Running head: IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Identity and Ethics for Pastoral Counselor’s
Liberty University
PACO 500 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
Dr. Mario Garcia
September 17, 2017
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Abstract
This experimental learning activity will allow this author to cultivate and expound on the
paradigm for identity and ethical boundaries. Within these boundaries this paper will discuss the
competency of the counselor, education, ethics, and refrainment from dual relationship. Then
continuing in discussion of potential professional partnerships for the counselor; and issues that
would be addressed by an organization’s ethical guidelines, such as boundaries and
confidentiality. There will be a pre-counseling packet assembled and attached to the appendix of
this paper that would assist other pastoral counselors.
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Table of contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………..……………….…...2
Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries……………………..………………...………..4
Potential Professional Partnerships……………………..…………………..............................6
Issues to be Addresses by an Organization’s Ethical Guidelines.……..………………...….....6
Conclusion………………………..………………………………………………...………....7
Reference……………..……………………………………………………………...………..8
Appendix ………………………………….…………………………………..…….……..….9
Grading Rubric……………………………………………………………….………………19
Identity and Ethics for Pastoral Counselor’s
I. Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
A. In Kollar (2011) book the author states that identity for a Christian/Pastoral
Counselor’s is found in Christ; Jesus is forming us according to His plan, we are
being transformed into His likeness [Kol11]. As Christians, we need to have the
knowledge of what and where our identity comes from; we are to be the light in a
dark world, we are to be Christ like in all that we do.
B. Professional Counselors, Therapist, and Pastoral Counselor’s need to know their
limitations and boundaries in their practice field. If a counselor is outside of the
limitations of their scope then the counselor has a duty not to engage a counseling
relationship [Ame141]. Counselors are not to abandon their clients but find
appropriate continuation of treatment with another professional [Ame15]. Some
of the boundaries that are basic parameters for a Pastoral Counselor are
competency, education, ethics, and refrainment from dual relationships.
1. Competency: Johnson and Johnson (2014) discuss that Pastoral
Counselor’s will recognize the boundaries of their own competence and
refer out clients when needed [Joh141]. These boundaries should be based
on the education and knowledge the Pastoral Counselor has received.
Pastoral Counselor can gain more education in areas to further these
competency’s.
2. Education: Not only do Pastoral Counselor need to obtain further
continuing education, the Pastoral Counselor needs to have daily
devotions and Bible study time with God. If the Pastoral Counselor is not
having this time with God the Counselor is stunting the Holy Spirit work
in their life and counseling sessions. In order to hear the Holy Spirit
guiding the sessions the counselor needs to be in God’s word daily.
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
3. Ethics: Every Individual within a counseling setting must adhere to some
type of code of ethics, some for pastoral counseling are:
a. Respect the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by
clients when communicating with family members or significant
others except when disclosure is required for necessary treatment,
granted by client permission, for the safety of any person or when
required by law [Con04].
b. Safeguard the confidentiality of clients when using materials for
educational purposes or written publication.
c. Represent accurately their professional qualifications and affiliations
[Con04].
d. Seek advice and counsel of other professionals whenever it is in the
best interest of those being served and make referrals when
appropriate [Con04].
e. Engage only in research within the boundaries of their competence
[Con04].
f. Maintain relationships with clients on a professional basis only
[Con04].
4. Dual relationships: The AAPC explains this best, that there is a
recognition on the “complexity of some pastoral relationships, avoiding
dual relationships which can impair our professional judgment,
compromise the integrity of the treatment, and / or use the relationship for
our own gain” [Ame15].
II. Potential Professional Partnerships
A. The Association for Pastoral Counseling and Supervision provides everything a
Pastoral Counselor needs in supervision and education. Not only increasing the
knowledge base for the individual, but providing the support that is needed as the
Pastoral Counselor moves forward in the process.
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
B. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors allows for further training in
areas that will provide certification, support, and continuing education [Ame15].
C. The National Board of Certified Counselors will help in licensures for counseling
[Nat17].
III. Issues to be addressed by an Organizations Ethical Guidelines
A. Kollar (2011) list issues to be addressed in an organization, some of those are:
1. Remain alert to your limitations,
2. The rights of the counselee are primary,
3. The counselor must not become romantically or sexually intimate with a
counselee,
4. Do not use diagnostic or treatment procedures that you are not
professional trained [Kol11].
Conclusion
This paper discussed boundaries being competency of the counselor, education, ethics,
and refrainment from dual relationship. Continuing in discussion of potential professional
partnerships for the counselor; and issues that would be addressed by an organization’s ethical
guidelines, such as boundaries and confidentiality. There is a pre-counseling packet assembled
and attached to the appendix of this paper that would assist other pastoral counselors.
