Paper Instructions: The Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Dev ✓ Solved
Paper Instructions The purpose of this assignment is to develop the abi
The purpose of this assignment is to develop the ability to apply professional values, codes of ethics, and a decision-making model to the process of ethical decision making. Your paper must be in current APA format including title page and reference page. The body of your paper must be 6–9 pages and include at least 6 references. Your paper must be well-thought-out and demonstrate critical thinking.
Begin by reading through the entire document, “A Practitioner’s Guide to Ethical Decision Making,” available via the provided link. This reading is necessary BEFORE you begin to apply the decision-making steps to an ethical scenario.
After reading the ethical decision-making document, choose one of the ethical dilemmas from the scenario document entitled, “Ethical Decision Making Paper Scenarios,” found under your assignment instructions. Read and analyze that chosen scenario.
Scenario 3 describes Amy, a professional counselor, who becomes involved with a multivitamin and homeopathic remedy company, leading to potential ethical issues in her practice. Approach the scenario as if it has already occurred, and you need to address the problems it created, focusing on damage control.
To apply the steps of the ethical decision-making model to the scenario, divide your paper into sections following the steps outlined in “A Practitioner’s Guide to Ethical Decision Making,” ensuring all questions for each step are addressed:
- Identify the problem(s): Outline the facts, clarify whether the problem is ethical, legal, professional, or clinical, and determine its relation to self, client, or institution.
- Apply the ACA Code of Ethics: Identify relevant ACA Code of Ethics sections with citations that address the problems.
- Determine the nature/dimensions of the dilemma: Identify applicable professional values such as autonomy, beneficence, justice, nonmaleficence, fidelity, and veracity, and explain their relevance. Review relevant professional literature that informs the dilemma. Consider persons, organizations, or associations to consult for guidance.
- Potential courses of action: Brainstorm all possible options.
- Consider consequences/Determine course of action: Describe potential outcomes for each option, evaluate them, and select the best course based on ethical priorities and implications for all parties.
- Evaluate the selected course of action: Assess whether it might pose new ethical problems and apply justice, publicity, and universality tests.
- Implement the course of action: Outline step-by-step actions to address the problem and do damage control.
Your paper should reflect critical thinking, a thorough analysis, and adherence to APA format, including title and reference pages, and appropriate citations. The length should be 6–9 pages in the body with at least six scholarly references.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Ethical dilemmas in counseling often present complex challenges that require a structured and thoughtful approach. The scenario involving Amy, a professional counselor who becomes affiliated with a multivitamin and homeopathic remedy company, exemplifies such complexity. This case raises questions about conflicts of interest, professional boundaries, and ethical responsibilities. Applying the ethical decision-making model outlined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) provides a systematic way to analyze and resolve the issues arising from Amy’s situation.
Identifying the Problem
The primary problem involves Amy’s solicitation and sale of health products to her clients within her professional counseling setting. The facts suggest that Amy, motivated by financial hardship, began advertising and selling products directly to clients, some of whom became buyers. This scenario creates a potential dual relationship and conflicts of interest, which may compromise her objectivity, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. The issue could be classified as an ethical violation of the ACA Code of Ethics, specifically concerning boundaries and conflicts of interest (ACA, 2014).
Application of the ACA Code of Ethics
Relevant sections include A.5 Boundaries of Competence, A.6 Maintenance of Boundaries, and H.1 Professional Responsibility to Clients. These codes emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding exploitative relationships. Engaging in sales and marketing in the therapeutic context potentially violates these ethical standards, as it may exploit client trust and vulnerability for personal gain.
Nature and Dimensions of the Dilemma
The dilemma involves conflicting principles: beneficence and fidelity versus potential harm and exploitation. Beneficence calls for acting in the client’s best interest, while fidelity emphasizes maintaining trust and integrity in the therapist-client relationship. The literature on dual relationships and conflicts of interest highlights that such situations can impair objectivity and harm clients (Koocher & Keith-Spiegel, 2016). Consulting professional literature on boundaries and ethical sales practices further informs the resolution process.
Persons and Organizations to Consult
Consultation with experienced colleagues, supervisors, and professional associations such as the American Counseling Association and state licensing boards is advised. These entities can provide guidance regarding ethical boundaries, licenses, and best practices in managing dual relationships and conflicts of interest.
Potential Courses of Action
Various options include: (1) Ceasing all sales activities involving clients, (2) Discussing concerns with a supervisor or ethics board, (3) Establishing clear boundaries and a professional policy, (4) Providing transparent disclosures about conflicts, or (5) Terminating the problematic relationship altogether.
Evaluating Consequences and Selecting the Best Course
Ceasing sales activities aligns with ethical standards by protecting client welfare and maintaining boundaries. Discussing issues with a supervisor can help clarify ethical responsibilities. The impact on the client and Amy includes restoring trust, avoiding exploitation, and preserving professional integrity. The chosen course of discontinuing sales and clarifying boundaries is deemed most appropriate, preventing further ethical violations.
Implementation
Implementation steps involve informing clients about the change, removing promotional materials, updating marketing policies, and documenting decisions. Regular supervision and self-monitoring ensure ongoing adherence to ethical standards and prevent recurrence of similar issues.
References
- American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
- Koocher, G. P., & Keith-Spiegel, L. (2016). Ethical principles in psychology and counseling. Oxford University Press.
- Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2018). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. Cengage Learning.
- Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2018). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling. Pearson.
- Fisher, C. B. (2017). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Sage Publications.
- Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach. American Psychological Association.
- Norcross, J. C., & Goldreyer, P. (2019). Ethical issues in counselor education. Routledge.
- Bernard, J. M., & Goodyear, R. K. (2014). Fundamentals of clinical supervision. Pearson.
- Schank, J., et al. (2020). Ethics and professionalism in counseling. Sage Publications.
- Holtz, J. M., & Willmuth, D. P. (2019). Emerging ethical challenges in counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 97(4), 356-362.