LASA Ethical Decision Making Case Study Paper

LASA Ethical Decision Making Case Study Papermany Coun

Many counselors are competent in their knowledge and understanding of ethical standards and relevant laws. However, real-world situations often do not lend themselves to straightforward solutions. Therefore, counselors must rely on ethical decision-making models to clearly explore ethical dilemmas and to identify appropriate courses of action for different dilemmas. This assignment will help you not only apply an ethical decision-making model but also clearly identify a conceptual model for risk management that can be used throughout one's clinical practice.

Directions: For this assignment, you will review the following case study and incorporate the materials learned throughout the course to answer the set of requirements that follow in a paper approximately between 8-10 pages.

Case Study:

Zander is doing his master's in clinical mental health counseling and has become friends with Tasha, one of his peers in the program. Tasha has shared that she had a substance abuse problem in the past but did not attend an addiction counseling program; instead, she chose to self-monitor and attend AA meetings as needed. Tasha also confided that she has been involved in a sexual relationship for several weeks with Dr. Supervisor, a new supervisor at the agency where they are both interning. Dr. Supervisor has just recently started to provide on-site internship supervision to Zander and Tasha as well as two other students at the internship site.

Tasha reveals she began spending time with Dr. Supervisor 3 months ago, when he asked for her assistance in setting up a personal Facebook page, so he could better communicate with clients he sees at the site. Being well-versed in social media, Tasha helped him set one up and taught him how to use it. Over the next few weeks, they spent more time together, initially working on Dr. Supervisor's Facebook profile and trying to "friend" old clients he used to work with at another agency. Tasha was thrilled they had convinced at least five clients to leave Dr. Supervisor's old agency. Dr. Supervisor and Tasha began to eventually go out to dinner.

After 2 months, their interactions evolved into a sexual relationship. Tasha tells Zander that she's not concerned about any conflict of interest and that she and Dr. Supervisor will likely get engaged once she graduates from the program at the end of the year. Zander is becoming increasingly concerned, however, as he has seen Tasha and Dr. Supervisor meeting at an off-campus bar multiple times in recent weeks, and Tasha has begun to miss classes and other regularly scheduled meetings with clients. Zander reports a significant increase in his caseload because Tasha is missing meetings with clients.

Tasks:

In approximately 8–10 pages:

A. Identify Ethical Dilemma or Issues

1. Identify the relevant ethical dilemma and issues in the case study.

B. Summarize Your Ethical Model

1. Outline the proposed action(s) you would take in this case, providing justification for the proposed action(s) and a description of the decision-making model used to arrive at that decision. The decision-making model should be one that has been discussed in the professional literature, and after explaining the model, you will need to offer a rationale regarding why you chose to apply that particular model to the case study.
2. Cite appropriate literature and give proper credit to the authors of any decision-making models used to analyze the case.
3. Do not simply list the steps of the model; apply the model to the case, document and defend your courses of action, and your final decision.
4. Cite all appropriate professional standards and relevant laws, specifying which statutes or ethical codes are violated. Discuss in detail which actions you would take as you proceed through each step of your chosen ethical decision-making model, with each step addressed thoroughly.
5. Summarize what risk management strategies you would have used once you discovered your peer was engaged in a sexual relationship with your shared supervisor.
6. Evaluate your behavior ethically and reflect on how you would ensure your professional conduct in the future, including strategies such as ongoing ethics education, supervision, consultation, and managing competence.

Your final product should be a well-organized, clear, concise, approximately 8-10 page paper, citing six to eight credible sources from professional literature, formatted according to APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical decision-making in counseling is vital to uphold the integrity of the profession and protect clients, practitioners, and the broader community. The case of Zander, Tasha, and Dr. Supervisor presents multiple ethical dilemmas that require careful analysis and application of a structured decision-making model to determine appropriate actions and ensure ethical compliance.

Identifying Ethical Dilemmas

The primary ethical issues in this scenario pivot around dual relationships, conflicts of interest, confidentiality breaches, and boundary violations. Tasha’s involvement with Dr. Supervisor, her supervisor and a clinical professional, presents a clear boundary violation grounded in the American Counseling Association’s (ACA, 2014) Code of Ethics, which emphasizes maintaining appropriate boundaries to protect clients and the integrity of the counseling relationship. The sexual relationship with a supervisor who can influence her internship progress jeopardizes not only ethical standards but also the legal obligation of non-exploitation.

Moreover, Tasha’s involvement with clients, especially her facilitating their switching of agencies, raises concerns about client welfare, informed consent, and potential exploitation, all of which violate the ACA’s standards related to client relationships and professional boundaries (ACA, 2014). The overlap of personal and professional relationships, coupled with a sexual relationship with a supervisor, compounds issues of power imbalance and potential for harm.

Application of Ethical Decision-Making Model

To navigate these dilemmas systematically, I will apply the Ethical Decision-Making Model proposed by Corey, Corey, and Callanan (2015), which delineates clear steps: identification of the problem, consultation of ethical standards and laws, consideration of the potential courses of action, decision-making, and implementation of the chosen course along with evaluation. This model was selected for its practicality, comprehensiveness, and its extensive emphasis on consulting ethics codes and legal statutes, which are imperative in complex cases like this.

Step 1: Identifying the Problem

Recognizing the complex relationships, boundary crossings, and potential harm to clients and professional integrity forms the foundation of this step. The sexual relationship between Tasha and Dr. Supervisor, coupled with her involvement in client-related social media activities, highlights possible boundary violations and conflicts of interest.

Step 2: Consulting Ethical Standards and Laws

Reviewing the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), particularly sections A.5 (Boundary Violations), A.5.a (Avoiding Dual Relationships), and A.6 (Conflicts of Interest), reveals violations related to dual relationships and exploitation. State laws may further delineate duties concerning mandatory reporting, confidentiality, and professional conduct (e.g., state mental health statutes). Recognizing these violations informs the ethical obligation to act.

Step 3: Considering Possible Courses of Action

Options include: consulting with a supervisor or ethics board, addressing the issue directly with Tasha and Dr. Supervisor, reporting the situation to appropriate authorities, or initiating a formal ethics complaint. Each option bears potential consequences: exposing boundary violations, risking professional relationships, or safeguarding client welfare.

Step 4: Making the Decision

Based on ethical principles of nonmaleficence and fidelity, forming a plan to intervene appropriately is essential. The best course involves confidentially consulting with a licensed supervisor or ethics committee, then addressing the boundary issues with Tasha and Dr. Supervisor, emphasizing the importance of professional boundaries and client safety. If violations persist, formal reporting should ensue.

Step 5: Implementation and Evaluation

Implementing the action includes documented discussions, offering ethical guidance, and setting clear boundaries. Monitoring client welfare and Tasha’s professional development is critical. Continuous evaluation ensures the intervention’s effectiveness, with adjustments made as needed.

Risk Management Strategies

Upon discovering the sexual relationship between Tasha and Dr. Supervisor, immediate risk management measures include reporting the conduct to site supervisors, establishing clear boundaries, and ensuring clients’ confidentiality and welfare. Regular supervision, documentation, and organizational policies to monitor boundary integrity are essential to prevent future violations.

Professional Behavior and Future Management

To uphold ethical integrity, ongoing education on counselor ethics, engaging in supervision or consultation, and reflective practice are fundamental. Developing a personal ethics framework rooted in continuous learning, cultural competence, and adherence to professional standards will mitigate ethical risks. Regular training ensures awareness of evolving ethical standards and legal statutes, fostering proactive risk management.

Conclusion

ETHICS in counseling profoundly impacts client well-being, professional credibility, and the integrity of the counseling relationship. The case analysis underscores the importance of systematic ethical decision-making, vigilant boundary management, and continuous professional development. By applying structured models and maintaining an unwavering commitment to ethical principles, counselors can navigate complex dilemmas effectively, protect client interests, and uphold the profession’s standards.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Corey, G., Corey, M., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical Ethics for Psychologists: A Positive Approach. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
• Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2016). Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues in Counseling (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Zur, O. (2017). Boundaries in psychotherapy: ethical and clinical considerations. The American Journal of Psychotherapy, 71(2), 77-86.
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. APA.
• Fouad, N. A., et al. (2010). Culturally responsive counseling: A guide to ethical practice. Journal of Counseling & Development, 88(4), 489-498.
• Barnett, J. E. (2010). Ethics and boundaries in the counseling relationship: Making difficult decisions. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41(4), 351-358.
• Hansen, N. B., et al. (2007). Ethics in counseling and psychotherapy: Standards, concepts, and cases. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 29(3), 217-231.
• American Mental Health Counselors Association. (2015). Code of Ethics. AMHCA.