The Use Of Ethical Violations In Richard Cohen's Argumentative Therapy

In today’s psychology profession, a therapist and even the client can cross many boundaries if immediate boundaries are not put into place during the initial visit. Some boundaries that are crossed are not a problem at first and then the problem progresses. Leonard L. Glass called these, “the gray areas of boundary crossing and violation” (429). However, there is further description, “Boundary issues mostly refer to the therapist's self-disclosure, touch, an exchange of gifts, bartering and fees, length and location of sessions and contact outside the office” (Guthiel & Gabbard). This statement by Thomas G. Gutheil, M.D. & Glen O. Gabbard, M.D explains the meaning of boundary

The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics provides structure that protects clients. Responsibilities that counselors to be aware of is avoid imposing their own values, attitudes and beliefs on clients (Ethics, 2014). Developing a relationship with clients requires providing counseling in a culturally sensitive manner (Ethics, 2014). Counselors respect the diversity of clients take measures to ensure that they are not of risk of imposing their values onto clients (Ethics, 2014).

In the case of Conrad Jarrett I would envision utilizing two frontline treatment options in order to reduce the client’s symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Bryant (2008) designed a treatment protocol that combines the use of cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy. Utilizing both of these therapies within structured individual sessions would allow a reduction in negative cognitions (e.g., feelings of guilt and shame) should these feelings intensify during exposure. My concern stems from the patient’s previous attempt at suicide and my desire to provide Conrad with some tools to combat his negative thoughts increasing the likelihood that he will remain unharmed and in therapy through the duration of treatment.

Lying on the Couch by Irvin D. Yalom has been both entertaining and interesting from a counseling standpoint in that it provides a scandalous and as was in most of the cases, a look at what could go wrong if ethics in a clinical counseling setting go awry. Following the characters of Seymour Trotter, Earnest Lash, and Marshal Streider in working with their clients and with each other the ethical lessons to be learned become obviously apparent, if not emotionally painful. Although, numerous issues arise throughout the book, there were at least three that will be covered within the context of this writing. In consideration of each of these ethical breaches there will be dialog on the nature of the ethical issue or violation, where the ACA ethical code applies, ramifications of the ethical issue or violation on both parties, and application of Kitchener?s five primary ethical principles that were involved or violated. In addition, the justification offered by the characters in the book for their actions or considered actions, application to the situation in the setting of Clinical Mental Health counseling, and indication of personal response to the situation presented. Understanding that the use of these ethical principles and considerations as they apply in counseling are unequivocally valuable tools in helping a practitioner in working with clients to make comprehensive decisions that will not create conflict within their ethical parameters and are aligned with the laws

The ACA Code of Ethics states, “when counselors are faced with ethical dilemmas that are difficult to resolve, they are expected to engage in a carefully considered ethical decision-making process,” (ACA, 2014, p. 3). Throughout these three case studies, I will use the seven-step ethical decision-making model to address the important professional issues, relevant ethical codes, and legal standards (Forester-Miller & Davis, 1996). By applying the steps to each case I will share how I came to my resolutions.

When people don't obey the code of ethics it can tarnish their representative's as well as the group's or organization's reputations. This can diminish their standing in the community and have an unhealthy affect on business and sales

Based on the statistical analysis, it was found that forgiveness therapy “was more efficacious in reducing anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms for these women” (Reed & Enright, 2006, p. 926).

Rogers worked with many others in developing the idea that clients could heal themselves, if only the therapist provided ‘facilitative’ or core conditions of, ‘empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard.’

Sexual intimacies are another area in which similarities and differences can be observed between the two codes of ethics. Both codes of ethics prohibit sexual and romantic relationships between counselors and clients. Sections A.5.a and A.5.b of the ACA code of ethics clearly state this (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 5). This is also clearly stated in section 1-131 of the AACC code of ethics (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 8.). At this point, it is necessary to point out differences between these two codes of ethics in this regards. The AACC guideline clearly forbids sexual and romantic relationships with former clients but provides an exception as stated in section 1-133 where possible marriage is involved (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 8). On the other hand,

and requirements of the ACA Ethics Committee or ethics committees of other duly constituted associations or boards having jurisdiction over those charged with a violation.”(p.19) According to the AMHCA Code of

Much of what the therapist did in the film (Black et al., 2002) was unorthodox and may have seemed to be going against the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, however, it also seemed obvious to me that the

Professional associations establish codes of ethics to ensure that clinicians uphold the standards of their association in order to protect the clients they serve and the profession they are affiliated with. This paper will compare the codes of ethics of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

There are many ethical issues that can arise during counseling. One issue that is fairly common is sexual attraction from patient to counselor, counselor to patient, or even in both directions. Even though an attraction may exist, this does not necessarily mean that these instincts will be followed in any inappropriate way. In fact attraction is a natural part of life and is impossible to avoid. However, any fulfillment of these desires is an unethical act that could not only be in violation of the code of ethics that a counselor is bound by, but it could also subject the counselor and their organization to litigation and legal action.

The ACA Code of Ethics, standard A.4.b proposes counselor must avoid imposing their own values, beliefs, and attitudes on clients. Counselors should respect all client’s diversity and perspectives (APA, 2014). Marcus had inconsistent goals with Mary Ann. He imposed his ideas on her religion and gave her other religious options. This upset Mary Ann, for the fact she was not coming to counseling for religious issues, but for her depressed mood. Marcus entered another ethical violation when his counseling plans were not congruent with Mary Ann’s. The ACA Code of Ethics, standard A.1.c states, it is essential for counselors to work with clients jointly to devise a counseling plan that has the ability to be successful. It is important counselors respect clients freedom of choice and work together to accomplish goals (APA, 2014). Marcus should have asked Mary Ann if she was thinking about changing religions. This would have then been a good opportunity for Marcus to give her information on other religions, however this was not the

The second ethical issue occurred when the psychologist disclosed information about Mr. Hartwig’s to his psychiatrist without Mr. Hartwig’s consent. The psychologist motivations for contacting Mr. Hartwig’s psychiatrist appears to be ethical. He was attempting to establish a collaborative relationship with the psychiatrist in order to maximize the effectiveness of each for of treatment in order to best serve the client (APA, 2002). However, The APA guidelines on stipulate that while psychologist should attempt to establish a collaborative relationship they must request release from the client before disclosing confidential information (APA, 2002). The client shared the name of his psychiatrist, but there was no evidence that the client consented to an exchange of information between the two professionals. In addition to the psychologists’ obligation to obtain consent to disclose information to the psychiatrist; he was also ethically obligated to ensure that the client understands what he/she is giving consent for. Koocher and Keith-Spiegel, suggest elements that a release-of-information form should include; who the information is to be released to, and any limitations on the information to be released (2008). If the client consented to disclosure with the