Tools and Ethical Issues in Counseling Practice PDF

Tools Used in Counseling and the Counseling Process ISAIAH EUGENE G. PEJI, MA, RPsy, RPm Program Director, Department of Psychology Tools Used in Counseling Tools Used in Counseling 1. Intake Forms These forms collect basic information about the client, including contact details, medic...

Tools Used in Counseling and the Counseling Process ISAIAH EUGENE G. PEJI, MA, RPsy, RPm Program Director, Department of Psychology Tools Used in Counseling Tools Used in Counseling 1. Intake Forms These forms collect basic information about the client, including contact details, medical history, and reasons for seeking counseling. 2. Informed Consent Forms These documents outline the therapeutic process, confidentiality, and the rights and responsibilities of both the counselor and client. Clients sign these forms to indicate their understanding and agreement. Tools Used in Counseling 3. Assessment Tools Various assessment tools and questionnaires are used to gather information about the client's mental health, emotional state, and specific issues. Examples include the Beck Depression Inventory or the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). 4. Treatment Plans Counselors develop treatment plans that outline the client's goals, objectives, and strategies for therapy. These plans serve as a roadmap for the counseling process. Tools Used in Counseling 5. Progress Notes Progress notes are written records of each counseling session. They typically include information about the session's content, client's progress, and any interventions used. 6. Homework Assignments Counselors may provide clients with homework assignments or exercises to complete between sessions. These assignments can help clients practice new skills or reflect on their thoughts and feelings. Tools Used in Counseling 7. Genograms and Ecomaps These visual tools help counselors and clients explore family dynamics and social networks. Genograms depict family relationships, while ecomaps show the client's connections to external systems. 8. Crisis Intervention Plans Counselors develop crisis intervention plans to address potential emergencies or safety concerns. These plans outline steps to take if the client is in crisis. Tools Used in Counseling 9. Ethical Guidelines Counselors use ethical guidelines and codes of conduct provided by professional organizations, such as the ACA, APA, and PAP, to ensure ethical practice. 1o. Self-Assessment Tools Counselors often engage in self-assessment to monitor their own biases, emotions, and reactions during sessions. This helps maintain objectivity and professionalism. Tools Used in Counseling 11. Treatment Manuals For evidence-based therapies, counselors may refer to treatment manuals that provide detailed instructions on specific therapeutic approaches and interventions. 12. Books and Resources Counselors may recommend books, articles, websites, or other resources to clients for further reading or information related to their concerns. Tools Used in Counseling 13. Feedback Forms Some counselors use feedback forms to gather client input on the counseling process, helping to improve the quality of services. 14. Audio/Video Recording With client consent, counselors may record sessions for supervision, training, or to review therapeutic techniques. Tools Used in Counseling 15. Billing and Payment Records Counselors maintain records related to billing, insurance claims, and payment transactions. 16. Release of Information Forms These forms allow clients to authorize the counselor to share information with other professionals or individuals, such as doctors, family members, or schools. Tools Used in Counseling 17. Discharge Summary When counseling concludes, counselors may prepare a discharge summary that reviews the progress made, goals achieved, and recommendations for future support if needed. 18. Group Counseling Materials In group counseling settings, counselors may use materials such as group rules, discussion topics, and activities to guide the sessions. Tools Used in Counseling 19. Therapeutic Tools and Activities Depending on the counseling approach, counselors may use various therapeutic tools and activities like art therapy supplies, sand trays, role- playing, or mindfulness exercises. 20. Technology and Telehealth Tools In the digital age, counselors may use secure video conferencing platforms, electronic health record systems, and encrypted messaging for telehealth and record-keeping purposes. Counseling Process Counseling Process 1. Initial Assessment The first session often involves the therapist conducting an initial assessment. This assessment includes gathering background information about the client, their reasons for seeking therapy, their goals, and relevant personal history. It's an opportunity for the therapist to understand the client's needs and to establish a therapeutic rapport. Counseling Process 2. Building Rapport Building trust and rapport is essential. Therapists create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for the effectiveness of therapy. Counseling Process 3. Setting Goals Together, the therapist and client set therapeutic goals. These goals help guide the direction of the therapy and provide a clear focus for both parties. Goals can be short-term or long-term and are tailored to the client's needs. Counseling Process 4. Exploration and Insight In therapy, clients explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and past experiences. Therapists help clients gain insight into their feelings and behaviors, identify patterns, and uncover the underlying causes of their concerns. This self-exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of one's own psyche. Counseling Process 5. Skill Building Depending on the therapeutic approach, therapists may teach clients specific coping