Similar to medical professionals, counselors follow a certain code of ethics. It focuses on aspects like confidentiality, consent, disclosure and professional relationships. For the following text, I have chosen to review sections A and B. Section A of the Code helps understand such moments as boundaries, responsibility and consent. One of the paragraphs mentions that it is necessary for a counselor to be aware of the patient’s cultural sensitivities and provide a translator, if needed. These ideas are rather valid, as some professionals tend to be ignorant of this subject. This may cause a vast number of misunderstandings and conflicts. Thus, the existence of this paragraph ensures the prevention of such cases.
However, there is one flaw in the section, which is similar to the flaw of section B. As mentioned in the subsection A.2, there are clients who have limited or no capability of expressing consent, such as minors and incapacitated adults (ACA, 2014). Unfortunately, there are cases when an incapacitated adult is placed in an abusive conservatorship, which presents an obstacle to proper counselling sessions. The same applies to underage clients who belong to marginalized communities, but reside in bigoted households. These two complications need to be reviewed, while considering the legal implications as well.
Section B is rather considerate of a client’s culture and confidentiality. Patients from various cultures have different perceptions of private information. This ensures trust and proper cooperation between the client and counselor. Alas, as mentioned earlier, marginalized minors and adults in abusive conservatorships are not considered. A counselor is required to follow legal regulations and respect the patient’s rights. In these two cases, both of these important requirements clash. Thus, future editions of the Code need to properly assess these two kinds of people and how their cases are to be handled.
Reference
ACA Code of Ethics. (2014). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.