be Lily’s. Following treatment, the patient who was showing signs of psychosis was arrested and taken to the emergency room. The patient believed that he could fly and decided to try and jump off a building. At the emergency room, the patient was evaluated and it was determined that he was suffering from psychosis and was given an antipsychotic medicine. When the client was in a good and stable condition they decided to file a complaint against Lily and Jack with the state licensing board and also threaten to take legal action as well. Upon Lily arrival from medical leave she discovered what had happened while she was gone, she was livid. Lily was mad and accused Jack of practicing and treating patients without permission, especially new patients. Lily informed Jack that she would no longer be his supervisor. In return, Jack was angry because Lily had left him in that predicament in the first place. Jack also was responsible for making decisions and treating patients on his own, without the proper guidance or supervision. Do to what had occurred and lack of supervision and guidance, Jack filed a complaint against Lily. Lily acted unprofessionally and unethically when she decided to leave on medical leave without first setting up another supervisor for Jack. Jack was not capable or competent yet to handle an office or patients on his own, without supervision. When Lily returned and realized what had happened in her absence, she did not act in a professional or ethical manner.
Instead of trying to fix the issue she blamed Jack. Under the ACA code that falls under Section F.1 Counselor Supervision and Client, Welfare F.1.a states that “A primary obligation of counseling supervisors is to monitor the services provided by supervisees. Counseling supervisors monitor client welfare and supervisee performance and professional development” (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). In section F.4.a. “Informed Consent for Supervision Supervisors are responsible for incorporating into their supervision the principles of informed consent and participation. Supervisors inform supervisees of the policies and procedures to which supervisors are to adhere and the mechanisms for due process appeal of individual supervisor actions” (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). It is vital that supervisors let supervisees know about informed consent and the guidelines and principles that need to be followed. This will help in case any legal action is filed against the office or them personally. In this case, Lily did not fool the ethics codes that the ACA or APA set forth. The other codes that Lily did not follow or take into consideration are F.2 Counselor Supervision Competence F.2.a “Supervisor Preparation Prior to offering supervision services, counselors are trained in supervision methods and techniques. Counselors who offer supervision services regularly pursue
continuing education activities, including both counseling and supervision topics and skills” (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). In section F.4.b. Emergencies and Absences Supervisors, it is important the supervisor informed the supervisee on how to communicate and be able to contact them in their absence, or how to get ahold of another supervisor to help with issues (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). In the APA the guidelines that could have helped Lily were 7.06 Assessing Student and Supervisee Performance provide feedback to supervisee and what is expected of them and the policies that need to be followed at the start of any supervisor/supervisee relationship (Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 2017). In this case, it wasn’t just Lily who did not follow the ACA or APA guidelines that are set up to help make sound and ethical decisions. The codes that Jack was responsible for not following were under Section 5: Student and Supervisee Responsibilities. F.5.a states that “Students and supervisees have a responsibility to understand and follow the ACA Code of Ethics. Students and supervisees have the same obligation to clients as those required of professional counselors” (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). Under F.5.c. Professional Disclosure “Before providing counseling services, students and supervisees disclose their status as supervisees and explain how this status affects the limits of confidentiality. Supervisors ensure that clients are aware of the services rendered and the qualifications of the students and supervisees rendering those services” (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). Jack did not inform the new patient that he was just a supervisee and what his qualification was, this could help in preventing any legal action as well against Jack. Looking at my own personal values and the issues that were presented in this case study, I definitely feel that if I was Jack, I would have informed the new patient that I was unable to see any new patient and refer them to another mental health professional that could help them. In my own life, I strive to follow the rules and guidelines that are presented to me. In this case, I definitely would rely on the ACA and APA codes and guideline to help guide me in the right decision. I also feel that if I was Jack and if my supervisor was going on medical leave, I definitely will inform her how uncomfortable I am in taking care of the office or clients without any supervision and guidance. As a supervisor, I definitely feel that it is my responsibility to make sure I take the steps to ensure my office and the people working there are following the rules and guidelines of the APA and ACA, whether I am in the office or on medical leave. Being a supervisor, I am responsible for what occurs in my absence. I wouldn’t have left Jack alone without at least providing another supervisor to watch and guide him. I would also make sure that I left Jack the proper contact information to get a hold of me at any time. These are things that Lily should have done as well before taking medical leave. These are not only how I would handle the issues due to my own personal values but what I would recommend for Jack and Lily in preparing for the issues in this situation and making sure they turn to the APA or ACA guidelines and codes of ethics to help with their decision making throughout their career life.
