Ethics Comparision

Running head: ETHICS CODE COMPARISON 1

American Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselor Ethics

Code Comparison

Surprize Stephenson

COUN 501-D27

Liberty University

ETHICS CODE COMPARISON 2

ABSTRACT

A Code of Ethics is a group of guidelines that is used to “protect consumers, provide practitioner

guidelines, and clarify the professional stance of the organization” (Corey, Corey & Callahan,

2007). The code of two prominent organizations, The American Association of Christian

Counselors (AACC) and that of The American Counseling Association (ACA) will be the basis

of this paper; to determine differences and similarities. They both have great similarities and

differences throughout the reading of the established works, this paper will discuss further the

comparisons of the following three topics, conflicts of interest (dual roles), fees and reporting

colleagues ultimately giving the reader greater insight to both.


SECTION 1

GENERAL SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

The ACA and AACC codes are one in the same when it pertains to the welfare of clients

and ensuring that the consumer is never in jeopardy of being harmed. Both require that all

decisions for any client be judged ethically. They are both organizations that have set guidelines

for counselors to refer to in times of question, and in the everyday ethical practice of their

helping profession. Neither of the codes are an end all of any ethical issue which may arise;

however simply a tool for everyday governance. The ACA and AACC both state that they have

the ability and professional skill to serve almost any client. Both require that one be a

professional and competent in order to help; as well as knowing their own values and beliefs.

Where they begin to differ is immediate upon reading the names; the AACC is a

Christian organization and the ethic code provided by them is for Christian Counselors, and they

desire that all forms of help be Christ focused and ultimately open the client up to a better life

with a focus on God. The ACA however, is an organization whose members are any type of

counselor, and there is no religious affiliation among them; therefore the code prepared by them

is strictly about helping anyone and offering the best help, and advice to lead to a better life no

matter the religious preference. The ACA code is revised every 10 years with its latest revision

being completed in 2005, and the AACC code was finalized in 2004 after 10 years and 4

provisional codes. (AACC, 2004)

SECTION 2

Conflict of Interest/ Dual Roles


The ACA and AACC code of ethics denounce dual relationships or anything that is

conflicting of the counseling relationship and may be potentially harmful to the client. The

AACC code of ethics (2004) states that “Dual relationships involve the breakdown of proper

professional and ministerial boundaries.”; one should never counsel friends, colleagues, and/or

romantic partners, because there is a great possibility that the counselor will not be able to set

aside the other role to be a help and cause no harm to the client. Many times knowing to many

things about a person, and knowing them personally the counselor will already have a

preconceived view of how things should be handled, or how they want it to be handled, and not

what is actually in the best interest of the client.

The codes of both organizations also speak about engaging in romantic or sexual

relationships and that it is forbidden to engage in this manner with current clients. They also do

not allow termination of the counseling relationship to engage in a romantic or sexual

relationship. Once the counseling relationship has ended, however, a romantic or sexual

relationship may begin is different within the two codes. The AACC code of ethics (2004)

Section ES1-131 forbids all sexual relations with former clients. Though, in the AACC code of

ethics (2004) Section ES1-133 does allow for marriage with former clients with the following

stipulations:

“(1) counseling relations were properly terminated, and not for the purpose of

pursing marriage or romantic relations, (2) the client is fully informed that any

further counseling must be done by another, (3) there is no harm or

exploitation of the client or the client’s family as a result of different relations

with the counselor, and (4) the marriage take place two years or more after the

conclusion of the counseling or helping relationship.”


On the other hand the ACA code of ethics (2005) requires this type of involvement not take

place before five years after the last professional contact.

Fees

Both the ACA and AACC code of ethics encourage professionals to set fees that are

reasonable and fair with consideration of the client’s ability to pay. AACC’s code of ethics

(2004) says that “Christian Counselors are encouraged, beyond their fee schedule, to make a

portion of their time and services available without cost or at a greatly reduced fee to those

unable to pay.” Christian Counselors should give back, God gives, and so should a counselor

that desire to work in the likeness of Christ. Giving help to a person in need is a foundation of

Christian Counseling, and greater than money is the reward of a successful outcome with a

client. The ACA code of ethics (2005) allows for bartering, giving services to receive something

the client has to offer, as long as “the relationship is not exploitive or harmful and does not place

the counselor in an unfair advantage.”

Sometimes clients, especially those already dealing with issues, may feel that what they

offer is not enough and the counselor can unethically manipulate them into other forms of

payment. Therefore, a concrete agreement should be set, put in writing and strictly adhered to.

The ACA code of ethics (2005) also allows for its members to receive gifts from clients,

recognizing that “small gifts are a token of respect and showing gratitude” as long as they

evaluate the reasoning and meaning behind the gift. The AACC code of ethics (2004) has no

information with regard to receiving gifts from clients, but it would appear that it would not be

acceptable. In either organization fees are important and must be clear set upfront so not to

confuse of cause harm to the client.


Reporting Colleagues

Under all circumstances ethical behavior is a must; there is never an exception to this.

Both codes recognize that unethical behavior is never justifiable and the appropriate steps should

be taken to rectify all unethical issues. Counselors are mandated reporters of all unethical

behavior. According to the ACA code of ethics (2005) “Counselors expect colleagues to adhere

the ACA code of ethics.” The ACA and AACC codes precisely state that any counselor

(Christian counselor) with knowledge of unethical behavior or violation of law by a colleague

will take the proper steps to rectify the issues. The first step in both codes involves talking one-

on-one with the other counselor if possible. The ACA code of ethics (2005) Section H.2.c.

requires that “if an apparent violation has substantially harmed” then one must present the matter

to state or national committees to ensure proper handling of the situation. The AACC code of

ethics (2004) recommends taking the matter to a supervisor, then helping the client file a

complaint, and after these steps the counselor should report the matter to “the appropriate state or

professional association.” This section is where the two codes are most harmonious; ethical

violations are very serious and they will treat them as such.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both codes are more similar then different; they both serve members of the

counseling profession, and have set very high standards of the ethical do’s and don’ts that

members should adhere to. The major difference in the two is that AACC Christian Counselors

are required to be Christian and counsel clients to God; the other differences are minor. The

AACC laws and ethics committee consulted several ethics codes, one being that of the ACA, so


many point s in the AACC code were derived directly from the ACA the non-religious

counseling association.

Documents

Ethics Comparision