Follow the directions below to write an essay of 1,500-1,750 words on counselor ethical boundaries and practices. Include at least seven scholarly resources including the textbook in your paper. Refer to the NAADAC Code of Ethics (and the AACC Codes if you are in the Christian Counseling track) when completing this assignment.
Provide a thoughtful response to each of the following four sections, including specific, concrete examples to illustrate your ideas. Use the section headings provided below to separate each section of your paper.
This essay should be one cohesive paper with APA headings addressing all four sections along with an introduction and conclusion.
Section 1: Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships
1. How should a counselor determine if a boundary-crossing or dual relationship is ethical and appropriate? What criteria should be considered?
2. Present examples of how a substance abuse counselor could apply these criteria to at least four counseling situations in which you believe the dual relationship issues are complex and ambiguous. One of your examples should address the issues of physical attraction between clients and counselors.
Section 2: Professional Collaboration in Counseling: Working with a Multidisciplinary Team
1. How should a substance abuse counselor work collaboratively within their scope of practice with other mental health professionals to ensure quality client care?
1. Who should substance abuse counselors expect to work with as part of a multidisciplinary team and what would the role of each person on the team be, including yourself?
Section 3: Relationships with Supervisors and Colleagues
1. What is the role of clinical supervisors and what are their primary responsibilities?
1. Describe the ethical issues involved in the supervisor-counselor relationship. How is this relationship similar to the counselor-client relationship? How is it different?
1. Occasionally, counselors will observe unethical behavior in their colleagues. Describe an unethical behavior that one might see and apply an ethical decision-making model to the scenario. Also, discuss possible decisions, or outcomes of the scenario, which may include: discussing the ethical concerns with the colleague or reporting to the supervisor, counseling association, or licensing board.
Use the NAADAC ethical decision-making model in your course materials.
Section 4: Development of Your Thinking About Ethics (This section is to be written in first person)
Clearly describe what you consider to be the most important developments in your thinking about ethical practice that have occurred during this course. This may include areas in which you have clarified your views and beliefs, modified your thinking on a given issue, gained new insights, or acquired a new perspective. It may include issues whose complexity you now appreciate more fully or difficult issues that you now understand you must grapple with as a counselor. Be sure that you include specific examples to illustrate general statements. This is the only section in which your personal experience has been required. Therefore, you are allowed to use first person in this section only.
Include at least six scholarly resources in addition to the textbook in your paper.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:
MS Addiction Counseling; MS Christian Counseling of Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders
1.2: Analyze independent and collaborative roles of the professional counselor.
2.1: Evaluate elements of counselor-client relationships within the practice of professional counseling, focusing on professional ethical standards.
5.2: Recognize the importance of establishing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
This assignment meets the following NASAC Standards:
20) Understand the addiction professional’s obligation to adhere to generally accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the helping relationship.
21) Understand the importance of ongoing supervision and continuing education in the delivery of client services.
35) Seek appropriate supervision and consultation.
47) Inform the client of his/her confidentiality rights, program procedures that safeguard them, and the exceptions imposed by statute.
65) Apply confidentiality-related legal restrictions appropriately.
66) Demonstrate respect and nonjudgmental attitudes toward the client in all contacts with other professionals or agencies.
110) Protect client rights to privacy and confidentiality in the preparation and handling of records, especially in relation to the communication of client information with third parties.
112) Prepare and record treatment and continuing care plans that are consistent with agency standards and comply with applicable administrative rules.
116) Demonstrate ethical behaviors by adhering to established professional codes of ethics that define the professional context within which the counselor works, in order to maintain professional standards and safeguard the client.
118) Adhere to federal and state laws, and agency regulations, regarding addictions treatment.
120) Utilize a range of supervisory options to process personal feelings and concerns about clients.
121) Conduct culturally appropriate self-evaluations of professional performance, applying ethical, legal, and professional standards to enhance self-awareness and performance.
122) Obtain appropriate continuing professional education.
123) Assess and participate in regular supervision and consultation sessions.
124) Develop and utilize strategies to maintain physical and mental health.