It is important as a professional health care provider to have guidelines, regulations, and ethical standards to obey when providing care to the public. The ACA is to improve the quality of professional counselors in the community with education, knowledge, and guidelines by providing an ACA Code of Ethics standard when delivering treatment toward a clientele (American Counseling Association, 2015). One particular part of the ACA mission that is essential, is the ACA Code of Ethics. The purpose of the ACA Code of Ethics is a guide to ensure counselors in training and professional counselors understand the ethical obligations toward clients, possible grievances for conduct unbecoming, and professional responsibilities, which supports the ACA
Having clinical supervision also gives the practitioner time to identify training to continue their development needs within the work place (Quality care commission,2013). According to the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Clinical supervision is vital in achieving and maintaining a high-quality practice which is safe and effective you should be promoting a good experience to the patient. This trust believes it would be best if clinical supervision was available to all clinical staff whether they are registered or not (Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation, 2014). Supervision should include tasks such as having education and being able to develop skills essential for any tasks you will be involved in, you should always have guidance within your clinical area, if you need support and counselling this should always be available, if you are experiencing problems in care you should always be able to find assistance to help you with these difficult times and also at any given time you should be able to have a discussion on your skills and qualities that you need in the appropriate
At the end of the previous school year, Carol, and her daughter’s teachers noticed that Carol’s daughter was not progressing in her studies, and an evaluation conducted by the child study team revealed that she had a specific learning disability. An IEP meeting was scheduled, and conducted. The determination was made to place Carol’s daughter in the same resource room as Carol’s client Jody, for half of the day. Carol instantly realized that this decision put her in a predicament where a dual relationship would be created. She would then cross a clear boundary, and become a parent of a classmate, as well as the professional she has already established herself as to Jody and her parents. This would undoubtedly lead to instances in which both her client, and the client’s family would be interacting with her at both school functions and on class trips. She knew that allowing this to happen was against the BACB Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior Analysts. Carol voiced her opposition and explained the ethical quandary to those attending the IEP meeting, and what would occur if her daughter was placed in the same room with her client. Carol stated that she would speak with her supervisor, but it was probable that he would determine that she would not be able to continue working with Jody. Carol felt that having to become accustomed to another behavior analyst
Clinical Supervision is the life wire of any health are professional. It is the on the job teaching that takes place between the supervisor and supervisee. It is a lifelong learning used for personal and professional development which is useful both in nursing education and clinical practice. Its benefit cannot be overemphasized as it is known to improve job satisfaction and prevention of stress /burnout. Supervision is important because it allows the novice to gain knowledge, skill and commitment.
Although I was not new in the field of mental health, my work with Susan brought excitement and insecurities. An extreme hoarding case was completely new to me. Even more challenging was, that Susan mental illness and past trauma affected her daily. The use of supervision serves three functions: its educational, supportive, and administrative (Supervision and Clinical Social Work, 2003). I was grateful to have a well-educated, patient supervisor who gave me constructive criticisms as well as support which encourage my growth and development as therapeutic case worker.
In Woodlock v. Orange, the school counselor, known as N.W., was advocating for systemic change on behalf of her special education students. This was well within the code of ethics. N.W. was repeatedly expressing her concerns to the administrative intern and principal. Her primary concern was a lack of certified gym and art instructors, which violated state special education mandates and the children’s IEPs. She raised other safety concerns to the administration with little to no response. She began to document all of her interactions with the administration, leading to a written reprimand issued to her by the principal. This reprimand stated that N.W. was “taking it upon yourself t...
In the mental health profession of counseling, therapy, psychology, psychiatric and social services ethical dilemmas are faced primarily on a daily basis. Being that mental health professionals are working with clients who are often fragile and vulnerable, they must develop an intense awareness of ethical issues. On the other hand, mental health professionals would never intentionally harm their clients, students or colleagues and others whom they work with. Unfortunately, good intentions are not enough to ensure that wrong doings will not occur and mental health professionals have no choice but to make ethically determined decisions. Depending upon the experience and expertise of the professional determines the outcome of the ethical circumstance. For example, if you were practicing mental health professional and had a friend who’s a licensed psychologist, who is invited to attend the wedding of a patient that she has been seeing in court-ordered therapy for a year; what advice would you give your friend?
