Code of Ethics Comparison

8/2/2019 Code of Ethics Comparison

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CODE OF ETHICS COMPARISON 1

Code of Ethics Comparison

Liberty University

Denise Smith




Abstract

This paper is a comparison between the codes of ethics of the American Counseling Association

(ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). This paper aims to present

the similarities and differences between the two codes of ethics. There are two main sections on

this paper. The first section presents the general similarities and differences of the two codes of

ethics. The second section presents the similarities and differences of the two codes of ethics on

three specific areas: Confidentiality, Sexual Intimacies and Informed Consent. The author used the

codes of ethics of both organizations in the process of comparing and contrasting. The general

comparison reveals that the codes of ethics of the two organizations apply to the same profession

but they differ in the foundation upon which their codes of ethics were crafted. The comparison on

three specific areas reveals similarities in contents but differ in depth and details.




The code of ethics is the heart and soul of any business or professional organization. This

code of ethics sets the standard to which all business or professional activities of all of its members

are measured. This code is the ultimate guide on how members of the organization should act in

connection with the performance of their duties and obligations. Likewise, it is the basis upon

which disputes can be settled or decisions are to be made. This is the protection of each member of

the organization against unlawful accusations or it can also serve as a basis for disciplinary actions

for erring members. This is the code that each member will have to understand and adhere to in

order to function effectively within that particular organization.

A code of ethics should be clear and leaves no doubt for any other interpretation as to its

meaning and intent. It should also be wide in scope as to cover every necessary area or aspect of

the organization under which it serves. Furthermore, this code of ethics should be updated so as to

address new situations that may arise in these fast changing times. Thus, the code of ethics of a

business or professional organization reveals the true nature of the organization.

The American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian

Counselors are two professional organizations that have codes of ethics. Perhaps a family member

or a friend may have availed the services offered by any of these two organizations. The

professional who rendered this service is governed by the code of ethics of the organization. Thus,

it will be of no harm if a closer scrutiny of the codes of ethics of these two professional

organizations be undertaken. This paper compares and contrasts the codes of ethics of these two

organizations in several levels or areas of the two organizations.

Section I- General comparison of the two codes




In general, the codes of ethics of both the American Counseling Association and the

American Association of Christian Counselors have several similarities. One of these similarities is

the purpose of these codes of ethics. According to the American Counseling Association, the code

of ethics is designed to serve as a guide in the counseling services of its members (American

Counseling Association, 2005, p 3). Similarly, the American Association of Christian Counselors

states that the code is designed to assist its members and to improve Christian counseling around

the world (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 3). Both codes of ethics then apply to

counselors and the counseling profession.

Another similarity between these two codes of ethics is the prominent role these codes of

ethics play in the organization. The code of ethics of the American Counseling Association will be

used to clarify the ethical responsibilities held in common by its members and will also serve as a

basis for complaints filed against its members (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 3). As

for the AACC, the code of ethics will become a mandatory ethic for all its members (AACC Law

and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 3). These statements imply that both codes of ethics are held with

high respect and honor in their respective organizations.

However, a great difference is noticed between these two codes of ethics. This difference

lies in the foundation upon which these codes are based. The American Association of Christian

Counselors explicitly states that its code of ethics is based on the Bible (AACC Law and Ethics

Committee, 2004, p 5). On the other hand, the American Counseling Association does not make

any claim to this effect. In fact, the ACA does not provide any information about the basis of its

code of ethics.

Section II – Specific comparison of three particular areas




In the area of confidentiality, there are several similarities and differences between the two

codes of ethics. Both codes of ethics clearly states the limits of confidentiality and privacy are

made clear to the client right from the start of the counseling process. In Section B of the ACA

code of ethics, it is clearly stated that counselors should inform their clients of the limits of

confidentiality at the start of the counseling process (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 7).

