GETTING OFF THE HORNS OF A DILEMMA BEFORE YOU HURT YOURSELF OR OTHERS

Dr. Glenn SheppardDr. Cristelle Audet

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Annual Conference

May 14-17, 2013

Halifax, Nova Scotia

ETHICAL PRINCIPLESThe expectations for ethical conduct as expressed in this Code are based on the following fundamental principles:

A.BeneficenceBeing proactive in promoting the clients’ best interests.

B.FidelityHonouring commitments to clients and maintaining integrity in counselling

relationships.

C.NonmaleficienceNot willfully harming clients and refraining from actions that risk harm.

D.AutonomyRespecting the rights of clients to self-determination.

E.JusticeRespecting the dignity and just treatment of all persons.

F.Societal InterestRespecting the need to be responsible to society.

(Taken from CCPA Code of Ethics, 2007)

SOME ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS Test of Justice

• Would you make the same decision if others were involved in the same manner given the same situation?

Test of Publicity

• Could you defend your decision if it should become public?

Test of Universality

• Does your decision in this instance set a standard that others could follow?

Lingering Traces

• Check for any lingering traces ---lingering feelings of doubt, uncertainty or discomfort---did expediency, politics, or self-interest influence this decision.