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
References
American Association of Pastoral Counselors. (2015). About Us. Retrieved October 2017, from
http://www.aapc.org
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. 2014 ACA code of ethics as
approved by the ACA Governing Council. American Counseling Association.
Constituent Boards of The Council on Collaboration. (2004). Common code of ethics for
chaplains, pastoral counselors, pastoral educators and students. Retrieved October 2017,
from
http://www.professionalchaplains.org/files/professional_standards/common_standards/co
mmon_code_ethics.pdf
Johnson, W., & Johnson, W. (2014). The minister's guide to psychological disorders and
treatments (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Kollar, C. (2011). Solution focused pastoral counseling: an effective short term approach for
getting people back on track. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.
National Board of Certified Counselors. (2017). Ethics. Retrieved October 2017, from
http://www.nbcc.org/Ethics
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Appendix
Pastoral Counseling Intake Form
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Home phone: ________________ Cell: ________________ Email: ____________________
Person to notify in case of emergency: ___________________________________________
Contact’s phone number: ___________________ Relationship: _______________________
Marital status: Single Married Separated Divorced Widowed
Name of spouse: __________________________________ Years married: ______________
Children: ___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Who referred you? ____________________________________________________________
Work History
Occupation: ___________________________________ How long? ____________________
Hobbies: ___________________________________________________________________
Physical/Medical:
Doctor’s name: ____________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Are you currently under a doctor’s care? ______
Reason: ____________________________________________________________________
Do you currently take medication? ______
Reason: ____________________________________________________________________
Have you ever been hospitalized for a physical or mental illness? ______
Describe: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any recurrent or chronic conditions? ____
Describe: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Do you smoke? ____
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Do you take non-prescription drugs? ____ If yes, what kind? __________________________
Do you drink? ____ If yes, how much? ___________________________________________
Religion:
Religious upbringing: _____________________Present Affiliation: ____________________
Do you regularly attend church? _____
Describe your spiritual life and its importance to you: ________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Counseling Care:
Any previous therapy or counseling? ____ If yes, date(s) of previous counseling: __________
Where was counseling conducted? _______________________________________________
Purpose of previous counseling? _________________________________________________
Results? ____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Emotional Status
Are you currently experiencing strong emotions? ____ If yes, describe__________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Do you make decisions based on your emotions?________
How well does that work for you?_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Have you had what you would consider to be childhood or other traumas?_______
If yes, describe_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Have you ever been treated for emotional disturbances?______
If yes, when?_____________________________
Have you had any thoughts of suicide? ____ If so, when? ____________
Do you have any thoughts now? _____
Please explain: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Present Situation
Please describe the reasons you decided to come for counseling: _______________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
How long has this been a problem for you? ________________________________________
What would you like to experience that is different from what you are experiencing now?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
How do you hope to benefit from counseling? ______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _______________________________________________Date: ______________
(Adapted from www.lifehouserestoration.com)
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Things You Should Know About Counseling
Your Rights
To help you get the best possible benefits with the fewest possible side effects, you should be
informed about your rights.
Ask your counselor to review these with you.
1. You have the right to ask questions about the procedures used, and to have your counselor
explain the usual approach and methods he/she uses.
2. You have the right to decide not to receive counseling from this particular counselor. If you
wish, this counselor will provide you with the names of other qualified counselors whose
services you may prefer.
3. You have the right to end counseling at any time with no other moral, legal, or financial
obligations than those already accrued.
4. When necessary a summary of your records will be provided with your written approval. Your
counselor will provide you with the necessary form and guidance if this is needed. The
following will give you exceptions to this.
CONFIDENTIALITY: South Carolina Limits of Confidentiality, HIPAA
A federal law governing mental health and counseling information records has been passed. The
name of this law is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It
establishes a national baseline of patients’ rights to confidentiality. We would like to inform you
that South Carolina’s confidentiality laws for mental health treatment are even more restrictive
than HIPAA’s. However, HIPAA requires that we give you a form called the Notice of Privacy
Practices which lists out the less stringent federal rules of confidentiality. After you read the
following rules that apply to Pastoral Counseling, ask your counselor questions you may have.
One of your most important rights involves confidentiality. Information revealed by you during
counseling will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any other person or
agency without your written permission with the very limited exceptions as required by South
Carolina law.
Listed below are certain situations in which your counselor is required by law to reveal
information obtained during therapy to other persons or agencies without your permission. The
counselor is not required to inform you of his/her actions in this regard. These situations are as
follows:
1. If you threaten grave bodily harm to yourself or another or death to another person, your
counselor is required by law to inform the intended victim and/or appropriate law enforcement
agencies.
2. If ordered by a court to do so, your counselor may be required by law to provide specific
information from your file to the court.
