Posted: October 4th, 2024

Ethical Decision-Making in Counseling: A Case Study Approach

Benchmark Ethical Dilemma Presentation Assignment Instructions

Applying the Ethical Decision-Making Model to a Case Scenario

Introduction

Counselors often encounter complex ethical dilemmas in their practice, requiring careful consideration and decision-making. The American Counseling Association (ACA) provides a framework for ethical decision-making, which guides counselors in resolving these dilemmas. This presentation will demonstrate the application of the ACA’s Ethical Decision-Making Model to a case scenario, highlighting the importance of careful consideration and adherence to ethical standards.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The case scenario involves a counselor who has been working with a client for several months. During a recent session, the client revealed that they had been experiencing suicidal thoughts. The counselor is concerned about the client’s safety and is unsure about how to proceed. The problem is whether the counselor should breach confidentiality and inform the client’s family members about the suicidal thoughts.

Step 2: Apply the ACA Code of Ethics

The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in counseling relationships. However, it also allows for exceptions in cases where there is a risk of harm to the client or others. In this scenario, the counselor must weigh the importance of confidentiality against the potential risk of harm to the client.

Step 3: Consider the Potential Consequences

If the counselor breaches confidentiality and informs the client’s family members, it could lead to several consequences. The client may feel betrayed and lose trust in the counselor, which could harm the therapeutic relationship. On the other hand, if the counselor does not inform the family members and the client harms themselves, the counselor could be held liable for not taking adequate steps to prevent harm.

Step 4: Evaluate the Options

The counselor has several options to consider:

Breach confidentiality and inform the client’s family members about the suicidal thoughts.
Do not breach confidentiality and continue working with the client to address the suicidal thoughts.
Seek consultation from a supervisor or colleague to determine the best course of action.
Step 5: Determine a Course of Action

After considering the potential consequences and evaluating the options, the counselor decides to seek consultation from a supervisor. This decision is based on the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), which emphasizes the importance of seeking consultation when faced with complex ethical dilemmas.

Step 6: Evaluate the Chosen Course of Action

The counselor’s decision to seek consultation is evaluated using the three tests: Justice, Publicity, and Universality. The decision is just because it prioritizes the client’s safety and well-being. It is public because it is transparent and accountable. It is universal because it is a decision that would be made in similar circumstances.

Step 7: Implement the Selected Course of Action

The counselor implements the chosen course of action by seeking consultation from a supervisor. The supervisor provides guidance on how to proceed, and the counselor develops a plan to address the client’s suicidal thoughts while maintaining confidentiality.

Conclusion

The ACA’s Ethical Decision-Making Model provides a framework for counselors to resolve complex ethical dilemmas. By applying this model to the case scenario, the counselor is able to make a decision that prioritizes the client’s safety and well-being while maintaining confidentiality. This presentation demonstrates the importance of careful consideration and adherence to ethical standards in counseling practice.

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics: As approved by the ACA governing council. [Electronic version]. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1

Hansson, K. M., Romøren, M., Weimand, B., Heiervang, K. S., Hestmark, L., Landeweer, E. G. M., & Pedersen, R. (2022). The duty of confidentiality during family involvement: ethical challenges and possible solutions in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders. BMC psychiatry, 22(1), 812. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04461-6

Rustad, J. K., Schlozman, S. C., Hendler, R. A., Rasmussen, M. J., Rader III, G. L., & Stern, T. A. (2022). Developing, losing, and regaining trust in the doctor-patient relationship. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 24(3), 41531. https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/developing-losing-regaining-trust-doctor-patient-relationship/

Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119

Benchmark Ethical Dilemma Presentation Assignment Instructions

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The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate the ability to apply the values, ethical standards, and the ethical decision-making model provided by the American Counseling Association to a case scenario. This assignment will also encourage the development of professional presentation skills.

Instructions

Your will use the information written on your Ethical Vignette Paper Assignment to continue with the Ethical Decision-Making Model outlined in the Practitioners Guide for Ethical Decision Making and apply the content to the Ethical Dilemma Presentation PowerPoint template. Once complete, you will record a 10-15 min video (approximately 11-15 slides, including the title and references slides) presenting your ethical dilemma as you work through the Ethical Decision-Making Model. Follow the steps below:

Step 1:Review the feedback received from the instructor on the Ethical Vignette PaperAssignment and make anycorrections noted. Make sure you incorporate all feedback provided.

Step 2:Once you have applied the feedback from your instructor, use the information from your corrected Ethical Vignette Paper assignment to complete steps 1-4 in the Ethical Dilemma Presentation PowerPoint template. Do not just copy and paste the content. Make sure you reduce the contentinto bullet points. The slide content should be minimal. Summarize the information and make sure the required information is addressed within steps 1-4. See the Ethical Vignette Assignment Instructions for more information. Use the Ethical Dilemma Presentation Student Example Guide for additional support.

Step 3. Continue working through the remaining steps (steps 5-7) of the Ethical Decision-Making model. Add the information listed below to the Ethical Dilemma Presentation PowerPoint template to complete the remaining slides on your document:

Potential Consequences of Each Option and Determine a Course of Action

• This step has multiple sub steps. Briefly list the consequences for each potential course of action addressed in step 4. Answer the question, “If I take this course of action, what will be the consequences for all parties involved (the counselor, the client, others)?

• Eliminate the actions that will not work based on the consequences identified. Make sure you state what actions will not work and why.

• State which action or combination of actions you decided to take to fix the problem and explain why. Make sure you have scholarly sources that support your chosen course of action.

Evaluate Chosen Course of Action

• Restate your chosen action and clearly state if any ethical dilemmas still exist (the answer should be no).

• Evaluate the chosen action by applying the three tests (Justice, Publicity, and Universality). Make sure you have scholarly sources that support your position.

Implement Selected Course of Action

• Provide a step-by-step plan for how you will implement the chosen course of action.

• This may include information not stated in previous steps to effectively implement the plan (for example, calling the client is a step needed to implement informing a client of a mistake).

Your final presentation document must include:

• Approximately 11-15 slides, including the title and references slides.

• The following 7-8 references are required and must be cited verbally, intext, and included on the reference slides:

• The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, your State Ethical Codes/Mental Health Laws, the two course textbooks, and the Practitioner’s Guide for Ethical Decision Making.

• 2-3 additional scholarly sources (scholarly journal articles published within the last 5 years) related to the identified problem and moral principle specific to the counseling profession. Materials must be outside of course materials, and materials from other classes.

Step 4. Saveyour Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation file under your name and assignment title (Example: Doe_J_EthicalDilemma_Presentation).

Step 5: Record a 10-15-minute video presentation applying the Ethical Decision-Making Model to the chosen case scenario.You may record the video on any device where screen sharing is allowed. The instructor must see you and the slide presentation in the video.

Step 6: Once the video is recorded, upload the video to Kaltura. Make sure the video is marked unlisted and save it. Grab the share link.

Step 7. Paste the video link on slide 2 of your PowerPointpresentation and save it again.

Step 8: Submitthe PowerPoint presentation file via the assignment submission link in Canvas.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics: As approved by the ACA governing council. [Electronic version]. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1
Hansson, K. M., Romøren, M., Weimand, B., Heiervang, K. S., Hestmark, L., Landeweer, E. G. M., & Pedersen, R. (2022). The duty of confidentiality during family involvement: ethical challenges and possible solutions in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders. BMC psychiatry, 22(1), 812. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04461-6
FL Stat § 491.0147 (2023). 2023 Florida Statutes Title XXXII – Regulation of Professions and Occupations Chapter 491 – Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services 491.0147 – Confidentiality and Privileged Communications.
Rustad, J. K., Schlozman, S. C., Hendler, R. A., Rasmussen, M. J., Rader III, G. L., & Stern, T. A. (2022). Developing, losing, and regaining trust in the doctor-patient relationship. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 24(3), 41531. https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/developing-losing-regaining-trust-doctor-patient-relationship/
Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119

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Tags: ACA Code of Ethics., Benchmark Ethical Dilemma Presentation Assignment, Confidentiality, Counseling Ethics, Ethical Decision-Making