A Practical Ethics Worktext for Professional Counselors: Applying Decision-Making Models to Case Examples / Edition 1

by Charles Jacob PhD, Ariane Thomas PsyD, JD, Diana Wildermuth PhD, NCC, LPC

Overview

Teaches counselors how to think and act quickly when facing ethical dilemmas

This practical worktext addresses common ethical challenges faced by counseling professionals. Boasting 63 case examples that map with CACREP’s accreditation standards, this must-have resource demonstrates step-by-step application of decision-making models to real-life counseling scenarios. Each chapter includes seven cases related to a section of the ACA’s Code of Ethics examined carefully using a specific decision-making model.

The case examples included are designed to be relatable and accessible while demonstrating the process of arriving at a solution that reflects the standards of professional counseling. Valuable features include “Questions for Discussion,” “Straight From the Code,” “Applying a Decision-Making Model,” “The Likely Answer,” and in-class discussion activities and exercises at the end of each chapter.

KEY FEATURES:

• Includes 63 real-life case examples demonstrating step-by-step application of decision-making models
• Teaches counselors how to think and act quickly when facing ethical dilemmas
• Maps with ACA Code of Ethics and CACREP accreditation standards
• Includes group discussion questions
• Includes role-playing activities
• Helps professionals to reconcile personal and professional values

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826165336
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	03/19/2020
Pages:	220
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Charles Jacob, PhD, is a lecturer in the Counseling and Mental Health Services Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and is licensed as both a counselor and a psychologist. He is also the interim director of the Professional Counseling Program at Seton Hall University.

Ariane Thomas, University of Pennsylvania. Ariane Thomas is a full-time lecturer in educational practice in the Counseling and Mental Health Services Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and is licensed as a psychologist.

Diana L. Wildermuth, PhD, NCC, LPC, is an associate professor of practice at Temple University in the Counseling Psychology Program and is licensed as a professional counselor and certified as a professional school counselor.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. The Counseling Relationship (Section A of the ACA Code of Ethics)

2. Confidentiality and Privacy (Section B of the ACA Code of Ethics)

3. Professional Responsibility (Section C of the ACA Code of Ethics)

4. Relationships With Other Professionals (Section D of the ACA Code of Ethics)

5. Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation (Section E of the ACA Code of Ethics)

6. Supervision, Teaching, and Training (Section F of the ACA Code of Ethics)

7. Research and Publication (Section G of the ACA Code of Ethics)

8. Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media (Section H of the ACA Code of Ethics)

9. Resolving Ethical Issues (Section I of the ACA Code of Ethics)

Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, PsyD (Cermak Health Services)
Description: This book discusses ethical issues that may be encountered by professional counselors. It explores different sections of the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics with many case examples showing how ethical issues can be resolved in accordance with the code. The purchase of the print copy gives access to the online version, increasing portability.
Purpose: According to the book, "this practical worktext addresses common ethical challenges faced by counseling professionals. Boasting 63 case examples that map with CACREP's accreditation standards, this must-have resource demonstrates step-by-step application of decision-making models to real-life counseling scenarios." These are worthy objectives. Presenting the material in print and online formats adds value in terms of accessibility and portability. The book and website meet the stated objectives.
Audience: The title makes it clear that the book is intended for professional counselors. I agree with this target audience, and the book meets the need of its intended audience. The authors are credible authorities in the subject matter of the book. Charles Jacob is a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and is interim director of the counseling program at Seton Hall University. Diana L. Wildermuth is associate professor at Temple University, as well as a professional counselor and school counselor. Ariane Thomas is a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and licensed as a psychologist.
Features: The book begins with a discussion of the counseling relationship. A counselor must not allow their personal values or biases to interfere with the therapeutic relationship and progress in treatment. Ethical issues such as confidentiality and privacy should be discussed in the first few sessions. In addition, the limitations to confidentiality should be explained very thoroughly. Therapists should only practice within their level of expertise and should be respectful of clinicians who use different approaches. If testing is used, the instruments must have good psychometric properties and normative populations that relate to the client. The supervision process of students/trainees is essential for developing competent early career professionals in the field. The authors urge professionals to stay current on information relevant to ethics, especially counselors who conduct research. The volume provides information about distance counseling, which is very important in the era of COVID-19. Finally, the book ends with strategies to resolve ethical dilemmas, such as decision-making models and the foundational tenet of protecting clients from harm. The book is easy to read and contains 63 useful case examples.
Assessment: This book is excellent because it walks readers through the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics in a practical manner, using numerous case examples, group discussion questions, and role-playing activities. The volume will be a great addition to the libraries of graduate students, early career professionals, and seasoned clinicians alike.

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