3. If you reveal information relative to child abuse and neglect, your counselor is required by law to
report this to the appropriate authority.
4. If you are in counseling or being tested by order of a court of law, the results of the treatment or
tests ordered must be revealed to the court.
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
5. All records are the property of Pastoral Counseling and are governed by the policies and
procedures of Pastoral Counseling as well as by ethical codes and standards of the state of South
Carolina and professional credentialing associations.
Fees & Length of Counseling Sessions
Counseling sessions are normally fifty (50) minutes and are usually scheduled once a week. It is
difficult initially to predict how many sessions will be needed. Your counselor will be better able
to discuss the probable number of sessions after he/she has gained some knowledge of your
situation, usually after two or three sessions. Your counselor will verbally discuss fees with you.
Our counselors are on a variety of insurance panels. If mental health treatment is covered by
your policy, we will assist you in verifying coverage, obtaining preauthorization for service, and
identifying your co-pay and deductible amounts.
The Counseling Process
Counseling is a growth process that moves through various stages. It may be helpful for you to
have an overview of what these stages are. First, on entering a counseling relationship, your
counselor will spend time exploring the problems that bring you to counseling. This may take
two or three sessions. During this stage, you will get to know your counselor and your counselor
will get to know you, how you view yourself, your marriage, your family, and how you and
significant people in your life interact.
During this initial stage, it is important to discuss things openly and honestly. Your counselor
will listen and help you find ways to communicate what you are thinking and feeling. Each
counselor recognizes that an environment of trust is extremely important for clients to speak
freely.
Next, after you and your counselor have explored your presenting issues, specific goals will be
decided. This will be a joint effort between you and your counselor. Other individuals may need
to be included in this process, such as a spouse, a parent, or other family members. Your
counselor will have ways for helping you get the benefit of counseling. For example, who is
included in counseling will help to accelerate the achievement of goals.
Third, after goals are agreed upon, a treatment plan outlining how these goals are to be
accomplished will be designed. A treatment plan may include interventions that your counselor
can provide. Other goals may be reached through referrals to outside professionals who
specialize in that particular service. You and your counselor will regularly evaluate the progress
you are making. Sometimes new goals and interventions will need to be added.
Last, counseling will conclude when your goals are reached. This should be determined through
an open and honest agreement among all individuals involved, including your counselor.
Possible Side Effects of Counseling
Seeking solutions and making choices to deal with life circumstances can lead to discomfort in a
number of ways. Exploring unpleasant events can arouse frustration, anger, and anxiety as well
as lead to unexpected changes in unstable relationships. Depression and hopelessness may arise
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
as new awareness emerges about self or family members. Making choices can also bring out the
negative responses of others who would rather see you make different choices. Counseling may
also impose limitations upon future life options. Using mental health insurance may be
detrimental to you in obtaining future health insurance, disability insurance, or life insurance
policies.
Spiritual Integration
Community Care and Counseling is committed to the integration of mind, body, and spirit in the
therapeutic, educational, and consultative services offered. The emphasis on “spirit” is most
frequently described through one or more of the following terms: faith, spiritual, existential, and
theological integration.
We include a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual view of human nature, and respect for the client’s
religious or spiritual beliefs and practices resulting in a non-proselytizing approach to services
offered. With this perspective in mind, staff training focuses on strategies for gathering
information on client religious and spiritual beliefs and practices and incorporates those beliefs
and practices into treatment planning and service delivery based on the needs and wishes of the
client.
Benefits of Counseling
Individuals who choose to enter counseling for whatever reasons often find significant benefits
from seeking to share their needs with another who is trained to guide them through this process.
First, individuals, couples and families frequently develop a clearer understanding of patterns
and goals and a deeper awareness of who they are in relation to other family members, spouses
and friends. Second, the increased ability to resolve marital, family or other relationship issues
because of acquiring skills and new perspectives is invaluable. Third, better life functioning and
greater satisfaction may be attained. No matter what brings you to counseling, the benefits will
result from a great deal of effort and emotional energy as you make changes. Therefore,
significant discomfort may also occur.
Social Media Policy
In order to meet HIPPA and South Carolina confidentiality and privacy mandates as regarding
Protected Health Information, Community Care and Counseling needs to address constantly
changing methods of communication between clients and counselors. It is our policy not to
respond to any form of communication that involves texting, Skyping, or Social Media pages
(i.e. Facebook, etc.). You may email your counselor; however for reasons of security, he/she is
not able to respond to your email. At this point in time, communication by phone is the quickest
and most reliable way to contact your counselor. Please, make sure to alert our office to changes
in your home and/or cell phone numbers.
Please, ask questions. You may have questions about your counselor, his/her qualifications, or
anything not addressed in the previous paragraphs. It is your right to have a complete
explanation for any of your questions. Exercise this right.
