Abstract
This masters level paper is an examination of the differences between the ethical guidelines laid out by many of the mental health organizations and the perception of such ethical practice in the field. It examines the nature of ethics, what the codes address, and how they are being perceived by other professionals.

Tags:PSYCHOLOGY / COUNSELLING, SOCIAL WORK, counseling ethics perceived

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the ethics codes of the American Counseling Association (ACA) 2005 Draft Code of Ethics, the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Code of Ethics-Y2004 Final Code, and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) Code of Ethics. The paper looks at responsibilities that the counseling associations share, as well as the responsibilities that are unique to each association.

From the Paper
"The first level of comparison between the three ethics codes begins with finding the similarities and differences they display in their duties to clients. There exist several similarities in this regard between them. In terms of obtaining informed consent, the ACA codes of ethics states (A2. a) that clients can choose to either continue or terminate treatment at any time. This would be after the counselor discharges his/her duty in informing the client exactly how the counseling would occur, what the counselor's credentials were, and what rights and responsibilities were enjoined upon both the counselor and client. "

Tags:session, engagement, method, special, disclosure, data, agencies, competence

Abstract
This paper explains that, because gift giving and bartering can interfere with the power relationship between the counselor and client, professional organizations and licensing authorities place strict guidelines on the acceptance of gifts in these practices. The author points out that gift giving in the therapeutic environment may represent issues, such as a perceived imbalance in the professional relationship or as a tip, homage or sacrifice for professional services. The paper discusses a model for assessing a gift-giving situation and determining an appropriate response based on the interaction of therapeutic meaning and significance and ethical concerns. The paper also explains that, although bartering can be appropriate in the cases of economically deprived clients and may be used as a therapeutic tool, it can present significant therapeutic and ethical concerns due to its inherent nature to produce dual relationships.

Table of Contents:
Gifts
Bartering

From the Paper
"Most therapists do not view client's gifts of small value as an ethical problem; however, expensive and inappropriate gifts are universally viewed as an ethical problem. Despite the gift, therapists need to evaluate all gifts on a case by case basis to establish the client's potential motivations and clinical implications. The client's personality, culture, economic status, and history need to be evaluated. A client may simply offer a gift as a ritualistic gesture during a holiday or as a means to express gratitude. Such gifts usually enhance the therapeutic alliance."

Tags:power, boundary crossings, dual relationships, paranoid consultation

Abstract
The paper explores group counseling and examines what group counseling actually is and what the purpose of group counseling is. The paper continues and examines ethics in counseling and specifically those ethics of the Christian counselor in maintaining Biblical principles in counseling and what the ethical requirements of the Christian counselor are. The paper comments that findings in this work include the important and key role of the group leader or facilitator in keeping the interactions and communications positive in order to avoid harm to group members.

Outline:
Introduction
Methodology
Key Terms and Definitions
Background to the Study
Compare/Contrast Current Views on Group Counseling
Summary And Conclusion

From the Paper
"Throughout the remainder of the 20th century, groups emerged as an increasingly popular mode of intervention in psychotherapy and counseling settings." (Stockton, Morran, and Krieger, 2004) Group methods are popular in use today "across a wide variety of settings to assist clients who present with a diverse range of goals and concerns," (Stockton, Morran and Krieger, 2004) Group counseling is an approach to treatment that is considered to have the same relevant effectiveness as individual counseling. There are various methods used in the group counseling therapy and there are very few studies to provide solid evidence of the direction the group leader should take however, preliminary findings do state that positive interaction with the group leader and the members of the group is vital to successful intervention. Group counseling is known to have benefits including."

Tags:therapist, identification, exploration, implications

Abstract
This paper studies the interplay between ethics and laws in counseling. Based on a case study of a client with addictive and self-destructive tendencies, the paper studies how ethics impact issues such as client confidentiality and truthfulness on the part of the counselor. Other issues the paper explores include client-centered counseling that considers the culture of the client and development of a treatment plan relevant to the client's perspective and goals.

Tags:counseling, ethics, client-centered

Abstract
The tasks of psychotherapy and counseling are ones of extreme significance in the lives of the hurting. This paper attempts to define ethics and their personal application as they relate to the counseling profession. It also discusses some of the issues that counselors face which can challenge their concepts of ethical practice. Finally, it gives a general overview of the status of the counseling profession as it exists at present.

From the Paper
"The tasks of psychotherapy and counseling are ones of extreme significance in the lives of the hurting. This paper will attempt to define ethics and their personal application as they relate to the counseling profession. It will also discuss some of the issues that counselors face which can challenge their concepts of ethical practice. Finally, it will give a general overview of the status of the counseling profession as it exists at present. These concepts of ethics should dictate the daily decision making of any counselor. In developing our own personal ethics as counselors, we must fully understand the accepted standards of ethics as they exist in established mental health practice. The difficulty in this endeavor is that often these codes are difficult to apply to a specific situation or at worst, contradictory (American Counseling Association [ACA], 1995). Although there are many similarities between the various ethical codes of conduct, differences and conflicts do arise due to the world view and primary goals of each organization. In determining our own individual ethical guidelines, a counselor must utilize these varying interpretations of ethical behavior to serve as a basis for lifelong growth in decision making skills and formation of ethical standards. These ethical situations often arise out of the power dynamic in the counselor / client relationship. It is the ethics of this relationship that form the foundation for what is defined as a counseling code of ethics. Clients seek out therapists for reasons as varied as marital problems, and work anxiety. Whatever the reason one approaches a therapist, by the time they do so they are usually in a very emotionally sensitive. By this point they have often times tried to handle their difficulties on their own. They may have talked to friends, clergy, or family about the issue. Unfortunately, untrained advice often makes issues more confusing. When none of these things work, they seek the help of a professional counselor of therapist. When they do this it is vital that they be able to trust the professionalism and the ethics of the therapist and counselor they turn to. The ethics of professional counselors are strictly defined and adhered to (Kelman, 1968). Some of the numerous codes that exist include those of the America Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Psychological Association. Familiarization and adherence to these codes is essential in learning good decision making skills as a professional counselor."

Tags:code, counseling, ethics, psychology

Abstract
This paper addresses various concerns with counseling in the managed care environment in the United States. According to the paper, it has increasingly become a cost driven market that integrates the business of insurance with the provision of professional managed care services. Unfortunately, for many counselors, this cost driven philosophy represents a troubling trend that presents many challenges and obstacles.

From the Paper
"Over the past thirty years, counseling in the managed care environment in the United States has increasingly become a cost driven market that integrates the business of insurance with the provision of professional managed care services. Unfortunately, for many counselors, this cost driven philosophy represents a troubling trend that presents many challenges and obstacles. In fact, one expert goes as far as defining managed care as "a generic term for the myriad organizational arrangements..."

Tags:managed care, counseling, ethics

Abstract
This paper identifies the various aspects of three different counseling associations in detail, emphasizing the significance of confidentiality, personal circumstances, and sexual relationships in light of their defined Codes of Ethics. Many similar issues are evaluated in these Codes, as each association strives to remain protective of their clients at all times.

From the Paper
"The codes of ethics of counseling agencies encompass a wide variety of objectives, which are designed to promote positive counseling experiences that fall under morally acceptable standards. Three specific groups have defined codes of ethics that are unique in different ways, and they demonstrate the importance of maintaining an ethical approach to conducting counseling sessions with clients. The following discussion will compare and contrast the key issues related to confidentiality, sexual intimacy, and personal issues within three specific associations that focus on counseling ethics. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors possesses a distinct code of ethics that emphasizes faith as the primary means of providing support to those in need, and this encompasses such principles as continuing education, the development of healthy relationships, and to manage caseloads that only within the realm of knowledge and experience of the association's members ("Code of Ethics", 1994)."

Tags:counseling, code, ethics

Abstract
This paper reviews an article on the ethics and law in counseling with a focus on multicultural issues. The paper explains the key issue of transcultural ethical dilemmas and decision-making and discusses the four-step model the authors present.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this article is to present the ethical issue of transcultural ethical decision-making in counseling. Specifically, the authors presented a "Transcultural Integrative Ethical Decision-Making Model" to use in counseling that addresses the cultural factors in resolving ethical dilemmas. Garcia, et, al. supported this article with a review of ethics and multicultural counseling. They noted that ethical standards..."

Tags:ethics, law, counseling, multicultural