The EAI indicates that ethical guidelines have changed from individual character to organizational ethics (Ethics Awareness Inventory, 2011). The prime focus of this change are client-patient relationships in psychological counseling and clinical practice (Fisher, (2013). Psychological counseling and clinical practice are both constructed on ethical guidelines with the possibility for misuse of power and negligence to discretion (Fisher,
In this scenario, as a psychologist I face several ethical issues. According to the American Psychological Association, Ethical Principles of Psychologist and Code of Conduct there are at least six standards I have to
The APA ethical guidelines help to ensure that all psychological research maintains the integrity that it does not do harm or conflicts with the majority of the human populations moral ethical codes. However, in some situations the APA ethical guidelines must be viewed as just that: guidelines. If a study has the potential to benefit humanity as a whole and does not result in the permanent or irreparable harm to a human being then some guidelines must be permitted to be stretched or even broken in the interest of human advancement and scientific progression. After all the goal and responsibility of a psychologist is to enhance our understanding of human behavior as well as to find ways to use this information to better society and humanity
However, ethics codes have been criticized. APA ethics code have been criticized for being more protective of the profession than of the consumer (Kitchener & Anderson, 2010). Criticism has also been given because more emphasis of concern has been placed on protecting psychologists from legal liabilities than with instilling ethical ideals (Kitchener & Anderson, 2010). A limitation of ethical codes is that it does not address many important ethical concerns. The text provides an example regarding questions of justice, such as access to psychological or counseling services. This is not generally covered in ethical standards. In addition, other areas not covered include issues pertaining to the rights of consumers or research participants. For many decades focus on research for the APA has been to establish standards that are enforceable when psychologists are accused of unethical behavior. Kitchener and Anderson (2010) suggest that this focus on identifying activities that have restricted activities has distracted the APA from applying more positive ethical
Ethics is considered one of the foundational blocks of mental health that counselors must use in performing their duties. Without ethics, mental health provider cannot effectively or efficiently develop a therapeutic
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
Yes, using ethical guidelines can help to eliminate or reduce potential ethical and legal issues from occurring. The principles you mention that practitioners strive to meet are all important, but recognizing fairness and justice caught my attention. In Principle D: Justice of the APA (2010) Ethics Code preamble, the benefits of fairness and justice are discussed. Specifically, the acknowledgement that fairness and justice apply to all persons equally, including processes, procedures, and services that psychologists use. In the APA Ethics Code (2010) Principle D: Justice, it also states how psychologists should “exercise reasonable judgement and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the boundaries of their competence, and
This psych article explains how the evolution of ethical guidelines has brought guidance for the psychologists during their studies. Authors, Morgan and Carroll say “the evolution of ethical guidelines advocates for the continuing role of psychologists in the provision of consultation to help ensure safe, legal, ethical, and effective operations” (1). This article also lists five ethical guidelines and principles that most psychologists also follow. These guidelines include beneficence and no maleficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect for people’s rights and dignity. When it comes to beneficence and no maleficence psychologists ensure that their work minimizes any harm.
Boylin, J, & Scott, J. (2006). Practicum internship: textbook and resource guide for counseling and psychotherapy [Fourth Edition]. (Google E-book), Retrieved from http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Fusillo,+Maureen+C.+The+Willowbrook+State+School:+An+Oral+History.+Student+Project.+%5BS.I.+s.n.,+1994%5D.&tbo=u&tbs=bks:1&source=og&sa=N&tab=sp#sclient=psy&hl=en&tbs=bks:1&q=APA+Ethical+Principles+of+Psychologists+and+Code+of+Conduct&aq=0p&aqi=p-p2g2g-o1&aql=f&oq=&pbx=1&fp=1&cad=b
For the purpose of this paper, I will analyze an ethics-based issue and make reference to ethical codes/standards and legislation. I will explain how I would respond to the ethical dilemma by using an ethical decision making model. Martin, Shepard and Lehr (2015) outline the Canadian Counseling and Psychological Association ethical decision-making process in their ethics-based issues and cases. I have chosen to address this scenario according to the six steps in the decision-making process.
When I hear ethics, I think of a list of rules to follow. However, ethics is more than a list of rules to follow. Code of Ethics is a standard that guides how professionals should practice within the job setting. It prevents professionals from crossing certain boundaries. The American Counseling Association provides standards for counselors, educators, supervisors, and students to practice. The standards cover technology, social media, client-therapy relationships, etc. There are many challenges we face as professionals. I am going to discuss situations that would violate ethical standards.
Ethics are important in our everyday lives and in every professional field. There are three ethical ideas that are important to me. The first ethical idea that is important to me is the ethical duty of confidentiality. The second is building the theoretic relationship. The third is therapy for therapists.
A problem of practice at the root of the condition of inadequate anticipation is not proper preparation for handling ethical issues that may arise. A strategy to resolve psychology professionals’ incompetence is reeducation. These mental health professionals should be reeducated by a supervisor and go through additional training to prevent any future problems of incompetency. A strategy to resolve professionals’ inadequate preparation is hold weekly meetings and checkups between professionals and supervisors to address any concerns that may be present and to come up with prepared ways to address future ethical dilemma. At the root of every reason and condition concerning ethical dilemmas, there should always be a proper strategy put in place to prevent such problematic situations in the field of
There is a level of nervousness I have with ethics regarding counseling. I am thinking with the ethical policies and procedures the solution is to continue to study the ACA code of ethics and be aware of what I say and how I interact with my future clients. As a counselor and after exhausting all that I know to uphold ethics, I feel I will still ask how can I know if I have done the right thing?(Van Hoose & Paradise, 1979).
Making decisions that are ethically sound within the psychology field should be based on the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct is an outline of ethics for the psychology field. There are many good purposes for having a professional ethics code in professional psychology. The ethical code has to be a requirement in order to maintain good conduct within the field.