Ma. Ederma L.

Dolendo
Document a rationalization
for the course of action to
serve as a basis for the
steps that were taken.

Provide only pertinent

information. Information
that is relevant only to the
concerned, and how the
third party can assist the
client helps protect the
client from having too much
personal information
revealed.
 School counseling services should
consider the total developmental
needs of each student.

 Counselors must inform students

about the services they offer.
 Counselors should refrain from
imposing personal beliefs on minors
and instead should challenge and
assist students to make decisions
based on their own belief system.
 Counselors must protect
student confidentiality.
 Exceptions on
Confidentiality

 The client gives permission for the

counselor to release information
Exceptions…

 The client reveals harm to self or others

 When a student reveals an

indication of “clear and
imminent danger” to self or
others, the counselor is
obligated to inform authorities
and parents or guardians; this is
known as the duty to warn.
 Other considerations regarding confidentiality include:

 Clerical assistants who file or handle

records or personal information.

 Consultation with others. The school

counselor is often in situations such as
team meetings or with parents, where
shared information is in the best interest
of the student.
Exceptions…

 Group sessions. When there is

more than one individual in a
group, confidentiality cannot be
guaranteed.
Examples of Dual
Relationship
Appropriate Referrals
 In regard to working with groups,
counselors only provide services
which they are qualified and trained.

 Counselors also have an ethical

responsibility to provide information
about the group process to the
participants.
 The group purposes, number of
sessions, meeting times, evaluation,
and leader qualifications are to be
shared with the teachers, student
participants , and parents or
guardians.
 When counselors have a
reasonable expectation that a
student’s behavior may lead to
harm of self or others, counselors
are to inform authorities.
 Counselors maintain records in
sufficient detail to track the sequence
and nature of professional services
rendered and consistent with any legal,
regulatory, agency, or institutional
requirement.
 School counselors are
trained and are obligated to
apply pertinent standards in
test selection, orientation,
administration, and
interpretation.
 Many computer programs are
designed for counselors to
quickly and effortlessly
document counseling concerns
but in using this technology,
counselors need to safeguard
computer data and preserve
student anonymity.
 Computer Use.

When computer applications are used as a

component of counseling services, as in testing or
assessment, counselors must ensure that:

(a) client is capable of using the computer

application;
(b) the computer application is appropriate
to the needs of the client; and
(c) the client understands the purpose and
operation of computer application.
 Students often bring about positive
changes with their peers and serve as the
powerful agents behind peer facilitation
programs in schools.
References:

Studer, Jeannine R. (2005). The

Professional School Counselor. An
advocate for students. USA:
Thomson Brooks/Cole, pp.32-53
Proposed Code of Ethics of the
Philippine Guidance and Counseling
Association, Inc.
Guidance & Counseling Act of 2004.