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

American Association of Christian Counselors. (2004) America association of christian counselors code of ethics. Assessed from http://www.aacc.net/about-us/code-of-ethics/

Clinton T. & R. Hawkins. (2011). The popular encyclopedia of christian counseling. Harvest House  Publishers: Eugene, Oregon.