Professional Ethics for Counselors and Psychotherapists

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27 Questions

What is the term used to describe the extent and limits of activities considered acceptable by individuals licensed or certified in a profession or specialty?

Scope of practice

At the mandatory ethics level, counselors focus on compliance with what?

Professional codes of ethics

What is the term used when a licensed counselor's credentials in one state are recognized by another state for licensure purposes without additional imposed requirements?

Licensing reciprocity

Which aspect guides ethical practice at a more sophisticated level where practitioners reflect on client welfare and profession-wide effects?

Aspirational ethics

What is the term used to describe the rules of ethical practice imposed by professions?

Ethical standards

In malpractice actions, one of the central points is to establish a violation of what?

'Good professional practice'

What is considered the pinnacle of the ethics governance hierarchy according to the text?

Civil courts

What is an essential professional obligation that counselors must invest time and effort in according to the text?

'Evidence-based practices'

'Ethical standards of practice can be thought of as being either mandatory or aspirational.' - What are the two levels described here?

'Mandatory' and 'aspirational'

'Knowledge of professional ethics is crucial to the everyday practice' - Why is knowledge of professional ethics important according to the text?

To improve decision-making skills

What is the consequence for counselors or psychotherapists who act unethically, as judged by a licensure authority?

Penalties as severe as suspension or revocation of a professional license

What does revocation of a license mean in the context of the text?

Permanent loss of the right to practice in the state's jurisdiction

How are legally mandated ethics defined in the text?

Ethics set forth by state or federal laws

What role does licensure play in professional practice according to the text?

It allows individuals to practice a profession and prevents unlicensed practice

Who provides guidance to individual state licensure boards on ethical standards and enforcement?

American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB)

What defines professional ethics according to the text?

Standards of practice defined by the profession and accepted by practitioners

What is the consequence of suspension of a professional license?

Temporary loss of the right to practice within the jurisdiction

What does licensure allow individuals to do?

Practice a profession and stop unlicensed practice

What is the purpose of legally mandated ethics according to the text?

To ensure adherence to applicable laws governing professions

What can happen if counselors act unethically as per licensure authority’s standards?

Suspension or revocation of professional license

What does professional ethics refer to?

Acceptable or good practice according to agreed-on rules or standards established by a profession

What is the purpose of licensure for professionals?

To allow individuals to practice a profession and prevent unlicensed practice

What is the main difference between philosophical ethics and philosophical morality?

Philosophical ethics is theoretical analysis, while philosophical morality is the assessment of actions

Who enforces mandatory codes of ethics for mental health professionals?

Professional certification and licensure bodies

How should counselors view themselves according to the text?

As intellectuals and problem solvers

What must counselors do to ensure ethical decision making becomes habitual?

Invest in their profession and be actively engaged in professional activities

Where do principles that guide an individual often derive from?

Religious standards

Study Notes

Ethical Theory and Professional Ethics

  • Ethical theory determines what is "good" or "bad" and guides interpretation in professional practice.
  • Professional ethics refer to standards of practice defined as acceptable by the profession.
  • Practitioners who act unethically are subject to penalties, including suspension or revocation of a professional license.

Licensure and Ethical Standards

  • Licensure allows a person to practice a profession and prevents unlicensed practice.
  • Legally mandated ethics are defined by laws and regulations that require certain actions.
  • The American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) provides guidance on ethical standards and enforcement.

Ethical Principles and Decision Making

  • Ethical principles are broad philosophical guidelines that direct ethical practice.
  • Ethical standards of practice can be mandatory or aspirational in direction.
  • Aspirational ethics define ideal practice but may not provide specific directives for action.

Governance Hierarchy

  • The courts are the pinnacle of the ethics governance hierarchy, with adjudication of malpractice in civil courts.
  • Establishing a violation of duty is a central point in malpractice actions.

Scope of Practice

  • Scope of practice refers to the extent and limits of activities considered "acceptable" by individuals licensed or certified in a profession or specialty.
  • It is essential to distinguish between the profession's scope of practice and the individual professional's scope of practice.

Decision Making Skills

  • Counselors must have good research skills, define critical issues, and search for up-to-date information to make wise decisions.
  • Evidence-based practices are a professional obligation and a core professional responsibility.

Conclusion

  • Knowledge of professional ethics is crucial to the everyday practice of counseling and psychotherapy.
  • Counselors must be alert to ethical and legal standards, guided by professional organizations and philosophical ethics.
  • Decision making is a cornerstone of professionalism, requiring a higher level understanding of complexities and current information.

Explore the importance of ethical theory and professional ethics in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. Learn about the consequences of acting unethically and the role of licensure in maintaining professional standards.

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