Counselors and social workers can often face ethical dilemmas in which they need to use an ethical decision-making model to resolve the situation. The ethical decision-making (EDM) model was developed based on the five main principles of the code of ethics: fidelity, beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice (Burkholder et al., 2020). EDM model is a stepwise approach that helps in decision-making. It suggests identifying the problem first and then determining the scope of the ethical dilemma (Burkholder et al., 2020). In the EDM model, always remembering and using the code of ethics is essential. Then, it is necessary to create a course of action and consider the possible consequences of these actions (Burkholder et al., 2020). All the consequences need to be evaluated, and the best possible course of action should be chosen.
When the social worker is faced with the dilemma of a client’s obsessive behavior, the EDM model can help select an appropriate course of action. There are two main problems in the presented case. The first problem is that Andrea wants to communicate via social media with the counselor Mary. Second, Andrea started to interfere with Mary’s personal life. These two problems may violate such aspects of the code of ethics as autonomy, beneficence, and justice. The two possible courses of action are either unfriending Andrea and continuing to ignore her or explaining the importance of autonomy and confidentiality to the client. The first course of action will not help resolve this issue because Andrea perceives ignoring as a call for action, and unfriending her may be viewed as a personal assault. The second course of action may have a more substantial influence on the client because her behavior demonstrates that the client wants to help Mary. Andrea is in a difficult situation, and she probably wants to replace negative thoughts about her current problems with caring for others. Mary was able to manage Andrea’s dinner invitation by declining politely. However, she did not completely resolve the issue of Andrea interfering with Caleb’s admission. Mary should have sent a polite message asking the client not to participate in her son’s admission. Mary should explain to her client that communication outside the office is inappropriate and unethical. She may also suggest Andrea volunteer work to redirect her thoughts and energy to helping other people. Making ethical decisions is challenging and requires extensive knowledge and understanding of the code of ethics and EDM model.
Reference
Burkholder, J., Burkholder, D., & Gavin, M. (2020). The role of decision-making models and reflection in navigating ethical dilemmas. Counseling and Values, 65(1), 108–121. Web.