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Ethics, Counseling, And Counseling Practice

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At some point in counseling, counselors will be faced with the decision to proceed in an ethical manner when situations arise. In spite of personal opinions, the use of ethical practice provides guidance, balance, and integrity in the counseling field. The use of the Gallagher survey reported deficiencies in counseling practice centers “between 1986 and 2008 where a total of 86 counseling centers had been the target of at least one lawsuit or another legal challenge due to unethical practices” (Affsprung, 2010, p. 133). In the counseling practice, Therapists can seek to gratify themselves when helping others rather than choosing to operate within a professional standard of boundaries. Therefore, adhering to ethics is vital in counseling because they provide the structural process in “defining the profession in a changing world that unifies therapists, gives methodologies for practice, and extends and invitation for therapist to work together while providing the very best care for clients” (Hendricks, 2008, p. 259 ).
Ethical Responsibility Organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), lay the foundation for ethical strategies in the counseling culture. When therapists, leaders, or counselors exercise self-awareness, and are knowledgeable about ethical standards, clients are in a better position to overcome obstacles whether in group or individual counseling . Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, and

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