In the situation given to be analyze for this week’s discussion board post, we were tasked with noting the
interaction between that scenario and the code of ethics. In studying this example and details of the
codes of ethics provided, concerns with the impacts on culture, family dynamic, age of consent, and
Christian counseling platform can be identified. In the example the family being counseled is stated as
being Korean. Because of this report, the cultural background of the counselor would also be important
in understanding the counseling process of this situation. The different cultural background poses a
possible concern as the counselor is expected to be competent not only multicultural/diversity, but also
cultural sensitivity (ACA F.11.c, ACA A.2.c, IAMFC J.2, IAMFC J.3). Later in this situation, the counselor
notes the child’s concerns regarding their parent’s understanding of American culture as it impacts
family rules. This would indicate to me that the counselor is taking on the role of a bridge between these
two cultures which would require a very detailed understanding of the family’s cultural background and
respect for their customs and rituals. Because of this, it could be highly beneficial for the counselor to be
sure to consult with other counselors in a supervisory capacity to be sure to carefully wade through this
topic together (ACA C.2.e, IAMFC F.9). If the counselor is not careful, they could easily offend or damage
the Korean family dynamics if they are not fully aware of the cultural implications.
The focus on the teenage daughter and her concerns appears especially central to the focus of this
situation given. This poses concern in a code of ethics as the issue of counseling the family as a whole
rather than individually (AACC ES1-630-c). The expectation of family counseling is that the therapist will
not align themselves with one member of the family over the others, but rather create an open and fair
environment where all individuals can feel safe and heard (AAMFT 1.3, ACA A. 8.a.). By focusing on the
needs of the teenage daughter alone, the counselor may be creating a wedge between the parent’s and
child, harming the family unit, rather than strengthening it (ACA A.4.a., ACA A.1.a.). This can not only
break down the family unit, but also indicates that their may be an issue of informed consent as the
daughter is indicated to be still a minor (AAMFT 1.2., ACA A.2.a., AACC ES1-310,IAMFC B.5 IAMFC B.6).
With the understanding that the purpose of the counseling session was determined to be for family
counseling, rather than individual, this could pose a big issue if the minor’s parents are not aware of or
fully understanding that the counselor is speaking with the minor alone. The counselor is clearly giving
the minor very directed advice about separation from her parents, even backing this guidance up with
scripture.
Finally, the counselor is clearly working from a Christian counseling platform, it is expected that the
family being counseled knew this before starting to work with this counselor, indicated that this use of a
Christian worldview does not violate the code of ethics which require the counselor to fully state their
own intentions while upholding the values of the clients (ACA A.4.b., AACC 1-330). Even with a Christian
counseling practice, the counselor is still expected to not assume or impose beliefs onto the
family/individual being counseled. This can be compounded by the cultural difference between the
counselor and the family. To be a culturally sensitive Christian counselor ethics codes would require the
counselor to be proactive and aware of all aspects of the effect of spiritual practices on the Korean
culture of the family (AACC 1-520, AACC 1-540, ACA A.4.b., AACC 1-250-c).
AACC Code of Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AACC-
Code -of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf
