Reflection
C.2.e. Consultations on
Ethical Obligations
Counselors take reasonable steps to
consult with other counselors, the
ACA Ethics and Professional Standards
Department, or related professionals
when they have questions regarding
their ethical obligations or professional
practice.
I have grown in this area by consistently consulting with my supervisor and fellow counselors on situations where an ethical dilemma is present or where I am unsure of what the most ethical course of action would be. I have grown my confidence in my ability to make these decisions for myself, and I will continue to seek support to ensure that I am not putting clients at any risk of harm.
Reflection
A.4.a. Avoiding Harm
Counselors act to avoid harming their
clients, trainees, and research participants and to minimize or to remedy unavoidable or unanticipated harm.
In order to avoid causing harm to clients, it is necessary for counselors to engage in active listening, empathetic listening, and summarizing. Counselors want to ensure that their understanding of each client is accurate and the counseling process is most effective when clients feel understood. I regularly practice SOLER skills and active listening with clients as i continue making an effort to grow in my self-awareness.
Reflection
A.4.b. Personal Values
Counselors are aware of—and avoid imposing—their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Counselors respect the diversity of clients, trainees, and research participants and seek training in areas in which they are at risk of imposing their values onto clients, especially when the counselor’s values are inconsistent with the client’s goals or are discriminatory in nature.
I have grown in this area. by gaining experience working with clients who have cultural backgrounds that differ from mine. I have made an effort to show my clients consistent respect and understanding so that they trust me to have an accurate understanding of them. I make a conscious effort to not allow my own values and belief to influence the way that I interact with clients.
Reflection
A.4.a. Avoiding Harm
Counselors act to avoid harming their
clients, trainees, and research participants and to minimize or to remedy
unavoidable or unanticipated harm.
I have continued to grow in this area by showing each and every one of my clients that my office is a safe space for them to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and identity. I make an effort to show them that I will accept them as they are, no matter what personal differences exist. I will continue to grow by working with more people who differ from me greatly,
Reflection
A.2.c. Developmental and
Cultural Sensitivity
Counselors communicate information in ways that are both developmentally and culturally appropriate. Counselors use clear and understandable language when discussing issues related to informed consent. When clients have difficulty understanding the language that counselors use, counselors provide necessary services (e.g., arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator) to ensure comprehension by clients. In collaboration with clients, counselors consider cultural implications of informed consent procedures and,
where possible, counselors adjust their practices accordingly.
I have grown in this are through working with clients of varying ages with different cultural backgrounds. I have dealt with many different clients who are dealing with bereavement in different ways. I will continue working to show all clients empathy and understanding within the context of their own life and culture.
Reflection
A.1.a. Primary Responsibility
The primary responsibility of counselors is to respect the dignity and promote the welfare of clients.
I have grown in this area by showing up as my genuine self with my clients. Through showing my clients that it is a safe space to be myself, I am encouraging them to feel confident being their authentic self as well. I have genuine respect for all of my clients and I will continue to make that clear to them.
Reflection
C.2.f. Continuing Education
Counselors recognize the need for continuing education to acquire and maintain a reasonable level of awareness
of current scientifc and professional
information in their felds of activity.
Counselors maintain their competence
in the skills they use, are open to new
procedures, and remain informed regarding best practices for working with
diverse populations.
As a counselor in training, I work to continue my education to ensure that I am assessing accurately and ethically. I work closely with my supervisor and seek out new perspectives when it comes to what types of assessments should be used and when.
Reflection
A.2.c. Developmental and
Cultural Sensitivity
Counselors communicate information in ways that are both developmentally and culturally appropriate. Counselors use clear and understandable language when discussing issues related to informed consent. When clients have difficulty understanding the language that counselors use, counselors provide necessary services (e.g., arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator) to ensure comprehension by clients.
In collaboration with clients, counselors consider cultural implications of informed consent procedures and, where possible, counselors adjust their practices accordingly.
I work to display patience with all of my Clients by not forcing the pace of their therapeutic journeys. All clients have different stories and realities, so counselors must understand that different approaches work with different clients and that it might take time to find the right approach and see results.