The information caused me to feel compassionate towards the intern. However, I realized that the intern was not completing task in a timely fashion, and therefore were not meeting deadlines. Based on the fact that I was aware of the personal conflicts the intern was having I did not report her lack of performance and at time I completed the work she was given. I decided not to report her to my supervisor hoping that there will be some improvement. Towards the end of the week, I realized she was taking advantage because, now I had to be completing both of our assignments. I decided to confront her, and took specific actions such as orientated the intern about the duties she was responsible for and inform her about her the seriousness of the situation. I also infomed her that if her productivity does not increase, I will have to report her to my immediate manager and it may also mean that she will not be able to receive the credits needed from this program in order for her to
This essay aims to critically discuss the evidence base for clinical supervision (CS) in mental health care practice. Against the current climate of rapid societal and organisational change in Ireland, mental health care providers are increasingly being challenged to ensure safer higher quality contemporary services based on best practice. It is vital that senior management fosters a culture of CS to assist in this process. The essay will focus on following themes to ensure that it covers supervision practices and assist this quality initiative to be introduced locally. In this regard, this essay explores CS through the lenses of Mental Health Policy and legislation, its functions, the supervision relationship /working alliance Competency
...r me to express how I am doing. The best way to utilize supervision is to know how to debrief effectively. Knowing what is triggering, what is stressful, and if the coping techniques are working, are important things to discuss during supervision. Utilizing colleagues within the agency is also a great support system. Even if you are not able to discuss the case, coworkers can still understand and help debrief feelings related to a case.
It is imperative for supervisors to focus on what is required in order for his/her employees to accomplish their job. They must be supportive of their employees and provide continual feedback on their job performance .Supervisor need to include their employees when making changes that effect they way they perform their jobs or finding new way to do things that were problematic. Supervisors should give their employees more responsibly to make them feel more valued and powerful. There is also a major need for promotion, pay increase and compensation system (educational reimbursement, vacation incentives etc.
This concern for the welfare of others comes from my religious and personal experiences as a child and young adult. Furthermore, legal responsibility is willing to accept fault, knowing when to ask questions of a supervisor to more clearly meet the needs of the client. Kaslow, Grus, Campbell, & Fouad, et al., 2009). Moreover, this insightful implementation has the ability to evaluate and implement the soundest therapy for the client. My career identity has not been perfected in a skilled setting, which would be a practicum or internship.
Each situation discussed in this paper provides opportunities for a counselor to explore how a dual relationship would impact the therapeutic relationship with clients and the overall well being of clients. Each ethical dilemma should be handled individually and with the support of a counselor’s supervisor while also taking into account laws or guidelines set forth by employers as decisions are made. As a new counselor I look forward to this decision making process and the personal growth I will experience and the clients I will benefit as a result of my ethical actions.
Ethical issues in a counseling practice lay the foundation of a therapist in practice. Ethics are at the center of how the counseling process functions and operates in a successful manner for the clients who seek help in such a setting. In order for the counseling profession to be ethical and hold professional recognition, there are many facets that need to be examined and outlined to make sure all counselors and practitioners are functioning at the highest level and withholding their duties required by the counseling profession. The first introduction so to speak of the area of ethics also happens to be one of the first steps in counseling, which is the informed consent. The informed consent provides the basis of what happens or will be happening in a counseling setting and serves to inform the client to their rights, responsibilities, and what to expect. Most importantly, the informed consent is in place for the client’s benefit. It also is important to understand that culture and environment play a role in the treatment of a client and how theories can positively or negatively impact this treatment. Therapists need to understand how to work within the context of a theory while being able to understand the individual in their own environment. Although theories are put into place to serve as a framework, there are also alternative ways to approach counseling, one example being evidence-based practice. Such an approach is very specific, which presents a series of solutions for counseling as a whole, but also brings forth many problems. Every approach or theory introduces ethical concerns that need to be taken into consideration by the entire counseling community and how each can positively and negatively affect clients and the pr...
Not all supervisors are unethical but if the student runs into one who is unethical then having the intel over her rights would make a profound difference. “Effective preparation must equip graduates with the skills to resolve the current ethical dilemmas that confront the profession and the new ethical dilemmas that will emerge during their professional careers.”(Kenny, Lincoln, & Belandin, 2007). Not only for her future, but in services for existing and/or potential patients. Then, once the student is well informed on the appropriate codes she can start Applying an ethics course in the undergrad program would be a great way to educate students on the significance of ethics in this field, I am unaware of the university politics and what goes into forming an entire new class, but, if possible, an ethics course prior to graduation could help raise the amount of importance of what is right, and what to do when something isn’t right. Teaching students how to file complaints or how to remove themselves from an unethical situation before their license is at risk is key. ASHA offers a variety of opportunities for members to learn more over ethics. Students who are required to participate will gain a better understanding of the role of ethics in our field. Staff may not be able to require every student to become an ASHA member for academic reasons but maybe those who do go through the trouble of