This is also clearly stated in Section ES1-400 particularly subsection 1-411 of the AACC code of

ethics (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 11). Another similarity is the importance of the

client’s consent in cases when disclosure is necessary. This provision is clearly stated in Section

B.1.c of the ACA code of ethics (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 7). This is also stated

in subsection 1-421 of the AACC code of ethics (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 12).

However, the ACA guidelines with regards to this area are more comprehensive and clearly stated

than the AACC guidelines. Section B of the ACA code of ethics provides guidelines on how a

counselor can maintain client confidentiality in various circumstances such as incapacity of client,

when treatment calls for services with others and even in consulting other counselors (American

Counseling Association, 2005, p 7-9). On the other hand, the guidelines of the AACC are more

limited in scope as can be seen in Section ES1-400 (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p

11-13).

Sexual intimacies are another area in which similarities and differences can be observed

between the two codes of ethics. Both codes of ethics prohibit sexual and romantic relationships

between counselors and clients. Sections A.5.a and A.5.b of the ACA code of ethics clearly state

this (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 5). This is also clearly stated in section 1-131 of

the AACC code of ethics (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 8.). At this point, it is

necessary to point out differences between these two codes of ethics in this regards. The AACC




guideline clearly forbids sexual and romantic relationships with former clients but provides an

exception as stated in section 1-133 where possible marriage is involved (AACC Law and Ethics

Committee, 2004, p 8). On the other hand, ACA guidelines clearly states no sexual or romantic

relationship with former clients is allowed within five years after the last counseling contact.

Another difference between these two codes of ethics is that the ACA includes romantic partners

and family members of clients as persons with whom no relationship should be developed but the

AACC only states present and former clients.

Another area to be compared is informed consent. Both codes of ethics agree that the client

should be informed about other aspects of the counseling process. Section A.2.a of the ACA code

of ethics states that the client has the right to choose whether to continue or end the counseling

process and also to be informed about his and the counselor’s rights and responsibilities (American

Counseling Association, 2005, p 4). Likewise, section 1-310 of the AACC code of ethics point out

that the client should be informed about the processes and procedures involved in the counseling

process (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 10). Another similarity is that both codes of

ethics provide guidelines in situations where the client is not able to give his consent. In section

A.2.d of the ACA code of ethics advise counselors to seek a balance between the rights of the

client who is a minor and the responsibilities of the family of this client (American Counseling

Association, 2005, p 4). This is also tackled in section 1-321 of the AACC code of ethics (AACC

Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 11). However, a difference is also observed between these two

codes of ethics. The AACC code of ethics includes a section, section 1-330, in which the client’s

consent is needed for the inclusion of biblical-spiritual practices in the counseling process (AACC

Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 11). This provision is not found in the section of Informed




Consent in the Counseling Relationship of the ACA code of ethic (American Counseling

Association, 2005, p 4).

Conclusion

The comparison between the codes of ethics of the American Counseling Association and

the American Association of Christian Counselors reveals that the general purpose of both codes of

ethics is the same as these codes of ethics govern and apply in the counseling profession. However,

a major difference between these two codes is in the foundation upon which the codes are based.

The ACA code does not explicitly define the foundation upon which its code of ethics is based but

the AACC explicitly stated that its code of ethics has a Biblical-spiritual foundation. From this

major difference, subsequent differences in specific areas covered in the code of ethics arise. An

example of this is found in the Informed Consent section in which the code of ethics of the AACC

includes the consent of the client with regards to using biblical and spiritual methods in the

counseling process. Furthermore, this comparison brings out the fact that even though two codes of

ethics apply to the same profession, these codes ultimately differs in specific areas depending on

the thrust and nature of the organization that designed and crafted the code of ethics. This

comparison also points out the fact that codes of ethics should be crafted carefully and with much

thought. A well-crafted code of ethics will surely place the organization on a solid foundation.

References




AACC Law and Ethics Committee. (2004). AACC code of ethics. Retrieved from

http://www.aacc.net/about-us/code-of-ethics/

American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of ethics. Retrieved from

http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx





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Code of Ethics Comparison