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Identify the relevant ethical dilemma and issues in the case study. Summarize your ethical model. 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. You should be sure to cite appropriate literature and must give proper credit to the authors of any decision-making models used to analyze the case. Do not simply list the steps of the model; be sure to apply the model to the case and document and defend your courses of action and your final decision. Cite all appropriate professional standards and relevant laws. Regardless of the model chosen, you need to clearly identify, describe, and evaluate what ethical codes and laws were violated. Be specific—use mental health statutes and specific ethical codes that apply. Discuss in detail what actions you would take as you proceed through the steps of your chosen ethical decision-making model; each of the steps should take at least a paragraph (or more) to address. Summarize what risk management strategies you would have taken once you found out your peer was engaged in a sexual relationship with your shared site supervisor. Summarize ethical research and evaluate your behavior. Evaluate how you would ensure your own professional behavior in the future. Determine a risk management strategy for managing good ethical practice. This discussion does not have to be relevant to the case but more so regarding how you plan to manage your professional ethics in the future. Please consider: Evaluation of counselor competence Strategies for obtaining supervision or consultation Use of ethical decision-making models Continued education or training on ethics Your final product will be in a Microsoft Word paper and be approximately 8–10 pages in length. Utilize approximately six to eight sources from professional literature in your research. Professional literature may include the Argosy University online library resources; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu or .gov). Your deliverables should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. APA style must be used. NO LATE ENTRIES

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the complex landscape of mental health counseling, ethical dilemmas often pose significant challenges requiring careful navigation. Recognizing the importance of adhering to ethical standards and legal statutes is essential for counselors to maintain professionalism and protect client welfare. This paper analyzes a detailed case study involving a counseling student, Tasha, her supervisor, Dr. Supervisor, and a peer, Zander. It aims to identify the core ethical dilemmas, apply an appropriate decision-making model, and develop risk management strategies for future professional conduct.

Identification of Ethical Dilemmas and Issues

The case presents multiple ethical concerns, primarily involving boundary violations, dual relationships, confidentiality breaches, and conflicts of interest. Tasha’s ongoing sexual relationship with her supervisor raises questions about exploitation and abuse of power, which violate the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (ACA, 2014). Such relationships during supervision or while serving as a client’s counselor are deemed inappropriate and unethical due to the imbalance of power. Specifically, Standard A.5.a states that counselors should avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity, competence, or effectiveness or risk exploitation (ACA, 2014). Additionally, the social media activities of Dr. Supervisor, collaborating with Tasha to set up Facebook pages and encouraging clients to leave previous agencies, breach confidentiality and establish boundary crossings violating Standards A.2.a and A.5.c, respectively.

Summary of the Ethical Model

For this case, the ACA’s Ethical Decision-Making Model is appropriate, as it offers a systematic process to approach complex dilemmas through structured steps: identifying the problem, applying ethical standards, determining the nature and dimensions of the dilemma, considering possible courses of action, and evaluating the consequences (Remley & Herlihy, 2016). This model emphasizes ethical awareness, consultation, and reflective judgment, making it well-suited for addressing boundary violations and dual relationships.

Application of the Ethical Decision-Making Model

Step 1: Identify the problem

The primary issue involves Dr. Supervisor’s sexual relationship with Tasha and the potential impact on client welfare, supervision integrity, and professional boundaries. Additionally, Tasha’s neglect of obligations, such as missing client appointments, indicates compromised professional responsibilities.

Step 2: Identify ethical standards and laws

The relevant standards include ACA Standard A.5.a (dual relationships), A.5.c (confidentiality breaches through social media), and A.11 (evaluation and treatment modalities). Laws such as state licensure statutes regarding sexual relationships with clients or supervisees are also relevant, including statutes governing professional conduct and confidentiality (State of XYZ, 2022).

Step 3: Determine the nature of the dilemma

The dilemma involves balancing the right to privacy of Tasha and Dr. Supervisor’s personal relationship against the imperative to protect clients from potential harm and uphold ethical standards in supervision.

Step 4: Explore possible actions

• Investigate the situation thoroughly and consult with supervisors or ethical boards.
• Address the boundary violations directly with Tasha and Dr. Supervisor.
• Implement disciplinary actions, including potential suspension or termination.
• Report misconduct to licensing boards if necessary.
• Develop a plan to prevent future boundary violations, including training and supervision enhancements.

Step 5: Evaluate consequences of actions

Addressing the violations protects clients and maintains professional standards but may damage personal relationships and cause legal repercussions. Ignoring the behavior could jeopardize clients’ welfare and violate ethical codes.

Justification of Chosen Decision-Making Model

The ACA Ethical Decision-Making Model was selected for its comprehensive, systematic approach tailored for mental health professionals navigating complex ethical situations. The model promotes ethical awareness, critical analysis, and collaborative consultation, which are vital in cases involving boundary crossings and dual relationships (Remley & Herlihy, 2016). Its emphasis on reflecting on potential outcomes aligns with best practices in ethical decision-making.

Violations of Ethical Codes and Laws

The case involves violations of ACA Code of Ethics sections related to dual relationships (A.5.a), confidentiality breaches through social media (A.2.a), and possibly impairments in supervision integrity. State laws regarding sexual relationships with supervisees or clients further reinforce the ethical violations, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention and reporting.

Risk Management Strategies

Upon discovery of the sexual relationship, immediate actions should include documenting all relevant information, consulting with supervisors or legal advisors, and reporting the issue to relevant licensing authorities. Establishing clear boundaries and conducting ongoing ethics training are essential for risk mitigation. It is also crucial to develop policies that prevent similar incidents, such as strict social media guidelines and supervision protocols.

Ethical Research and Personal Behavior

Continuous engagement with current research in ethics ensures updated practices. Personally, maintaining integrity involves regular supervision, participating in ethics workshops, and reflecting on professional boundaries. Developing cultural competence and understanding power dynamics improves ethical sensitivity (Pope & Vasquez, 2016).

Future Strategies for Ethical Practice

Future measures include obtaining regular supervision, engaging in continued ethics education, and actively participating in professional development activities. Monitoring personal and peer conduct, fostering a culture of transparency, and establishing accountability mechanisms are essential components of ongoing ethical growth.

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas like the presented case demand a systematic, informed response grounded in professional standards and legal statutes. Employing an ethical decision-making model facilitates clarity, consistency, and accountability, ultimately promoting the integrity of clinical practice and safeguarding client welfare. Proactive risk management, ongoing education, and self-reflection are vital to ensuring ethical resilience in the mental health counseling profession.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2016). Ethical & professional issues in counseling (5th ed.). Pearson.
• State of XYZ. (2022). Professional Practice Acts for Mental Health Counselors. XYZ State Government Publications.
• Pope, K. S., & Vasquez, M. J. T. (2016). Ethics in psychotherapy and counseling: A practical guide (5th ed.). Wiley.
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Barnett, J. E. (2018). Ethical Practice in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions. Routledge.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012).opping ethical dilemmas: A guide for clinicians (3rd ed.).
• Fisher, C. B. (2009). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
• American Psychological Association. (2022). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
• Fitzgerald, L. F., Hulin, C. L., & Drasgow, F. (1995). The development and validation of a sexual harassment questionnaire. Journal of Applied Psychology, 80(4), 595–604.