Code of Ethics Comparison Essay

Differences and similarities were described in the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors. The two codes are comparable in many ways. The American Association of Christian Counselors focus on the Christian aspect and the American Counseling Association is based on world views. It is important to understand that counselors should not impose their personal values on clients, however religion mainly consist of beliefs that individuals adapt and practice. All counselors should remain subtle when providing services clients and allow them to make the decision if they choose to adopt a certain value or religious belief to help them cope with life. The general similarities of the ethic codes American Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselors consists of providing help to clients who are in a crisis situation. According to the text, The ACA & AACC codes both encourage client growth and development which fosters healthy relationships. They both seek to avoid harm and personal values when assisting clients. They both inform clients of informed consent and protect clients to earn their trust so that they can create an ongoing partnership, by maintaining confidentiality. They both find it important to maintain trust in awareness of sensitivity regarding cultural diversity. Both ACA & AACC respect the rights of privacy of their clients (Corey, G, Corey M & Callanan, 2011, pg. 94). I feel it is essential for all counselors to understand a client’s cultural background, religious belief and values to effectively provide appropriate care when making decisions. This information will allow counselors to make better informed decisions and build a stronger partnership. According to the text, both ACA & AACC maintain records to ensure clients are provided with the best service which allows the counselor to maintain a continuity record for future sessions (Corey, G, Corey M & Callanan, 2011, pg. 173). The differences in the two ethics codes consist of the following: According to the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) mission is to bring honor to Jesus Christ and his church, promote excellence in Christian counseling, and bring unity to Christian counselors. A more detailed and behavior-specific ethical code is needed for Christian counselors simply because of incompetent services among Christian counselors, unprotected legal status, and the vitality and growing maturity of Christian counseling. This code shows four streams of influence which include the bible; standards of Christian counseling and the established mental health disciplines; Christian and mental health professions; current and developing standards derived from mental health and ministry-related law. According to the text, Christian counselors should maintain the highest standards of competence with integrity. Christian counselors are viewed truthful, educated, and experienced. Christian counselors do not disrespect other professional counselors, mental health professionals (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2012, pg. 264). Comparing and contrast duties to client and to the Profession According to the American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian counselors will protect clients and do no harm which is the first rule of professional-ministerial ethical conduct. Christian counselors will express a loving care to any client, service-inquiring person, or anyone encountered in the course of practice or ministry, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender sexual behavior or orientation, socio-economic status, education, denomination, belief system, values or political affiliation. Christian counselors acknowledge that client conflicts are unavoidable. Christian counselors take proper action against the harmful behavior of other counselors and pastors. Clients will be protected against harm and danger wherever it is found. Christian counselors refuse to condone or advocate for abortion and the abortion-related activities of clients. All counselors will consider and inform clients of alternative means to abortion and as far as it is possible, will continue to serve clients and work compassionately with them through the abortion crisis. According to the American Association of Christian Counselors, Compared to other professionals, Christian counselors refuse to condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active involvement in homosexual, transgendered, and cross-dressing behavior, and in the adoption gay & lesbian & transgendered lifestyles by clients. Christian counselors will not advocate for or support clients who wish to die due to medical reasons, or support the use of drugs to be utilized to end a life. The death of a patient may occur however, initiating action to end a terminally ill patient’s pain is unethical. According to the American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian counselors do not provide counseling to close family or friends due to the conflict of interest. They presume that dual relations with other family members, acquaintances, and fraternal, club, association, or group members are potentially troublesome and best avoided. Often times, family and friends may get offended when offering professional assistance. Christian counselors along with other counselors will secure client consent for all counseling and related services. This may include video/audio taping of client sessions, the use of supervisory and consultative help, the application of special procedures and evaluations, and the communication of client data. According to the text, Christian counselors may refer clients who are beyond their ability or scope of practice or when consultation is inappropriate, unavailable, or unsuccessful. Referrals should be coordinated after the client is provided with informed choices of referrals (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2012, pg. 264). According to the American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian counselors are encouraged, beyond their fee schedule, to make a portion of their time and services available without cost or at greatly reduced fee to those who are unable to pay. On the other hand, counselors may not provide services to clients without some form of payment. Often times, Christian counselors enjoy what they do and may avoid financial practices that could result in greed. Christian counselors feel negative toward high fees and prolonged treatment for monetary gains. According to the text, Christian counselors do not withhold services to anyone of a different faith, religion, denomination, or value system. It is essential for Christian counselors as ell as other counselors to understand the client’s belief system and cultural background in order to provide the best care possible (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2012, pg. 273). Christian counselors should not impose their personal values however support the client’s values in a professional manner. It is important to understand that Christian counselors do not abandon clients. Services should never abruptly end without sufficient notice and proper notification for termination or referral.