Ethical Challenges in a Complex World: Highlights of the 2005ACA Code of Ethics

Abstract

Being an effective counselor includes having knowledge of and the ability to integrate a code of ethics into one's professional practice. This article addresses some of the highlights of the changes in the 2005 ACA [American Counseling Association] Code of Ethics such as end-of-life issues, boundaries and relationships, and multicultural and diversity considerations. It is critical for counselors to demonstrate cultural sensitivity during the ethical decisionmaking process throughout their counseling, supervision, teaching, and research practice.

Ego Development, Ethical Decision-Making, and Legal and Ethical Knowledge in School Counselors

“…Beyond ethical and legal knowledge, counselors must ''develop, hone, and apply decision making skills'' (Cottone and Tarvydas 2007, p. 10) in their work with stakeholders with the intent to maximize students' benefits while minimizing any potential harm (American Counseling Association [ACA] 2005). Whereas one would begin the decision-making process with knowledge of the ACA Code of Ethics and the ASCA (2004) Ethical Standards for School Counselors, the application of these ethical codes and standards in specific counseling situations can be challenging (Corey et al 2007;Kocet 2006). Therefore, counselors implementing sound ethical decision-making processes make more astute ethical decisions (Corey et al 2007;Dufrene 2000;Stone 2005).…”

“…The ASCA (2007) School Counselor Competencies states that competent school counselors are able to demonstrate a knowledge of ''Legal, ethical, and professional issues in pre-K-12 schools'' (Standard I-A-7). Effective counselors possess sound ethical and legal knowledge and have the ability to integrate ethical standards and best practices into their work with diverse student populations (Kocet 2006;Welfel 2009). School counselors' professional identity is positively related to their knowledge and ethical practice (Stone 2005).…”

Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women's Spirituality in Feminist Multicultural Counseling

“…This is also relevant to the ACA (2005) ethics code. ACA has broadened its definition of multiculturalism to be more inclusive, naming spirituality as a core aspect of identity (Kocet, 2006). Further, authors have discussed spirituality as an important construct of multiculturalism (Cecero, 2010).…”

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs: An Avenue to Explore End-of-Life Issues

“…It is interesting that ACA is one of the few mental health organizations to address end-of-life issues in their code of ethics (Kocet, 2006). This indicates that the association understood not only that end-of-life issues are legitimate counseling concerns but also that the spiritual connection affects clients' decision making.…”