Unit 5: Advocating For Clients - Discussion Topics

Unit 5: Advocating for Clients - Discussion Topics

The various ethical codes addresses the nuances of boundaries with clients, this is important, especially when considering client advocacy, because this may require work outside of the therapy room. Choose one of the different ethical codes we have reviewed (ACA, APA, or NAADAC) and discuss that code’s specific approach to multicultural counseling. What guidelines are encouraged for the counselor? How do you think you might aspire to uphold such guidelines? The readings and videos have addressed various different vulnerable populations requiring special considerations, choose one of these populations and apply one of the specific ethics codes to how you might work with that population. For example, how might you apply one of the ethical codes listed in the ACA guide when working with older adults who are in substance abuse treatment, or how might you implement one of the NAADAC guidelines when working with a client diagnosed with Gambling Disorder?

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical frameworks provided by professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Psychological Association (APA), and National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) serve as foundational guides that ensure culturally competent and ethically sound counseling practices. These codes explicitly address the importance of understanding and respecting multicultural diversity, emphasizing that counselors must develop cultural sensitivity and awareness to effectively serve diverse populations. In this essay, I will explore the ACA Code of Ethics’ approach to multicultural counseling, discuss how I aspire to uphold its guidelines, and apply these principles to working with older adults in substance abuse treatment, a vulnerable population requiring nuanced ethical considerations.

Within the ACA Code of Ethics, Section F, titled "Multicultural/Diversity Considerations," highlights the necessity for counselors to recognize and respect the cultural backgrounds of clients (ACA, 2014). The ACA emphasizes that counselors should attain cultural competence through ongoing education, self-awareness, and the integration of culturally relevant practices. The code encourages counselors to understand their own cultural values and biases and to remain open to learning about their clients’ cultural identities. This approach ensures that counselors do not impose their values but instead facilitate a respectful therapeutic environment that acknowledges cultural differences. Furthermore, the ACA advocates for cultural humility, recognizing that counselors are lifelong learners in understanding diverse cultural perspectives (Neukrug, 2017). This philosophy guides counselors to develop humility and openness while working within multicultural contexts.

In my professional practice, I aspire to uphold these guidelines by engaging in continuous cultural competence training and self-reflection. Recognizing the potential for unconscious bias, I would actively seek supervision and peer consultation to enhance my understanding of culturally specific issues affecting clients. Building rapport based on respect and understanding would be central to my approach, especially when working with clients from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds. I would also incorporate culturally relevant interventions, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to clients' cultural contexts, thereby promoting authentic engagement and effective outcomes.

Focusing on vulnerable populations, older adults in substance abuse treatment represent a group with unique cultural and ethical considerations. As individuals age, their experiences with substance use, health, and social support systems differ significantly from younger populations. When applying the ACA code to work with older adults, especially those with substance abuse issues, ethical practice involves respecting their autonomy, dignity, and cultural backgrounds. For example, many older adults might have grown up in eras with different attitudes toward substance use or mental health, which can influence their openness to treatment. Consequently, counselors must approach such clients with sensitivity, recognizing the cultural and generational factors shaping their perspectives.

Applying ACA guidelines, I would ensure that I am knowledgeable about the cultural history and social circumstances of older clients, possibly integrating family and community resources into treatment if appropriate. Respecting autonomy might involve empowering clients to make informed choices about their treatment plans, understanding any cultural barriers they face. Additionally, I would remain vigilant for age-related issues such as cognitive decline or physical health limitations that could influence therapy. Ethical practice also involves maintaining confidentiality and managing boundaries carefully, especially if seeking ancillary support outside traditional settings—an aspect stressed by the ACA when advocating for clients beyond the therapeutic space.

Furthermore, working ethically with older adults requires sensitivity to issues such as disparities in healthcare access and cultural attitudes towards mental health or substance use. This population may also have complex histories of trauma or loss that influence their behavior and treatment needs. Applying multicultural competence within the ACA framework, I would adopt a person-centered, respectful approach, valuing their lived experiences and fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship. Tailoring interventions to be culturally relevant, I would also strive to dismantle barriers to treatment access, ensuring older clients receive equitable care.

In conclusion, professional ethical codes like the ACA’s provide comprehensive guidance on multicultural counseling, emphasizing continuous self-awareness, cultural humility, and respect for client diversity. Upholding these principles requires ongoing education, reflection, and a commitment to culturally responsive practices. Applying these ethical standards to specific vulnerable populations, such as older adults in substance abuse treatment, highlights the importance of ethical sensitivity and cultural competence in achieving effective, respectful, and equitable mental health care.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. APA.
• Neukrug, E. (2017). The world of the counselor: An introduction to the counseling profession (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Ponterotto, J. G. (2005). Qualitative research in counseling and psychology: A primer on research paradigms and philosophy of science. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(2), 126–136.
• Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2019). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Bemak, F., & Chung, R. C.-Y. (2008). Culturally competent counseling with older clients. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39(2), 109–115.
• Yeo, G., & Goh, H. S. (2008). Asian-American older adults’ perceptions of mental health and mental health services. Journal of Mental Health & Aging, 14, 157–173.
• Huang, L., & Hsu, K. (2015). Culturally responsive counseling with diverse populations. Journal of Counseling & Development, 93(3), 247–254.
• MacDonald, J., & Lehigh, C. (2014). Ethical considerations in working with older adults. Journal of Gerontological Counseling, 44(3), 144–152.