1. As defined by the ACA ethical code, the following issues are considered to be an ethical violation
some or all of the time. For each issue: (1) identify where in the ethical code the issue is addressed
and how it may be an ethical violation (2) present an understanding of why you believe the
profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time, and (3) see if you can
develop a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be beneficial
to a client.
Counseling a friend or neighbor.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
2.Not informing your client of the rules of the counseling relationship.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
3. Allowing a client to be verbally attacked within a group setting.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
4. Having sex with a client.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
5. Having a romantic relationship with a friend or relative of a client.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
6. Breaking confidentiality when the guidelines indicate one should not.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
7. Allowing a client to commit suicide.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
8. Referring a client for Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) therapy
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
9. Concealing information from the parents of a child whom you are seeing in counseling, despite the
fact that they requested such information.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?
10. Attending the wedding of a client.
Where in the ethical code is this issue addressed and how might it be an ethical violation? Why do
you believe the profession has chosen to view this issue as unethical some or all of the time? Can you
imagine a scenario where you could argue that acting in such a manner could potentially be
beneficial to a client?