Ethics is one of the integral parts of the functioning of our society. It determines approaches to different activities and their outcomes. Moreover, it could also serve as one of the moving forces of the evolution of humanity as it impacts individuals mentalities and contributes to the appearance of new perspectives on some traditional issues. The modern world is characterized by the rise of the humanistic approach, and this fact preconditions the shift of priorities towards the interests of a certain individual and satisfaction of his/her basic needs. For this reason, the alteration of the code of ethics peculiar to the different spheres of human activity could be observed today.
Besides, in the article New responsibilities when making referrals the above-mentioned shift of priorities and focus on individuals are discussed. The paper delves into the peculiarities of the modern counseling field. It outlines the most important changes peculiar to the revised ACA Code of Ethics and states that the evolution from a focus on the needs of the counselor to the needs of clients could be observed (“New responsibilities when making referrals,” n.d.). It means that now counselors have to work with clients in a way that satisfies both sides. For instance, in case a counselor feels any discomfort when communicating with a person, he/she should manage it through consultation, supervision, and additional education (“New responsibilities when making referrals,” n.d.).
The given approach will have a great impact on the cooperation between counselors and clients. Because the needs of clients are more important at the moment, we could state the significant increase in the efficiency of the whole process and improved outcomes. In this regard, the skill of bracketing also becomes crucial. The paper states that a counselor’s ability to take his/her values, perspectives, and beliefs aside becomes crucial for the given intercourse (“New responsibilities when making referrals,” n.d.). However, he/she should not alter or abandon them. On the contrary, they should remain topical. Thus, communicating with a client, a counselor should be able not to let these aspects impact the client and his/her results.
Additionally, the increased importance of ethics also preconditions the unique role of competence. It is inexcusable to discriminate against a client because of the lack of competence, knowledge, or other values important for any counselor. The paper emphasizes the fact that “clients never need to experience the discrimination and abandonment of a referral made based on a counselor’s personal beliefs” (“New responsibilities when making referrals,” n.d., para. 1). It means that the referral based on discrimination is strongly prohibited by the ACA Code of Ethics as it results in the increased tension in the relations between a patient and a counselor and has a pernicious impact on outcomes.
Altogether, the paper delves into an important aspect of the cooperation between a counselor and a client. It states that ethics should be one of the most important values appreciated in the course of their communication. Additionally, we could also observe a significant shift in priorities towards the clients needs and requirements. The combination of these aspects introduces the increased importance of bracketing and competence which serve as the guarantee that a client will not be discriminated against. There is also the tendency towards the further reconsideration of the main term of the cooperation between a counselor and a client to make them more efficient and ensure that positive outcomes will be achieved.
Reference
New responsibilities when making referrals. (n.d.). Web.