Running head: ETHICAL DILEMMAS 1
Ethical Dilemmas: How Do You Overcome and Remain an
LPC?
James M. Harrison II
Liberty University
ETHICAL DILEMMAS 2
Abstract
Mental health professionals are highly sought after and counsel all types of people from all walks
of life. Everyone that is seen by a counselor is there for various reasons that require a
professional. In this instance we have a client talking about depression and struggles with
suicide. The unique challenges and requests that we are faced with as counselors are addressed in
this paper. The ethical and moral obligation that we hold as counselors are not always clear cut
black and white. As counselors clients may poses a want that is greater than the immediate need
at the time. Understanding how to navigate through moral principles while maintaining the
confidentiality of your client can be a struggle that may be impossible to achieve. Counselors are
deemed as being responsible if clients harm themselves or someone else and counselor did not
intervene. Counselors have to not only ensure that they are protecting their clients, but also
themselves.
Keywords: Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Problem complexity
ETHICAL DILEMMAS 3
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The ethical dilemma that grabbed my attention was scenario number two. This scenario
appears to be very challenging and may cause serious problems with the counselor/client
