American Counseling Association Research Paper

Growing up as a child, many children would watch cartoons and play video games, but I took an odd liking into watching videos about different mental illness. For the longest, I have been fascinated with the human mind; trying to figure out how it works. Entering into my adulthood, I became an individual who was an open vessel for people to dump their problems into. I get gratification out of being able to help people with their problems and see them with a smile on their face. Being a counselor's is not just making someone's day or listening to their problems, but it is also about spreading mental health awareness to other individuals. I selected the Mental Health Counseling program because one day I seek to become a Mental Health Counselor. Having a Mental Health Counseling degree, will

According to the ACA Code of Ethics, 2005, H.1.b, “Counselors assist in the process of enforcing the ACA Code of Ethics. Counselors cooperate with investigations, proceedings,

According to the American Counseling Association (ACA) website the organization’s mission is to help society by offering well trained professional counselors. In the process, assisting counselors develop into the contingent professional’s in which society can depend upon, at the same time stimulating human self-worth and diversity. When counselors are trained in graduate school the aspects that goes into becoming a professional counselor, is they equipped with a vast amount of knowledge. Some of the basics include how to work with diverse populations, acknowledging their own biases, how to advocate for the client who is among an oppressed population, congruency with their clients, empathic listening and communication skills, knowing when to refer a client to the appropriately trained counselor and many more. All of these elements and more are just some of the tools, professional counselors are required in order maintain the standards the American Counseling Association’s mission statement entails.

The ACA is an educational, scientific, and professional organization that works to accomplish improved mental health, wellness, awareness, and education. The ACA establishes a code of ethics to provide guidance on ethical practices for professional counselors. The code explains ethical

AACC (2004) addresses things such as abortion, homosexuality, divorce, Premarital and extramarital sexual behavior whereas ACA (2005) does not address these issues except to put the homosexual in the non-discriminate part of their code. The AACC (2004) does not have a section labeled counseling relationships as the ACA (2005) but does address the issues of the relationship the counselor should have with the client.

As a counseling student, it is very important to formulate a counseling theory tailored to ones’ own personality and beliefs. A counselor may choose a single theory to model when practicing therapy or pick and choose components and techniques from various theories, otherwise known as eclecticism. No theory is considered right or wrong. Understanding the different therapeutic approaches are important to effective counseling, however, counselors must also understand their own personal value, view of human nature, human behavior, counseling techniques and the purpose and goals of counseling. Understanding these components along with the different theoretical approaches will provide the counselor with a 9 knowledge of their own counseling, orientation and is essential to not only the productivity of counseling but the growth of the counselor as well.

ABA is a scientific process of examining what causes and maintains behaviour, in order to bring about positive change.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) developed the code of ethics with six principles in mind that they thought were the foundation for ethical behavior and decision making: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity and veracity (American Counseling Association, 2014). This lead to the six different purposes for the code of ethics. First, it sets ethical obligations and ethical guidance for professional counselors (American Counseling Association, 2014). Second, it recognizes ethical dilemmas that are relevant (American Counseling Association, 2014). Third, it clarifies what is ethically expected and accepted of its members (American Counseling Association, 2014). Fourth, it is an ethical guide for members deciding the best course of action and expectations for conduct, when it comes to those using their counseling services (American Counseling Association, 2014). Fifth, it supports the mission of the American Counseling Association (American Counseling Association, 2014). Finally, it has standards that serve as a baseline for questions and complaints for ACA members (American Counseling Association, 2014). To fulfill the purposes of the code of ethics, the ACA categorizes the ethics into nine different areas (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Different organizations are driven by specific sets of code of ethics, which are used to protect many different aspect of the organizations, specifically the client, counselor, and organization. Concerning the standards of a counselor, their ethics are not only provided by the laws of the state or their practice, but also outside sources who present basic values and regulations of ethical standards in their code of ethics. This paper will look at two specific associations: the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association

-A.1.a. – Primary responsibility (counselors will respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients)

This is also stated in subsection 1-421 of the AACC code of ethics (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 12). However, the ACA guidelines with regards to this area are more comprehensive and clearly stated than the AACC guidelines. Section B of the ACA code of ethics provides guidelines on how a counselor can maintain client confidentiality in various circumstances such as incapacity of client, when treatment calls for services with others and even in consulting other counselors (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 7-9). On the other hand, the guidelines of the AACC are more limited in scope as can be seen in Section ES1-400 (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 11-13).

The purpose of this paper is to introduce to the reader the theoretical orientation of Taneka Gibson. The theoretical orientation adopted by the student should represent by beliefs and values as a professional counselor. Theoretical orientation reflects the theory or theories at which a counselor base their practice. The theories identified in this paper are Person-Centered and Reality Theory.

Established as a future counselor the timeline of interest is the Veteran Affairs established 2006 was an enacted law recognized counselors as mental specialists within the veterans affairs health care system. As a retired veteran prior to this time what care was provided to veterans. Well as a future counselor, I cannot erase a veteran clients pass, I will provide the best care to my future VA clients. Established interest 50 years anniversary of the ACA. Provided continuous years is a big celebration and I want to contribute to the next 50 years Anniversary. The American Counseling Association has established a wonderful trail of legacy for counselors to be proud and licensed within this professional organization. The established beginning

I believe MI is very important in all counseling session because it allows you to fully understand what you client is experiencing. Of course, the goal would have them to fully recover however if they have some input in their recovery and process they then would have to take some type of responsibility for their actions.

The law for school counseling has completely change. State laws have requested Professional School Counselors (PSC) to spend more time with school teachers, less time on paper work and other managerial tasks” (Dinkmeyer, 2006, 180). Along with this new framework PSC are allow4e more room and time for consultation which leads to the growth of “Individual Psychology.” The counselor who is defined as facilitator of change, cannot be “fully effective” if not given the opportunity to consult with children, parents, and faculty members, if he/she are only allowe4d traditional “administration” duties. “ASCA uses the terminology “consultation and collaboration” to emphasize the cooperative nature of the school counselor’s role. Working with teachers