Professionals who are dedicated to the ideas of justice, honesty and loyalty often find their homes in the counseling world, as they put those principles into practice as part of their work with vulnerable populations. To effectively serve clients and develop plans to help get their lives back on track, counselors must show a deep commitment to a set of ethical standards that guide their actions.
An advanced education degree in counseling must encourage these ethical standards. As part of the University of Wisconsin Superior online Master of Science in Education (MSE) – Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Track program, students obtain the crucial foundation in ethical standards that they need to succeed in the mental health field and connect with their patients.
What Is a Code of Ethics?
Often adopted by professional organizations or government agencies, ethics codes provide baseline standards that guide the conduct of professionals in fields ranging from healthcare to law enforcement and beyond. Codes are tailored to specific industries and often require all employees to adhere to it to continue in the profession or keep their license to continue practicing in the field, according to Investopedia.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) provides a Code of Ethics that ensures counselors maintain high standards in their practice, fostering trust and well-being for their clients. Among the essential guidance for ethical counseling, five principles stand out:
- informed consent
- respect and dignity
- confidentiality and privacy
- equity and access
- parental involvement
These concepts are crucial for counselors. They also offer valuable insights for professionals in various fields who aim to enhance their interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
Informed Consent
Informed consent is fundamental to effective counseling. Professionals must fully explain the process and address clients’ concerns. It involves establishing a clear understanding of the goals, purpose and techniques utilized to encourage deeper discussion. Through verbal affirmations, paraphrasing and summarization, counselors ensure that clients feel safe and engaged.
This foundation aligns with ethical principles by promoting honesty, respect and non-judgmental engagement. By attentively listening, counselors create an environment where clients feel safe expressing their emotions and thoughts, leading to more productive therapeutic outcomes.
Respect and Dignity
Clear and effective communication is essential to ensuring that counselors and clients maintain a strong, trusting relationship, according to Positive Psychology. This process is vital for showing every individual the respect they deserve. Counselors must be adept at both verbal and nonverbal communication, tailoring their approach to the unique needs of each client. Clarity in communication prevents misunderstandings, facilitates goal setting and enhances the overall therapeutic experience.
The ASCA Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of respectful communication. It requires counselors to provide accurate information and maintain transparency with clients.
Confidentiality and Privacy
One of the cornerstones of ethical counseling is the protection of client confidentiality and privacy. Counselors adhere to strict ethical and legal guidelines regarding the storage, sharing and disclosure of client information — only breaking confidentiality in cases where harm to the client or others is imminent.
When consulting the ASCA, aspiring professionals learn the importance of maintaining client confidentiality. Upholding confidentiality fosters trust and encourages open and honest communication in any professional setting.
Equity and Access
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, making it a critical skill for counselors, according to Indeed. By demonstrating genuine concern and emotional insight, counselors create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where all clients can feel understood and valued.
The ASCA Code of Ethics emphasized the importance of counselors making their practice services accessible. A strong sense empathy fosters deeper connections, encourages collaboration and improves problem resolution across various professional settings.
Parental Involvement
Counselors guide clients through challenges by helping them identify, analyze and develop solutions to their issues. For school counselors, working with students also requires the ability to effectively engage parents and other caregivers. The process benefits from critical thinking, strategic planning and the ability to provide clients with coping strategies tailored to their unique situations.
According to the ASCA Code of Ethics, counselors are responsible for empowering families by providing them with tools and resources to manage their own challenges. Professionals who master family collaboration can navigate complex situations effectively and provide constructive guidance to others.
Using Ethical Principles to Build a Counseling Career With UW-Superior
As they master the skills necessary to become licensed counseling professionals, students in UW-Superior’s online MSE program explore the personal values, sanctions and professional standards of behavior they need to succeed in the mental health counseling field.
The Ethics in Professional Counseling course meets the specific state licensure certification and practice needs of the enrolled student. Upon completion of the innovative curriculum, graduates are prepared to immediately make an impact for clients and communities.
Learn more about UW-Superior’s online Master of Science in Education – Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Track program.
