Value_Neutrality_Paper

Value Neutrality Paper Associated with Counseling Grand Canyon University 142/165 points received, needs more citations Value Neutrality Paper Associated with Counseling Counselors have a lot of power and have to affirm clients' sense of value, because counselors too can hurt their clients by saying a joke or an improper comment that they did not even know could hurt them. In the counseling world the counselor must be respectful at all times, and that includes staying neutral about the conflicts that the client is suffering from such as abortion, suicide, adultery, drug use, domestic violence, child abuse, etc.. Counselors should not judge their clients based on what he or she may believe and should always follow the code of ethics when associating with their clients. What they can do is teach their clients to respect themselves and boost their self-esteem by treating them with respect they deserve which is by value neutrality that is approaching one's clients using a value-free approach. Within this paper, one will state personal beliefs on ethical decisions in which some cases may lead to a counselor referring their client to someone else, as well as what can be done when that is not an option. In order to stay value-neutral to client's beliefs counselor should treat them ethically. In contrast, if these needs are not met the client can become resistant to the therapy session as well as the counselor. Clients see their counselor to get the help they need, not to be judged or seen as a negative person in any sort of way (Module 3 Lecture). A good counselor would pass by all the issues that the client is suffering from, even those that are against what they believe in, and continue on with the therapy for the client. The best way to have a successful journey with a client is to stay away from own personal issues and opinions so that way there is a good counseling relationship. Relating own personal experience with something that client is suffering from can lead to a client believing that their counselor is the same way as them meaning that therapy could be unsuccessful. Controversial topics such as abortion, divorce, and sexual orientation may lead to many viewpoints on the subjects. The way that one does not influence the client to make his decision based on counselors' persuasion is to remain objective. It would be unethical to induce one's beliefs because this makes their self-determination to be invaluable. Self-determination can be harmful if not following the code of ethics. Counselors are allowed to give their opinion to the client and express their thoughts on how they feel on a particular topic but with having their clients express their core beliefs. Counselors and clients are humans and one believes that true feelings and emotions cannot be completely hidden from one another. The main goal is to have their client realize the best alternative when it comes to themselves as well as their immediate family and peers. As an example with the issue of child abuse if a client comes and admits to their counselor that they hit their child with a belt when they do not behave properly, what should the counselor do if they are completely opposed to this sort of discipline' Furthermore, the counselor needs to examine what is the best interest of the client which includes them expressing or not expressing how they feel about the situation. Either way, the outcome will come about to be positive or negative. If the client agrees with the counselor that it is abuse, which can lead to child being hurt throughout their life physically and mentally, it will lead the client to change their way of discipling their child. However, if the client disagrees they may feel judged by the counselor and might not want to discuss further issues due to the fear of criticism and judgment. If this were to occur the counselor could refer this client to another counselor. This could be a lot easier if it were in a private practice than an agency due to more freedom of which clients counselors can take on and which they do not want to treat. The key when the counselor does not feel they cannot properly counsel the client is referring them to a different counselor or agency. Counselors are bound by the ACA Code of Ethics and must act accordingly in doing no harm. In some cases counselors may realize that their continued care for the client is causing more harm than good in which case referral is preferred. Needless to say this is life and sometimes referral is not an option and according to Kelly, McCormick and White (2003) the counselors should be sure that the clients are actively involved in their treatment decision as well as in establishing the goal of counseling, so long as the clients’ best interests are being served. In some cases referral could be avoided if the client is able to follow in developing a treatment plan and following it with the counselor consequently which can also make a better understanding between the two. Also, according to the book by Corey and Callanan (1998) "having a conflict does not necessarily require a referral" and good counselor do realize that fact. Reputation is important as well and one with lots of referral may not look too good to clients that are looking at that specific counselor to counsel them. Kunce and Anderson (1970) express a concern for therapists to be aware and protect themselves from building a reputation of only taking certain kinds of clients. Counselors are looked at as ones who take on clients no matter the reason for therapy so it is important to have a variety of references on their resume. References Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (1998). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, Calif: Brooks/Cole Pub. Grand Canyon University. (n.d.). Professional Orientation, Licensing, and Credentialing. Retrieved from UNV 505 Module 3 Lecture Notes. Kelly, B., McCormick, L., & White, V.  Counseling Clients Who Self-Injure: Ethical Considerations.  Counseling and Values.  47(3).  Retreived from:  http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login'url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx'direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ664159&site=eds-live&scope=site Kunce, J., & Anderson, W. (1970). Counselor-client similarity and referral bias. Journal Of Counseling Psychology, 17(2), 102-106. doi:10.1037/h0028893 Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login'url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx'direct=true&db=pdh&AN=1970-08558-001&site=eds live&scope=site NAADAC Code of Ethics. (1989). National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. doi: Retrieved from: http://www.naadac.org/membership/code-of-ethics