Discussion #2 COUC 601
Three questions that I think should be asked before providing this type of advice to someone is
first asking if the client is open to receiving religious information as well as asking how old the
client is before exercising her independence from her family. The last question I would ask is
when they immigrated to the United States from Korea in order to get a better understanding of
the families cultural beliefs.
While in this situation it is evident that the counselor was doing everything to help the client it is
a possibility that there were some ethical violations according to the following counseling
associations:
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy:
Within the preamble of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of
Ethics (2015), it is stated under aspirational core values that the counselor should practice
acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion of a diverse membership. This is something that is shown
to be done within this situation however, when analyzing the codes, I found that the counselor
violated one specific code. This code is AAMFT 1.2, informed consent, with not knowing the
exact age of the teenage client the therapist must first obtain informed consent from the legal
guardian before proceeding with sessions especially sessions that may cause the patient to file for
independence from the legal guardians. The counselor also did not obtain permission from the
client to incorporate religious practices within sessions.
International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors:
Within section A, The Counseling Relationship and Client Welfare, and section B,
Confidentiality and Privacy, of the International Association of Marriage and Family counselors
Code of ethics (2017), there are many codes can be used for this situation. Section A begins by
explaining that counselors should promote autonomy which was done in this situation. However,
within this same section it is explained that the counselor should not make decisions for the
family or members of the family when it is their right to make. The counselor violates this by
encouraging the teenage girl to exercise her independence. One code that the counselor did well
by was IAMFT A.1, where the counselor did not discriminate or condone discrimination towards
the client. However, in code IAMFT B.5, it is stated that family counselors must inform the legal
parent/guardian about confidential information as well as in code IAMFT B.6, it is stated that
minors must obtain legal consent of treatment before undergoing sessions with counselors.
American Association of Christian Counselors:
In the American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics (2017), code 1-330, Consent
for Biblical and Spiritual Practices in Counseling, it is stated that counselors should not presume
that all clients want or will be receptive to the idea of spiritual practices. The counselor violated
this code by giving the client Mark 10:6-9 and Luke 14:26-27 to study without knowing if the
client has any religious views or receiving consent from the client. Due to this, code AACC 1-
260 can be applicable to this situation because it states that Christian counselors should refrain
from professional-ministerial activities that are or could be harmful to the client. Providing bible
verses to someone who may not be religious can not only harm the counselor/client relationship
but can also cause personal harm to the client. While the verses may be helpful to the clients goal
of self-differentiation and anxiety this can cause the client to think that the counselor does not
value the Korean culture while also putting pressure on the client.
American Counseling Association:
While it is evident that the counselor has Christian views it is not stated that the client also has
these views. Therefore, the counselor is in violation of code A.4.b, personal values, of The
American Counseling Association code of ethics (2014). This code states that counselors should
avoid imposing their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors onto their clients. As
previously stated this was done when the counselor provided scripture for the client to
read/study.
References:
American Association of Christian Counselors. (2014). AACC Code of Ethics.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2015). AAMFT Code of Ethics.
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA Code of Ethics.
International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. (2017). IAMFC Code of Ethics.
