Code Of Ethics Paper

649 Words3 Pages

Ethics can be best defined as a set of certain, aspirational moral values and principles, and the application of these ethical principles and values is the code of ethics (Walsh, 2015). Standard of ethics and code of ethics is developed to focus on the moral aspect of counseling, its relationships and behavior in addition to competency requirements, confidentiality, informed consent, misconduct, and violations in trust and care (Zunker, 2012, p. 196). Zunker adds that these rules help establish patterns of action that help therapists respond appropriately to all client needs (2012, p. 196-197). The number one concern for the therapist is the client’s well being (American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, 2015). Competency is determined …show more content…

A key element to all code of ethics is the client’s rights to privacy and confidentiality. This section is typically discussed in the beginning of therapy and included in the informed consent form to ensure the client that all discussions are considered private events (Zunker, 2012, p. 199). In addition all information and content shared in therapy between the therapist and client will continue to remain confidential unless legally mandated to release such information such as Tarasoff duty to warn, duty to report misconduct, and abuse or neglect of children or elderly. In addition, clients will have reasonable access to their records. In a couple, family, or group therapy setting, the therapist will not share information without written authorization to released information by the individual (AAMFT, 2015). It is important to note that this section also goes over counselor-client …show more content…

Similar to clients, students and supervisees are treated to the same standard and their supervisor must take their well being into consideration. Therapists are to keep a professional relationship with their students and supervisees and are not to allow their students and supervisees to perform beyond their training. Supervisors do not share personal information about their students and supervisees without written consent from the individual (AAMFT,