strategies, communication skills, stress management techniques, or problem-solving skills. These tools empower clients to make positive changes in their lives. Counseling Process 6. Processing Emotions Clients often discuss and process their emotions during therapy. This may involve discussing past traumas, current stressors, or intense emotional experiences. Therapists help clients navigate and manage these emotions. Counseling Process 7. Challenging Negative Thoughts Cognitive-behavioral therapies focus on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. Clients learn to reframe unhelpful thoughts and develop more adaptive ways of thinking. Counseling Process 8. Exploring Relationships Therapy often involves exploring clients' relationships with others, including family, friends, romantic partners, and coworkers. Therapists help clients improve their communication skills and develop healthier relationships. Counseling Process 9. Homework and Practice Clients may be given homework assignments or encouraged to practice new skills between sessions. This reinforces what is learned in therapy and helps clients apply these skills in their daily lives. Counseling Process 10. Problem-Solving Therapists assist clients in identifying problems and working toward solutions. Clients gain problem-solving skills that enable them to address challenges independently. Counseling Process 11. Feedback and Reflection Therapists provide feedback and reflection to help clients gain new perspectives and insights. Clients are encouraged to reflect on their progress and share their thoughts and feelings about the therapy process. Counseling Process 12. Termination and Closure As therapy progresses, therapists and clients collaboratively decide when it's appropriate to conclude therapy. Termination involves summarizing progress, reviewing goals, and discussing strategies for maintaining gains made in therapy. Counseling Process 13. Confidentiality Throughout the process, therapists maintain strict confidentiality, except in situations where there are concerns for the client's safety or the safety of others. Clients can trust that their personal information will not be disclosed without their consent. Counseling Process 14. Empowerment A fundamental aspect of therapy is empowering clients to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and work toward their own well-being and personal growth. Counseling Process 15. Crisis Intervention If a client experiences a crisis or heightened distress during a session, therapists are trained to provide immediate support and, if necessary, help the client access appropriate crisis resources.  Tools Used in Counseling and the Counseling Process ISAIAH EUGENE G. PEJI, MA, RPsy, RPm Program Director, Department of Psychology American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists & Code of Conduct ISAIAH EUGENE G. PEJI, MA, RPsy, RPm Program Director, Department of Psychology APA’s Code of Ethics  APA’s Code of Ethics Ethics are an important concern in the field of psychology, particularly as it relates to therapy and research. The APA ethics code provides guidance for professionals working in the field of psychology so that they're better equipped with the knowledge of what to do when they encounter some type of moral or ethical dilemma. The APA first published their ethics code in 1953 and has been continuously evolving the code ever since.  APA’s Code of Ethics The APA code of ethics is composed of key principles and ethical standards. APA Principles APA Ethical Standards APA’s General Principles  Principle A: Beneficence and Non-maleficence Clinicians should strive to protect the rights and welfare of those with whom they work professionally. This principle encourages clinicians to strive to eliminate biases, affiliations, and prejudices that might influence their work.  Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility Clinicians should have a moral responsibility to help ensure that others working in their profession also uphold high ethical standards. Clinicians are also encouraged to donate some of their time to the betterment of the community.  Principle C: Integrity Clinicians should never attempt to deceive or misrepresent clinical and research data. When deception is used in research, clinicians must make efforts to mitigate the effects.  Principle D: Justice Clinicians should always practice within their area of expertise and also be aware of their level of competence and limitations. This principle states that people have a right to access and benefit from advances that have been made in the field of psychology.  Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity Psychologists should respect the right to dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of those they work with professionally. They should also strive to minimize their own biases as well as be aware of issues related to diversity and the concerns of particular populations. APA’s Ethical Standards  Ethical Standard 1: Resolving Ethical Issues This standard of the APA ethics code provides information about what psychologists should do to resolve ethical situations they may encounter in their work. 1. Misuse of Psychologists’ Work 2. Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority 3. Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands 4. Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations  Ethical Standard 1: Resolving Ethical Issues 5. Reporting Ethical Violations 6. Cooperating with Ethics Committees 7. Improper Complaints 8. Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents  Ethical Standard 2: Competence When treating clients or working with the public, psychologists must make it clear what they are trained to do as well as what they are not trained to do. 1. Boundaries of Competence 2. Providing Services in Emergencies 3. Maintaining Competence 4. Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments 5. Delegation of Work to Others 6. Personal Problems and Conflicts  Ethical Standard 3: Human Relations Psychologists frequently work with a team of other mental health professionals. This standard of the ethics code is designed to guide psychologists in their interactions with others in the field.  Ethical Standard 3: Human Relations 1. Unfair Discrimination 9. Cooperation with Other 2. Sexual Harassment Professionals 3. Other Harassment 10. Informed Consent 4. Avoiding Harm 11. Psychological Services Delivered 5. Multiple Relationships to or Through Organizations 6. Conflict of Interest 12. Interruption of Psychological Services 7. T h i r d - P a r t y R e q u e s t s f o r Services 8. Exploitative Relationships  Ethical Standard 4: Privacy and Confidentiality Psychologists are obligated to take reasonable precautions to keep client information private. 1. Maintaining Confidentiality 2. Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality 3. Recording 4. Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy 5. Disclosures 6. Consultations 7. Use of Confidential Information for Didactic or Other Purposes  Ethical Standard 5: Advertising and Other Public Statements Psychologists who advertise their services must ensure that they accurately depict their training, experience, and expertise. 1. Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements 2. Statements by Others 3. Descriptions of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs 4. Media Presentations 5. Testimonials 6. In-Person Solicitation  Ethical Standard 6: Record Keeping and Fees Maintaining accurate records is an important part of a psychologist’s work, whether the individual is working in research or with patients.  Ethical Standard 6: Record Keeping and Fees 1. Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records 2. Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of Professional and Scientific Work 3. Withholding Records for Nonpayment 4. Fees and Financial Arrangements 5. Barter with Clients/Patients 6. Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources 7. Referrals and Fees  Ethical Standard 7: Education and Training When creating courses and programs to train other psychologists and mental health professionals, current and accurate evidence- based research should be used.  Ethical Standard 7: Education and Training 1. Design of Education and Training Programs 2. Descriptions of Education and Training Programs 3. Accuracy in Teaching 4. Student Disclosure of Personal Information 5. Mandatory Individual or Group Therapy 6. Assessing Student and Supervisee Performance 7. Sexual Relationships with Students and Supervisees  Ethical Standard 8: Research and Publication This standard focuses on ethical considerations when conducting research and publishing results. 1. Institutional Approval 2. Informed Consent to Research 3. Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research 4. Client/Patient, Student, and Subordinate Research Participants 5. Dispensing with Informed Consent for Research 6. Offering Inducements for Research Participation 7. Deception in Research 8. Debriefing  Ethical Standard 8: Research and Publication 9.Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research 10. Reporting Research Results 11. Plagiarism 12. Publication Credit 13. Duplicate Publication of Data 14. Sharing Research Data for Verification 15. Reviewers  Ethical Standard 9: Assessment Psychologists should obtain informed consent before administering assessments. 1. Bases for Assessments 2. Use of Assessments 3. Informed Consent in Assessments 4. Release of Test Data 5. Test Construction 6. Interpreting Assessment Results  Ethical Standard 9: Assessment 7. Assessment by Unqualified Persons 8. Obsolete Tests and Outdated Test Results 9. Test Scoring and Interpretation Services 10. Explaining Assessment Results 11. Maintaining Test Security  Ethical Standard 10: Therapy This standard outlines professional expectations within the context of providing therapy. 1. Informed Consent to Therapy 2. Therapy Involving Couples or Families 3. Group Therapy 4. Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others 5. Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/Patients  Ethical Standard 10: Therapy 6. Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients 7. Therapy with Former Sexual Partners 8. Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients 9. Interruption of Therapy 10. Terminating Therapy PRC-PAP Psychology Practitioners’ General Principles  Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons and People Similar with APA’s Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity  Principle II: Competent Caring for the Well-Being of Persons and Peoples Similar with APA’s Principle A: Beneficence and Non-maleficence  Principle III: Integrity Similar with APA’s Principle C: Integrity  Principle IV: Professional and Scientific Responsibilities to Society Similar with APA’s Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility  Similarity with Ethical Standards of American Psychological Association 1. Resolving Ethical Issues (APA Ethical Standard 1) 2. Standards of Professional Competence (APA Ethical Standard 2) 3. Human Relations (APA Ethical Standard 3) 4. Confidentiality (APA Ethical Standard 4) 5. Advertisement and Public Statements (APA Ethical Standard 5)  Similarity with Ethical Standards of American Psychological Association 6. Records and Fees (APA Ethical Standard 6) 7. Assessment (APA Ethical Standard 9) 8. Therapy (APA Ethical Standard 10) 9. Education and Training (APA Ethical Standard 7) 10 Research (APA Ethical Standard 8) American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists & Code of Conduct ISAIAH EUGENE G. PEJI, MA, RPsy, RPm Program Director, Department of Psychology