This paper presents a discussion of my personal belief system as it relates to two specific ethical practices of the counseling profession. The first ethical practice discussed is one for which I anticipate little difficulty following because it is in accord with personal values. The second ethical practice discussed is one for which I anticipate difficulty due to some conflict with my personal belief system.
The ethical practice for which I anticipate little difficult is that of maintaining patient confidentiality. In the ACA Proposed Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards (1992), this ethic, under Section B, is essentially described as follows:
Professional Counselors must keep information related to counseling services confidential unless disclosure is in the best interests of clients, is required for the welfare of others, is in response to obligations to society, or is required by law. When disclosure is required, only information that is essential is revealed.
Patient confidentiality accords with my personal belief that in order for therapy to be successful, a climate of trust must be established and maintained. In fact, I whole-heatedly agree with the sentiments expressed by Peterson and Nisenholz (1994) in their discussion of the ethical standard of confidentiality.
Specifically, the authors state that one of the strongest fears held by clients seeking counseling is that somehow their personal problems (and relevant information) will become known around the community. The counselor establishes trust by making sure that this fear is not realized.
Peterson and Nisenholz (1994) feel so strongly about the confidentiality issue that they recommend that any prospective counselor experiencing difficulty keeping information to him- or herself immediately acknowledge this and pursue an alternate career. In my opinion, the point the authors make cannot be too strongly stressed. If professional counselors did n...