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ACA Code Of Ethics Case Study

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Marina has approximately three options regarding the purchase of her former client Christobanks artwork. She could decide not to buy the artwork, obtain consent from the client to purchase the artwork, or simply buy the artwork without her clients’ knowledge. Two of these choices could cause a harmful outcome if Marina does not take the correct precautions. Before deciding what course of action is most ethical, Marina must thoroughly analyze each situation and weigh each course of action to ensure that they are in abidance to some ethical principles and codes. If Marina decides not to purchase the artwork from her client then there would be no ethical dilemma at hand. On the contrary, if Marina were to buy the artwork without Christobanks …show more content…

By obtaining the artwork and hanging it in her home, Marina is in violation to this ethical principle. The artwork was not only created in their treatment sessions but also may have his name on it as well. Marina would also be disregarding the ethical code in the “ACA Code of Ethics” A.6.b. This code explains that counselors should consider the risk and benefits from purchasing a service or product from a client. This specific code also states if you do decide to purchase the product from the client that you should be professional and obtain informed consent to ensure that your decision will not harm the client in any way. Many people could also argue that purchasing a product from a client could also support and benefit the client. Individuals may challenge others thoughts and say that obtaining a product from a client could help them financially or boost their confidence. In an art therapy standpoint, purchasing artwork from a client could boost their confidence in their artwork. In relation to this standpoint would be code A.1.a, “the primary responsibility of counselors is to respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients. …show more content…

By obtaining consent from her client Marina is already being more ethical. Both A.6.b and A.6.c talk about extending boundaries and how to do so correctly. The two express that you can extend boundaries if you do so correctly, such as, receiving consent from the client, and ensuring that there would be no harm done to the client. Principle 5.6 also emphasizes that the art therapist must obtain informed consent in order to exhibit a client’s artwork. The art therapist must communicate with the client whom the viewing audience will be and where the art will be advertised in order to get proper consent. Although Marina would be asking for consent to purchase the artwork she may be violating some ethical codes and principles. Principle 5.2 points out that the art therapist must ensure that clients work in not exploited or used in ways that the clients do not approve. If the artwork is hanging in Marina’s home people who see the artwork may misinterpret the meaning behind the artwork. The viewers may not understand what the artist was trying to represent. This would be in violation with this particular principle. Likewise, principle 4.3 could be violated. This principle states that art therapist cannot permit any public of the clients’ artwork done in the session, including dialogue of the artwork, without the client’s consent. Although Marina is obtaining consent to purchase the artwork she

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