An Integral Approach to Counseling Ethics

Abstract

The authors offer an integral approach to counseling ethics using K. Wilber's (2000aWilber's ( , 2000b integral metatheory. The article examines traditional counseling ethics through the lens of K. Wilber's (2000aWilber's ( , 2000b) "all-quadrants, all-levels" model, consisting of quadrants, levels, lines, states, and types. The authors begin with the 4 quadrants and how they can inform understanding of traditional counseling ethics. Vertical development in relation to counseling ethics is addressed, followed by a case study of an ethical dilemma in counseling. The authors offer an integrally informed process of ethical decision making that can be seen to complement less comprehensive ethical decision-making models.T here are few areas in the practice of counseling that require more tolerance for ambiguity than ethical practice and decision making. Corey, Corey, and Callanan (2003) stated that, when it comes to ethics, one must avoid the trap of dispensing simple prescriptions for complex problems. Integral theory is an excellent map that can be applied to ethical practice in counseling to help counselors honor the complexity of ethical decisions and avoid oversimplification of complex issues. Integral theory helps counselors approach a more complete understanding of ethics by viewing multiple "truths" or perspectives as complementary. This in turn increases counselors' ability to make informed ethical decisions. The study and practice of ethical counseling contains a dichotomy in that clearly articulated ethical principles and codes of conduct exist alongside a marked lack of guidance on how to apply the principles and codes in many real-life counseling situations. In this article, we outline what the four quadrants or perspectives of integral theory imply for counselor ethics, we discuss the role of development and supervision, and we offer a brief case example.In some ways, the idea of integral ethics is somewhat of an oxymoron. Wilber (1998) has discussed ethics and morals in the context of the lower left (LL) quadrant or the "We" space of cultural understanding and intersubjectivity. However, in order for ethics to be more integral in nature, we must expand our conceptualization of ethical practice in counseling and attend to the remaining three quadrants of "I," "It," and "Its." We would like to suggest that, on the whole, current counseling ethics is less than integral and that an integral approach to counseling ethics must expand its scope of practice to include and incorporate the four quadrants in Wilber's (2000aWilber's ( , 2000b model.

Counselor Ethical Reasoning: Decision‐Making Practice Versus Theory

“…Counseling graduate students are prepared for practice by using these models to deconstruct cases and determine appropriate courses of action. These ethical decision‐making models serve as useful classroom‐based tools (Hill, ), yet lack guidance on how to apply the principles therein in real‐life counseling situations (Foster & Black, ). Counselors in practice may revisit these models from their training; however, their application of these models in counseling practice is questionable at best.…”

Nursing perspectives on Integral Theory in nursing practice and education: An interpretive descriptive study

“…Aspects of AQAL have been examined in relation to the following clinical issues: self‐development and the assessment of psychological defenses (Fall et al., ; Ingersoll et al, ; Marquis, ); holistic client assessment and diagnosis (Ingersoll, ; Miner‐Holden, ); therapist ways of knowing through quadrants (Foster & Arvay, ; Marquis, ); spiritual development (Ingersoll & Bauer, ); group therapy (Black & Westwood, ); professional ethics (Foster & Black, ); and evaluation of an integral intake assessment instrument (Marquis & Miner Holden, ).…”

The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision Volume 6 Issue 2 Fall 2014

“…Researchers have examined ethics within the frameworks of diagnosis (Dougherty, 2005;Kress, Hoffman, & Eriksen, 2010), testing and assessment (Naugle, 2009), spirituality (Steen, Engles, & Thweatt, 2006), therapeutic prayer (Weld & Eriksen, 2007), and computer-based supervision (Vaccaro & Lambie, 2007). The literature also contains examples of ethics decision-making models and recommendations to assist professionals in navigating the complexities of ethics dilemmas (Barnett, Behnke, Rosenthal, & Koocher, 2007;Burkholder, Toth, Feisthamel, & Britton, 2010;Calley, 2009;Freeman & Francis, 2006;Foster & Black, 2007;Glosoff, Herlihy, & Spence, 2000). Undoubtedly, a diversity of perspectives and attitudes exist within the helping professions concerning ethics, ethics codes, and how ethics apply within a variety of contexts.…”