When is a dual or multiple relationship in counseling considered unethical or unprofessional?

University of Phoenix Material

Mid-Course Assessment

Scenarios

For the following scenarios, consider the ACA, AMHCA, and NBCC Ethical Guidelines, as well as your state’s legal statutes for professional practice.

1. Suzy is a new counselor at a community counseling agency. During her first session with her new client Jennifer, she spent a lot of time establishing a therapeutic relationship and the session went well. They scheduled a second session for the following week. On Saturday night that week, Suzy went to the grocery store with a couple of her friends. While out, she ran into Jennifer, and Jennifer approached Suzy. What are the ethical concerns in this situation? What would be the appropriate ethical response for Suzy? Explain your response. How would this situation be different if Jennifer did not approach Suzy?

2. Vincent is finishing his termination session with his client, Amy. The termination session goes well and as Amy leaves, she asks Vincent if he would like to go to dinner. Amy is an attractive woman and Vincent would like to go to dinner with her. What are the ethical concerns in this situation? How should Vincent ethically respond? Explain your response.

3. John, a counselor in private practice, is in his third session with his client Eduardo. In session, John realizes that Eduardo is the work supervisor of his best friend, Mark. Mark often shares with John negative work experiences involving his supervisor. Mark has conveyed to John that he strongly dislikes his supervisor and wishes that he worked for someone else. What are the ethical concerns in this situation? How should John ethically respond? Explain your response.

4. Candice starts at a community counseling agency as an intern. Her first client has been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. Candice has no experience with this specific mental illness, and is not sure what steps to take in her counseling session. What legal and ethical issues are present in this scenario? What would be an appropriate and ethical response in this situation?

Short-Answer/Essays

Respond to the following.

1. Describe the elements of a valid informed consent form.

2. Describe the Tarasoff case and explain its effect on ethical behavior in counseling.

3. What are the differences between confidentiality and privileged communication?

4. Describe three limits to confidentiality, and explain why these limitations are important

5. What are three examples of ethical record keeping?

6. When is a dual or multiple relationship in counseling considered unethical or unprofessional? How might these standards be different for counselors who work in small towns where everyone knows everyone?