Ethical Case Study Discussion Module 5

Module 5 Case Study Discussion Forum

Case Study #1: The Case of Gerald

Dorothy, age 23, seeks counseling from Gerald, an LPC in private practice. her goal is to work through issues related to the sexual abuse by her stepfather that she had endured when she was a child. After 2 months of counseling, Gerald initiates a sexual relationship with Dorothy. He rationalizes his behavior by telling himself that she can benefit from having a “healthy” sexual relationship. Dorothy feels guilty, confused, and isolated by this betrayal of her trust. She wants to end the sexual relationship but has become so dependent on Gerald that she feels trapped. She begins to have thoughts of suicide.

Case Study #2: The Case of Suzanne

Suzanne is an LPC who went to work at a community agency when she earned her master’s degree. After 5 years at the agency, Suzanne resigned and opened a private practice on her own. Now, 8 months into this venture, she finds that she isn’t sleeping well at night. She tosses and turns, worrying about whether she will be able to pay the monthly bills, and trying to think of new ways to market her practice. She misses the camaraderie she enjoyed with her colleagues at the agency and feels increasingly isolated. She has lost weight recently and is starting to have episodes of gastric distress. She realizes she needs a break from the stresses of her work. However, because she feels trapped by her financial situation, she is taking on more clients during evening hours and on the weekends, rather than taking time for self-care activities.

Instructions

For each discussion forum case study, you will:

1. Identify which case study to analyze- an explanation of the ethical issue in the case

2. Use the codes of ethics to identify the dilemma. Reference the specific section(s) of the ethical code that has been violated. Be sure to address both ACA and ASCA Codes of Ethics.

3. Use an ethical decision-making model to work through the dilemma. (Use an ethical decision-making model to guide you in developing the potential course of action you may take in the case)

4. Identify the best course of action.

APA Formatting with in-text citations

I am attaching the PowerPoints from our course book for this module in case they are helpful. I am also attaching both Code of Ethics that have to be used for #2 above.