Psychology

The profession of a counselor can be a complex one. While many people assume that such a profession is one that is completely upbeat may discover some of the more difficult aspects of it. There can be scores of ethical concerns associated with the problem. These problems can involve adults and adolescents. Understanding these common problems associated with such subjects is necessary.

When dealing with an adult, one of the most serious ethical considerations you may have to examine is issues of criminality. Some adults will be involved in illegal activities and this creates an incredible ethical dilemma for those counselors that need to provide help to the adult but cannot contribute to the further perpetuation of illegal activities. Counselors recognize the limits of their competence and perform only those testing and assessment services for which they have been trained.

With High School students, there will always be ethical concerns were a proverbial tightrope needs to be walked between professional counseling and undermining parental decisions. Some counselors will overstep parental authority by providing advice that can sincerely undermine the relationship between the parent and the adolescent. Ultimately, the counselor must provide effective advice while not unethically circumventing the parent-child relationship at least from a legal standpoint if not one of outright professional ethics. However, while acknowledging a legitimate role for ethical codes, they do not regard such codes as a substitute for clinicians own creative and open-minded deliberation about cases.

With informed consent, there is a need to always provide valid advice and avoid faulty practice. However, if somewhere were to be having a panic attack, a counselor could ask the irrational person Will you let me help you and if a positive assertion is provided, this could possibly be considered valid formal consent depending upon the severity of the situation.

Ultimately, the philosophy that must be employed when counseling is following all the effective methodologies of treatment while maintaining all ethical standards under all professional standards.