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Consent to Treat
I acknowledge that I have received and read the “Things You Should Know about Counseling” and “What
You Should Know about Your Counselor”. I further acknowledge that I consent to seek treatment from the
Pastoral Counselor. My signature below confirms that I understand and accept all the information
contained in the “Things You Should Know about Counseling” and “What You Should Know about Your
Counselor” Forms.
________________________________________ _______________________
Signature of Client Date
Consent for Treatment of Minors
This is to certify that I am the legal guardian for the child (children) named below, and that I give my
permission to the Pastoral Counselor to provide counseling for my child (children). Types of
counseling/therapy may include individual, family, play therapy, group counseling, and testing. This
treatment may also include referrals to other appropriate professional agencies. I understand that I will be
kept informed about treatment options reserving the right to accept or decline treatment
recommendations.
______________________________ ________________________________
Child’s Name Child’s Name
_____________________________________ ________________________________________
Child’s Name Child’s Name
_____________________________________ _____________________
Signature of Legal Guardian Date
Consent to Receive Mail at Home
The Pastoral Counselor may send mail to me at my home address. I understand that the counseling
services may bill me at my home for any unpaid balance on my account or a returned check without my
written consent.
______________________________ ________________
Signature of Client Date
_____________________________________ ____________________
Signature Received Privacy Notice Date
I acknowledge that I have received and read “Social Media Policy”.
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Signature of Client Date
I accept responsibility for communicating by text message or email. I understand the risks associated with
this type of communication, however I would prefer to communicate by these methods about appointment
reminders and scheduling, bills, or personal communication.
--------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Signature of Client / Date Email address
(Adapted from: http://cccaiken.org/forms/)
Consent for Treatment and Limits of Liability
Limits of Services and Assumption of Risks:
Counseling sessions carry both benefits and risks. Counseling sessions can significantly reduce
Social Media Policy
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
the amount of distress someone is feeling, improve relationships, and/or resolve other specific
issues. However, these improvements and any “cures” cannot be guaranteed for any condition
due to the many variables that affect these therapy sessions. Experiencing uncomfortable
feelings, discussing unpleasant situations and/or aspects of your life are considered risks of
therapy sessions.
Limits of Confidentiality:
What you discuss during your session is kept confidential. No contents of the sessions, whether
verbal or written may be shared with another party without your written consent or the written
consent of your legal guardian. The following is a list of exceptions:
Duty to Warn and Protect
If you disclose a plan or threat to harm yourself, the counselor must attempt to notify
your family and notify legal authorities. In addition, if you disclose a plan to threat or
harm another person, the therapist is required to warn the possible victim and notify legal
authorities.
Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults
If you disclose, or it is suspected, that there is abuse or harmful neglect of children or
vulnerable adults (i.e. the elderly, disabled/incompetent), the therapist must report this
information to the appropriate state agency and/or legal authorities.
Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances
The Counselor must report any admitted prenatal exposure to controlled substances that
could be harmful to the mother or the child.
Minors/Guardianship
Parents or legal guardians of non-emancipated minor clients have the right to access the
clients’ records.
The type of information that may be requested includes: types of service, dates/times of service,
diagnosis, treatment plan, description of impairment, progress of therapy, case notes, summaries,
etc.
By signing below, I agree to the above assumption of risk and limits of confidentiality and
understand their meanings and ramifications.
______________________________________ ___________________
Client Signature (Client’s Parent/Guardian if under 18) Date
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Identity and Ethics Paper Grading Rubric
Student:
Criteria Points Possible Points Earned
IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER
Paper Content & Organization
All key components of the paper are identified with sufficient
organizational clarity and logical flow
Major points were supported with evidence from the readings and
web-engagements with concise explanation and citation
15
Professional Paradigm Content & Organization
Major elements of professional identity were clearly identified
with concise explanation.
Concise synthesis of issues to be addressed in ethical guidelines.
Evidence of background check notification
Professional partnerships identified with sufficient detail of type,
location, and expectations.
Where appropriate, spiritual formation truths, insights, and
techniques were integrated into the paradigm.
30
Pre-Counseling Package Content & Organization
Package is contextually branded; all key components of package
are identified (i.e., intake; informed consent including brief
description of length/number of sessions, note-taking strategy,
homework, referral process, and confidentiality covenant; ethical
guidelines) with organizational clarity and placed in Appendix
All forms fit a non-licensure and/or church counseling context
20
Readability and Current APA Guidelines
Spelling and grammar are correct.
Sentences are complete, clear, concise, and contain appropriately
varied sentence structure.
Annotations contain appropriately varied sentence structures.
Essential elements are supported appropriately with correct
citations and references.
10
Total 75
Instructor’s Comments:
