Action Plan For Student At Amridge University

Action Plan [Student’s Name Omitted] Amridge University [INSTRUCTOR NOTE: While this is a great example... ethics in counseling and why it is important to put the needs of the patients first

This document presents an ethical action plan concerning a counseling scenario involving a minor, Nicholas, who is displaying behavioral issues likely stemming from exposure to domestic violence at home. His mother, Juanita, protects his confidentiality in counseling sessions, but Nicholas’s father, Russell, is demanding access to session information, threatening legal action. The core issue is balancing confidentiality with the legal rights and ethical responsibilities of the counselor, especially when faced with threats and domestic violence history. The plan explores the ethical principles guiding counseling practice, strategies for handling the dilemma, and the importance of confidentiality, trust, and client welfare.

Paper For Above instruction

In counseling, maintaining confidentiality is paramount to building trust and promoting client welfare. In scenarios involving minors, especially with complex family dynamics such as domestic violence, the ethical responsibilities become even more pronounced. The case involving Nicholas illustrates a multifaceted dilemma where confidentiality, legal considerations, and the therapist’s ethical obligations intersect. This paper discusses the ethical decision-making process rooted in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, focusing on confidentiality, trust, and client welfare, within the context of this sensitive situation.

The primary issue in this case pertains to confidentiality and the counselor’s obligation to protect Nicholas’s privacy while navigating external pressures from his father, Russell. Nicholas is making positive progress in counseling, which is integral to his mental health and behavioral development. The counseling agreement explicitly states that session details are confidential and not to be disclosed to others without proper consent. According to ACA Ethical Standards, confidentiality is a foundational aspect of effective counseling, fostering a safe environment where clients can freely share their thoughts and feelings (Herlihy & Corey, 2014).

However, Russell’s threats to obtain session information through legal or intimidating means pose a significant ethical challenge. His history of domestic violence and aggressive behavior heighten the risk that disclosure could harm Nicholas’s progress or provoke further violence. The counselor must consider the ethical principles of non-malfeasance, beneficence, fidelity, and justice in this context. Non-malfeasance requires avoiding actions that could cause harm, while beneficence emphasizes acting in the best interest of the client (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Respecting confidentiality aligns with these principles, especially when disclosure might jeopardize Nicholas’s emotional and physical safety.

Furthermore, the ACA Code of Ethics explicitly states that counselors must protect client information unless there is a compelling reason to disclose, such as imminent danger or legal obligation. Section B.1.c highlights that disclosure without consent is permissible only under specific circumstances, such as cases involving child abuse or threats to safety (Herlihy & Corey, 2014). In this case, Russell’s demand does not meet these criteria, especially given the protected confidentiality agreement with the minor and his mother. The counselor is ethically obliged to uphold confidentiality, even under pressure, and to communicate this stance firmly to Russell.

Dealing with legal threats, the counselor can employ strategies such as explicitly informing Russell about the limits of confidentiality, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the legal parameters guiding disclosure. Engaging with legal counsel or supervisors can reinforce the counselor’s stance, ensuring that professional standards are maintained. Additionally, involving the mother and possibly the court, if necessary, can establish a formal framework for confidentiality, emphasizing that the sessions are confidential to protect Nicholas’s best interests.

Choosing to honor confidentiality is consistent with the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that Nicholas’s rights are prioritized. Maintaining confidentiality fosters trust and helps sustain the therapeutic alliance essential for effective intervention. The counselor’s refusal to disclose information, despite threats, aligns with accepted ethical practices, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from potentially harmful family dynamics and preserving the integrity of the therapeutic process (Holt, Buckley, & Whelan, 2008).

In conclusion, the ethical action plan advocates for the counselor to uphold client confidentiality firmly, communicate transparently with Russell about the limits of information sharing, and seek supervisory guidance when faced with coercion. By doing so, the counselor respects the principles of beneficence, non-malfeasance, fidelity, and justice, ensuring Nicholas’s welfare remains the overarching priority. Upholding ethical standards in counseling, especially in complex family situations, is essential to fostering a safe environment where clients can heal and grow. Protecting the confidentiality of minors and honoring their trust are fundamental to effective counseling practices and ethical integrity.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Herlihy, B., & Corey, G. (2014). ACA Ethical Standards Casebook. John Wiley & Sons.
• Holt, S., Buckley, H., & Whelan, S. (2008). The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children and young people: A review of the literature. Child abuse & neglect, 32(8), 797–810.
• Herlihy, B., & Corey, G. (2014). ACA Ethical Standards Casebook. John Wiley & Sons.
• Kaplan, D. M., Kocet, M. M., Cottone, R. R., Glosoff, H. L., Miranti, J. G., Moll, E. C., & Tarvydas, V. M. (2009). New mandates and imperatives in the revised ACA Code of Ethics. Journal of Counseling and Development, 87(2), 241–246.
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• Fantuzzo, J. W., & Mohr, W. K. (1999). Prevalence and Effects of Child Exposure to Domestic Violence. The Future of Children, 9(3), 21–32.