Benefits Of The Texas Administrative Codes Of Ethics

One need only look at the history of mankind generally and the history of psychology specifically to reach an agreement and ultimate conclusion that humanity needs rules, procedures, and guidelines in order to properly conduct themselves within the confines of a civilized society. However, “religious moral codes (such as the Ten Commandments) and Secular moral codes are usually vague, laying out general principles that may be difficult to apply to specific cases” (Vaughn, 2013, p. 9). And even for the principles and rules that are not vague (e.g., do not murder, do not have sexual relations with your client) we still witness them broken time and time again.
The Texas Administrative Codes of ethics that oversee the Licensed Professional Counselors

They “establish norms and expectations for practitioners in order to collectively minimize the risk of harm to clients and the general public” (Francis & Dugger, 2014, p. 131). Moreover, the codes serve as a model or as a blueprint for behavioral and professional expectations while serving as an LPC or LMFT and who represent something much larger than themselves. “Professional associations [that oversee counselors]…have a vested interest in the behavior of their members” (Pipes, Holstein, & Aguirre, 2005, p. 325). Another advantage of these codes is they are easy to read and understand. One last positive attribute is because the codes specify how licensees should act both on- and off-duty the license holder has a measure from which to judge his or her interpersonal relationships. This is beneficial for society as a whole because by following the code of ethics you will be modeling a wholesome, healthy behavior for all to

While the codes are meant to ‘establish norms and expectations’ the manner in which they are written has an intimidating legalistic tone. They have a “You better do this or else” feeling. Furthermore, some of the principles are vague. For instance, the client’s well-being comes first, right? If lying was the best thing to do at a particular moment would that be acceptable? Moreover, sometimes a counselor will have to interpret part of the code and make the best informed decision that he can. But what if the results are less than perfect and a client has a complaint. Now, that same part of code that the counselor interpreted and acted on may go before a review committee for them to interpret and make the best informed decision they can. Lastly, codes of ethics are meant to provide equality for all concerning norms and behavioral expectations, but how can it be enforced when “there is often no immediate oversight or system of checks and balances to support ethical practice” (Brennan, 2013, p. 245) with mental health counselors in private