Ethical Decision-Making and Internship Insights in Counseling

Posted on | by Linus

Part 1) Answer these two discussion questions in 250 words or more. 1) 1. Textbook: Ethically, it is the counselor’s responsibility to terminate a relationship with a client when this relationship is not benefiting the client. What specific guidelines would you use to make this decision? What criteria can you use to judge whether or not your client is benefiting from his or her counseling relationship with you? If you were to encounter an ethical dilemma, what steps would you take in making an ethical decision? 2) How should school counselors balance their ethical obligation to maintain student confidentiality with the need to involve parents/guardians in situations where a student’s safety or well-being is at risk? Part 2) type a one page paper on a pretend internship experience. Please just discuss how you completed assessments this day. One assessment to discuss is the general intake assessment and how the Columbia assessment and incorporated in that general intake assessment. Part 3- complete the profession activity that includes 21 questions. The activity will be uploaded

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Part 1: Discussion Questions

Question 1: Termination and Ethical Decision-Making in Counseling

Counselors have a duty to terminate the therapeutic relationship when it no longer benefits the client. Specific guidelines for making this decision include evaluating progress against the client’s treatment goals, assessing client feedback, and consulting professional standards such as the ACA Code of Ethics. Criteria for determining client benefit may include improved coping strategies, progress toward therapeutic goals, and enhanced daily functioning.
If faced with an ethical dilemma, I would follow a structured decision-making process, such as the ACA’s six-step model:

  1. Identify the problem (e.g., potential harm or dual relationships).
  2. Apply the code of ethics to guide the decision.
  3. Consider the relevant laws and regulations that apply to the situation.
  4. Consult with supervisors or colleagues for objective perspectives.
  5. Explore possible courses of action and their implications.
  6. Document the process and implement the best course of action while evaluating its outcomes.

Question 2: Balancing Confidentiality and Student Safety

School counselors must navigate the balance between maintaining student confidentiality and ensuring their safety. Confidentiality fosters trust, but when a student’s well-being is at risk, ethical obligations prioritize safety. The ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors emphasize involving parents or guardians when safety concerns arise (e.g., self-harm or abuse).
The approach involves open communication with students about the limits of confidentiality during the initial counseling session. When disclosure is necessary, counselors should:

  1. Involve the student in the process and explain why parental notification is required.
  2. Consult school policies and legal requirements.
  3. Coordinate with parents/guardians and appropriate professionals to create a supportive safety plan.

Part 2: Internship Experience Reflection

During today’s pretend internship, I completed various assessments as part of my counseling responsibilities. One critical tool was the general intake assessment, designed to gather comprehensive background information about the client. This intake involved understanding their presenting concerns, medical history, support systems, and goals for counseling.
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) was integrated into the intake process for clients exhibiting potential risk factors. This assessment helped identify the client’s risk level and guided the safety planning process. For instance, if a client reported suicidal ideation, the Columbia assessment provided a structured way to evaluate the severity, frequency, and context of their thoughts. Incorporating this tool ensured a thorough risk assessment and highlighted areas requiring immediate intervention. Overall, conducting these assessments reinforced the importance of building rapport while gathering essential information to inform the treatment plan.

Part 3: Professional Activity Completion

Upload the 21-question professional activity here for review after completing it. Be sure to provide detailed and thoughtful responses to each question to demonstrate your understanding of the material and its application to your professional development.

By addressing these sections thoughtfully, you’ll meet the assignment’s requirements while developing a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making and assessment practices in counseling.

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