Transcript Overview of Professional Ethics

Overview of Professional Ethics
Small Group Exercise
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In small groups discuss the
following: From the handout “Would
it ever be ethical?”, answer the
questions individually and then
discuss those questions where
opinions differ. Be able to justify
your point of view. For those you
answered no, can you think of
exceptions?
Defining Ethics (Cottone and
Tarvydas)
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Branch of philosophy dealing with
human behavior.
Involves an analysis of what is
socially and culturally acceptable.
Agreed upon “shoulds” and “should
nots.”
Foundation rooted in morality but
minimizes the religious context.
Defining Morality
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Human conduct as it relates to
judgements about human behavior
conforms to accepted rules of
righteousness and virtue.
Implies the application of religious
standards.
Ethics and morality don’t always match
(divorce).
Ethics and the Law don’t always match
(confidentiality).
Virtue Ethics
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Being an ethical person vs doing
ethical things.
Demands developing an ethical
attitude.
Mandatory vs Aspirational Ethics.
Professional Organizations help in
terms of Professional and
Aspirational ethics.
Six Major Moral Principles
(Kitchener)
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Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy
Justice
Fidelity
Veracity
Ethics Encompasses Four
Dimensions (Welfel)
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Having sufficient knowledge, skill, and
judgment to use effective interventions.
Respecting the human dignity and
freedom of the client.
Using the power inherent in the
counselor’s role responsibly.
Acting in ways that promote public
confidence in the profession of
counseling.
Corey Decision Making Model
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Identify the problem or dilemma
Identify the potential issues involved
Review the relevant ethics codes
Know the applicable laws and
regulations
Obtain consultation
Consider possible and probable
courses of action
Ethical Decision Making
Modes Continued (Corey)
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Enumerate the consequences of
various decisions.
Decide on what appears to be the
best course of action.
Follow-up on course of action,
including documentation.