Ethical and legal view of the developing counnselor

Ethical and Legal View of the Developing Counselor
Student Name
Grand Canyon University
UNV 502
Professor Cooper
May 22, 2016
Ethical and Legal View of the Developing Counselor
Analyze how personal biases, influence choices, decision making and the course of action. The ACA Code of Ethics focuses on the ethics and professionals standards for counselors. There is an ethical responsibility to focus on best practice and due care when dealing with the client as it is expected that the counselors will act professionally. The ethical decision-making process is prioritized in all circumstances and resolving the ethical issues helps to provide relevant care. The paper will focus on the ethical and legal issues affecting the counselors, specifically volunteerism, self-disclosure, objectivity, self-care and spirituality. Ethics relates to the moral principles, duties and obligations that control behavior and the code of ethics is the guideline with principles on behaving professionally and conduction business.
Volunteerism
Volunteerism contribute towards of a better community and society and especially when there is support for the stakeholders, as a volunteer one needs to be well informed about the tasks to be carried out as they may participate in evaluation of actions. One of the legal issues is the breach of confidentiality where counselors consider the context when they use the client’s information and adhere to the applicable laws. The counselor is expected to act in the clients’ best interests, and I would focus on the roles and tasks that I am qualified to perform and exercise due care in my voluntary position facilitate their participation
Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure relates to providing personal information to one or more people including when people want to establish an emotional bond and it is a means to express feelings, desires, and long-term goals as well as connect with others when there is mutual trust. Self-disclosure invites the other person to also talk about themselves, and care should be exercised not to breach their privacy and confidentiality (Miller & McNaught, 2018). The fiduciary relationship between the counselor and the patient is important to protect the clients’ best interests .The question of how much to reveal without affecting the professional relationship and confidentiality is a legal issue since it affects how one relates to the clients. I would not disclose personal information to clines and would keep the relationship strictly professional. Self-disclosure should never reveal intimate aspects of his life and personal issues if one chooses self-disclosure. Care is exercised to avoid inappropriate and excessive self-disclosure.
Objectivity
Bias can potentially cause problems as this reflects unprofessionalism, which leads to is loss of trust in the profession and a breakdown in communication. Clients are less willing to share information and participate in the counseling session where there is lack of objectivity. The lack of bias is a top priority and counselors are expected to behave partially and professionally (Miller & McNaught, 2018). Being fair and objective is necessary to strike a balance and protect all the stakeholders involved in counseling practice. Professional advice follows a strict code of ethics and personalized service to meet the needs of their customers. Providing objective and independent services where there is evaluation of risks and opportunities is important to meet the cline needs and make unbiased decisions. There is also independence from third parties when making decisions and intervening.
Self-Care
Counselors like nurses are at high risk of burnout and compassion fatigue in their line of work and it is important to make sure that counselors take care of themselves to work with the clients. Self-care is directed by people about themselves, towards others or the environment, and since I do not have bias, I am well placed to take care of myself and assist others. Self –care reflects competence and counselors provide responsible care where the level of knowledge and education is associated with better self-care practices. I would seek the support of my therapists, fellow counselors and educational interventions that improve my self-care to avoid being overwhelmed.
Spirituality
I show love and compassionate care when interacting with fellow counselors and helping the clients. Where possible, I would undertake spiritual and religious assessment, which helps to integrate spirituality in counseling. This is further supported by treating other people with respect and love regardless of their religious beliefs and practice. At other time, there is a community of believers who welcome others and show hospitality when they are willing to share with others and offer spiritual care. Treating the clients with compassion and love will guide spiritual care, and I would also focus on assessment of my spiritual needs to maintain and improve my spiritual wellbeing (Harrad et al., 2014). Even when there is spiritual care and assessment I would respect the rights and privacy of the clients, and where...