Chapter 3: Values & Helping Relationship
Francis and Dugger (2014) emphasize that counselors are ethically responsible to monitor the various ways they may communicate their values to clients “and be aware of how the power differential that exists within each counseling relationship may result in the imposition of their values”
By demonstrating a nonjudgmental attitude toward clients with different values, we can remain invested in the work our clients are doing.
Students also have some responsibility, in collaboration with faculty and supervisors, to find a suitable values mentor when they are struggling with a conflict between their personal and professional values
LBGTQ Standards
institutions that are not LGBT-affirming, regardless of the mission or policies of the institution, must abide by all CACREP standards.
Ethical bracketing: “intentional setting aside of the counselor’s personal values in order to provide ethical and appropriate counseling to all clients, especially those whose worldviews, values, belief systems, and decisions differ significantly from those of the counselor
Counselor incorporating personal statement of values may appear judgmental and place disclosure on counselors views and not clients
Value conflicts
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the process of counseling is meant to help clients discover their own resources for dealing with problems rather than listening to advice from others.
Because your values can significantly affect your work with clients, you must clarify your assumptions, core beliefs, and values and the ways in which they may influence the therapeutic process.
Examined in personal therapy and clinical supervision
informing clients about the role of values in therapy can guard against undue influence by the therapist.
Value imposition refers to counselors directly attempting to influence a client to adopt their values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
Farnsworth and Callahan (2013) state that values are intrinsic to the process of psychotherapy, and value conflicts will occasionally pose challenges for conducting therapy, regardless of how accepting and compassionate the trainee may be.
Farnsworth and Callahan (2013) believe referrals are appropriate when they reflect self-awareness on the part of the trainee that the client’s goal is beyond the scope of the trainee’s competence
Consider a referral only when you clearly lack the necessary skills to deal with the issues presented by the client
To competently deal with value conflicts, trainees must maintain awareness of potential conflict areas with clients and their own internal reactions to clients throughout the duration of the therapy process
If you experience difficulties over conflicting personal values, the ethical course of action is to seek supervision and learn ways to effectively manage these differences.
Person-centered theory rests on the foundation of acceptance, respect for a client’s autonomy, and avoidance of judgment.
infused in the ACA Code of Ethics
When faced with a topic you know little about, good first steps are to educate yourself, seek supervision, and obtain further training
Ward and Keeton Cases
Counselor education programs have an ethical responsibility and a legal right to ensure the appropriate treatment of clients who are under the care of their supervisees
Sexual Attitudes and conflicts
Harris and Hays (2008) found that “therapists’ perceived sexual knowledge, and their comfort with sexual material, influenced their willingness to engage in sexuality-related discussions with their clients”
Abortion
Clients who are exploring abortion as an option often present a challenge to clinicians, both legally and ethically
From a legal perspective, mental health professionals are expected to exercise “reasonable care,” and if they fail to do so, clients can take legal action against them for negligence.
Counselors may experience discomfort
Ask yourself why a client’s different values cause you discomfort and are problematic for you. Try to work collaboratively to identify and clarify the client’s value system and to determine the degree to which the client is living in accordance with his or her core beliefs and values. Your task is to discover what is problematic for the client and to explore this with the client. The emphasis should be on the client’s problem, and not on your problem with a client.
Listen to your clients with the intent of understanding what their values are, how they arrived at them, and the meaning these values have for them. Being open to your clients can significantly broaden you as a person, and it will enhance your ability to work ethically and effectively with clients.
Spiritual and religious beliefs in counseling
A shift has occurred over time, and today there is a growing awareness and willingness to explore spiritual and religious beliefs and values within the context of the practice of counseling and counselor education programs
Worthington (2011) believes the increased openness of therapists to clients’ spiritual and religious concerns has been fueled by the multicultural movement.
When the client is interested in talking about these matters, the first step is for the therapist to be sincerely interested in the client’s spiritual beliefs and experiences and how he or she finds meaning in life
Spiritual assessment provides insight into how a client relates to spirituality and religion and how this may be affecting the client
Religious or spiritual concerns may be relevant to the motivation of some clients who seek therapy, either as areas of conflict for them or as sources of strength and support that can enhance the therapy process
These beliefs and values are part of what makes up the cultural picture of the client and can be used by the skillful and sensitive counselor to help the client navigate the counseling process toward healing and wholeness”
the key is to find out what works for the client
Assessment and Treatment
Assessment gives a counselor an opportunity to identify possible influences that spirituality or religion may have on a client’s presenting problem
many reasons for conducting assessments in the area of spirituality in counseling, some of which include understanding the worldview and the contexts in which clients live; assisting clients in grappling with questions regarding the purpose of living and what they most value; exploring religion and spirituality as client resources; uncovering religious and spiritual problems; and determining appropriate interventions.
End of life decisions
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