CHRISTIAN COUNSELING ETHICAL ISSUES
Accountability
Christian
counselors have the accountability to represent Christ as his ambassador. Therefore, their duty is to “demonstrate the
affirmation of life, the upholding of human dignity, the cultivation of love for
others, and the sacrifice and service of self-denial.” (Clinton & Hawkins, 2011,
p. 24). Christian counselors have to impart
trust which requires the practice of true accountability. There is significant
deficiency regarding ethics awareness and preparation in the counseling
field. Ethics should not be a single
training to be taken; it should be a comprehensive orientation to every aspect
of the counselor’s practice. Ethical violations may result in severe
disciplinary action, such as suspension or revocation.
The popular
Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling (2011) mentions five ethic-related values
that set apart a “master Christian counselor:
Relational connection. Ability to form healthy relationships with clients.
Competence. Commitment to the value of being exceptionally skilled.
- Humility. An awareness of personal limitations and weaknesses.
Professional growth. The continual seeking of formal learning opportunities.
Trust in
counseling is grounded on the counselor’s ability to keep client’s secrets and
information confidential. Confidentiality
is a critical ethic principle. The AACC
Code of Ethics explains clearly why this ethic is crucial for Christian
counselors.
ES1-400
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Privileged Communication.
1-410
Maintaining Client Confidentiality
Christian counselors maintain client
confidentiality to the fullest extent allowed by law, professional ethics, and
church or organizational rules.
Confidential client communications include all verbal, written, telephonic,
audio or videotaped, or electronic communications arising within the helping
relationship. Apart from the exceptions
below, Christian counselors shall not disclose confidential client
communications without first discussing the intended disclosure and securing
written consent from the client or client representative.
1-411 Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality and
Privilege
Clients should be informed about
both the counselor's commitment to confidentiality and its limits before
engaging in counseling. Christian
counselors avoid stating or implying that confidentiality is guaranteed or
absolute. We will discuss the limits of
confidentiality and privacy with clients at the outset of counseling.
1-420
Asserting Confidentiality or Privilege Following Demands for Disclosure
Protecting confidential
communications, including the assertion of privilege in the face of legal or
court demands, shall be the first response of counselors to demands or requests
for client communications and records.
Documentation and Records
Christian
counselors also have the accountability to demonstrate respect of the
documentation and records of the client by ensuring the information is secure,
meaningful, and consistent with reasonable standards of care.
1-421 Disclosure of Confidential Client Communications
Christian counselors disclose only that client information they have written permission from the client to disclose or that which is required by legal or ethical mandates. The counselor shall maintain confidentiality of client information outside the bounds of that narrowly required to fulfill the disclosure and shall limit disclosures only to those people having a direct professional interest in the case. In the face of a subpoena, counselors shall neither deny nor immediately comply with disclosure demands, but will assert privilege in order to give the client time to consult with a lawyer to direct disclosures.
1-460
Maintaining Privacy and Preserving Written Records
Christian counselors will preserve,
store, and transfer written records of client communications in a way that
protects client confidentiality and privacy rights. This requires, at minimum, keeping records
files in locked storage with access given only to those persons with a direct
professional interest in the materials.
1-461 Maintaining Privacy in Electronic Databases
Christian counselors take special
precautions to protect client privacy rights with records stored and
transferred by electronic means. This
requires, at minimum, use of password entry into all electronic client files
and/or coded files that do not use client names or easy identifiers. Client information transferred
electronically—FAX, E-mail, or other computerized network transfer—shall be
done only after the counselor determines that the process of transmission and
reception of data is reasonably protected from interception and unauthorized
disclosures.
Informed Consent
Christian counselor’s
accountability is to inform clients of the details about their treatment and
letting the client know that they will be respected and honored. Therefore, obtaining voluntary consent for each
aspect of their treatment is an ethical issue and part of the counselor’s
commitment to do no harm to their clients.
1-310 Securing Informed Consent
Christian
counselors secure client consent for all counseling and related services. This includes the video/audio-taping of
client sessions, the use of supervisory and consultative help, the application
of special procedures and evaluations, and the communication of client data
with other professionals and institutions.
Christian
counselors take care that (1) the client has the capacity to give consent; (2) we have discussed counseling together
and the client reasonably understands
the nature and process of counseling; the costs, time, and work required; the
limits of counseling; and any appropriate alternatives; and (3) the client freely gives consent to counseling,
without coercion or undue influence.
There are other ethical issues, like consultation and referral, termination, dual relationships, yet some of the major ones were discussed. (See AACC Code of Ethics).
References
Clinton T. & R. Hawkins. (2011). The popular encyclopedia of christian counseling. Harvest House Publishers: Eugene, Oregon.
