Ethics Codes Analysis 1

Running head: Ethics Codes

Ethics Codes Analysis

Sandra Hanford Liberty University Coun. 501

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Abstract The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) developed their Codes of Ethics to help their members to understand the ethical responsibilities that the counselors must face and the guidelines that must be followed in order to protect their clients. While there are many similarities between the Codes, there are also differences. This paper will look at and address these similarities and differences in these two documents. The specific areas that will be compared are competence, confidentiality, and fees.

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General comparison of the two codes The 2005 ACA and 2004 AACC Codes of Ethics are similar in that they are both written for the counseling profession but are different in the way they approach the profession. Both give guidelines on how a counselor should treat the client and perform their duties. The rights and duties of the clients are also outlined. The main difference between the ACA Code of Ethics (2005) and the AACC Code of Ethics (2004) is the ACA Code of Ethics is aimed more toward a secular and humanistic worldview. The American Association of Christian Counselors have their code of ethics (2004) aimed toward counselors who have a Biblical worldview. These counselors include Pastors, Pastoral Counselors, and lay workers that are in the church and other religious settings. Another difference is in the format of both documents. The ACA document is a simpler document that the AACC document. It is divided into eight sections that discuss the procedural rules and the ethical standards which pertain to each section. The AACC document is more complex because it not only discuses the ethical standards and procedural rules but also discuss the different Christian counselors and counseling settings. Specific Areas Analyzed Competence Similarities Both Codes of Ethics require the counselors to be qualified and experienced before providing services to clients. The counselors must also continue their education and seek to develop professionally. In order to gain new skills, the counselors must make sure they are

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supervised by a qualified supervisor. They must also monitor themselves and must also include supervision by a peer if needed. Since the counselors must not work in areas beyond their qualifications, they should refer their clients to a more qualified professional. Differences AACC Code of Ethics (2004) goes beyond the scope of the ACA Code of Ethics (2005) in several areas. First, the AACC code of ethics requires their counselors to work with integrity. The AACC code requires if a counselor is not competent enough for a case then the counselor must refer the case to a Christian counselor that is more qualified, if available. Finally, there are Christian counselors who advise against getting professional help and the code address this problem. The ACA code discusses the area of counselors working with other members of a team. Confidentiality Similarities In order for a trusting relationship to develop between the counselor and client, confidentiality must be involved. Both codes of ethics discuss the importance of confidentiality. Unless the law requires certain information, a counselor has to get the clients consent before discussing the clients information. This is due to the fact that each individual has a right to privacy. During the first session with a new client, the counselor must explain any limitation of confidentiality, such as any abuse or harm that the client may do to themselves or others. When a counselor discusses a client with another counselor or other professionals, they are not to disclose confidential information. The clients records must also be kept in a locked and secure area away from the public.

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Differences One difference between the two codes of ethics is the ACA code of ethics (2005) talks about protecting the confidentiality of deceased patients. The ACA code of ethics also discuss how a counselor must be aware of how different cultures consider confidentiality and what information may be disclosed. The AACC code of ethics (2004) states: Christian counselors hear the most private and sensitive details of clients lives information that must be zealously guarded from public disclosure. One way Christian counselors can guard against using a clients most private information from public disclosure is to make sure it is never used in a teaching or preaching situations. Fees Similarities Both ACA code of ethics (2005) and the AACC code of ethics (2004) discuss the importance of considering the clients ability to pay when setting the fees. Both documents talk about how the counselor is to handle the issue of financial gain. The AACC code of ethics (2004) describes the importance of avoiding financial relationships that are self-serving. Instead, the Christian counselor must set the fees based on Biblical, community, and professional standards. The ACA code of ethics (2005) discuss that the counselor must also consider the locality as well as the clients ability to pay when setting the fees. If the fees are too much for the client, then the counselor must help the client to find alternate treatment that is affordable. Differences

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There are some differences between the two codes of ethics when it comes to the fees. The AACC code of ethics (2004) allows Christian counselors to use a sliding scale for fees and do pro bono work for the clients who cannot afford the regular fees. The ACA code of ethics (2005) does not have such considerations. Instead, the ACA code does allow the counselor to barter as long as the counselor does not take advantage of the client. The counselor may also accept gifts only if it is done according to cultural acceptance and it is done as a token of respect and gratitude. Conclusion Even though both Codes of Ethics were developed to deal with the ethical responsibilities and duties that counselors must deal with, there are similarities and differences between the two codes. As a Christian counselor, each code must be considered and used accordingly when practicing as a professional counselor. The main premise behind each code is the desire to do no harm to the client. Thus the counselor should consider the client in every decision he/she makes. This study has helped me to understand why a professional counselor should understand both codes and the duty of the counselor to follow those codes to the best of his/her ability.

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References American Association of Christian Counselors (2004), AACC Code of Ethics, Retrieved July 2, 2012, from http://www.aacc.net/about-us/code-of-ethics/ American Counseling Association (2005), ACA Code of Ethics, Retrieved July 2, 2012, from http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx