1

Running Head: Code of Ethics Comparison

A Comparison of the Code of Ethics: American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors By: Ugunda Parson Liberty University April 1, 2012 Dr. Stanley McCreary

Abstract Every counselor is bound by a professional code of ethics. This code of ethics helps professionals in every major area of ethical behavior by providing strict guidelines to follow. The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the guide for all professional counselors. In addition, and not apart from, the code mandated by the ACA, Christian counselors follow the code of ethics displayed in the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). While both codes have basic similarities, the AACC is distinctive because it guides professionals based on a worldview of the Christian faith , and is not enforceable toward non-AACC professionals. While the reasoning behind both are to assist professionals in providing the best in quality care to their clients, the AACC has distinctive primary goals to honor Jesus Christ and his church, promote excellence in Christian counseling, and bring unity to Christian counselors. This paper will display general similarities and general differences in addition to analyzing the similarities and differences in three specific ethical areas: competence, confidentiality, and colleague relationships.

General similarities and differences exist among the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association and the Code of ethics of the American Association of Christian Counselors. When it comes to counseling, informed consent is always the type of information that has to be introduced for understanding and signed by the client before any counseling starts. There are similar ethics and there are some differences. The ACA and AACC both have the counselors review the rights and responsibilities of the client and the counselor. Also, the counselor explains to the client services provided (AACC, 2004; ACA, 2005). When there is a minor or a person unable to voluntarily consent, a parent or familial legal rights individual has the right to come in on their behalf (AACC, 2004; ACA, 2005). Of course there are some differences because AACC focuses on biblical practices. AACC consents for Biblical-Spiritual practices and/or Controversial practices, such as spiritual and deliverance warfare activities (AACC, 2004). With Christian counseling, clients must consent for prayer, bible readings, and more spiritual practices because not all clients are presumed to be Christians (AACC, 2004). In simulation, Christian counselors under AACC and ACA both practice within the boundaries of their competence based on education, expertise, training, and credentials (AACC, 2004; ACA, 2005). Christian counselors maintain their competence with integrity under AACC. Also, they do not offer services or work beyond their limits of competence and do not aid work of Christian counseling by untrained, unqualified, or unethical helpers.

In addition, Counselors, including Christian counselors, are subject to fees that are fair and reasonable for their clients. Fees and rules of payment are discussed at the outset of counseling. Both Codes of Ethics encourage pro bono work for those unable to pay. There are really no differences in fees between the two Codes of Ethics (AACC, 2004; ACA, 2005). Competence refers to a counseling practitioners gaining of the adequate skills, training and knowledge necessary to perform the job adequately. Both codes specify that counselors should only practice within the realm of their education, training, and supervised experience and should refer to another practitioner when appropriate. Both also state that counselors should not misrepresent his/her credentials or education level. Under no circumstance should counselors imply doctoral-level competence when it is not applicable. One distinctive difference between the ACA code and that of the AACC with regard to competence falls under the referral guidelines. When making a referral, Christian counselors will first seek another Christian counselor, however, the needs of the client always come first, therefore if Christian help is unavailable or when professional skill is more important, the entire network of professionals and services should be utilized. (AACC Code of Ethics I-222, I-223) This practice makes perfect sense in that the practice of Christian counseling is very distinctive and whenever possible, should be used properly for the sake of maintaining a consistent status . The next area of review is confidentiality. Trust is not only the very foundation of the counselor/client relationship but it is also the most important; therefore confidentiality must be maintained with clear, expressed limitations. Both codes site limitations based on legal and/or ethical demands, as well as the assertion of the counselors responsibility to protect others from possible harm. This means that when appropriate, disclosure may be necessary to protect an identifiable third-party. The greatest difference between the two codes is the AACC goes into

noticeably more detail with regard to the types of protected communication. It specifies verbal, written, telephonic, audio, videotaped, and electronic communications. It also specifically advocates against intrusive powers whether they be personal, corporate, governmental, or even religious (AACC Code of Ethics I-470). From reading the codes, it appears that the AACC takes a more involved role in protecting confidentiality since the highest level of trust ensures more openness on the part of the client and aids in the helping process. The final area of discussion is colleague relationships/ethical relations in the workplace. The quality of professional service provided to a client is a direct reflection of the quality of interaction one has with other helping professionals. Counselors gain a large amount of knowledge from other professionals and healthy, positive working-relationships are essential for professional growth and development. Both codes demand professional respect for counseling approaches or methods that may differ from ones own. They also both promote fostering relationships with other professionals in an ongoing effort to gain knowledge and understanding within the field. One distinctive difference comes from the AACC. It openly discourages solicitation of clients under the care of another, as well as taking clients from ones agency when moving to private practice. These specifications speak to the heart of positive colleague/workplace relations. It is unethical to intentionally steal clients to benefit ones own professional agenda. As helping professionals, more specifically, Christian helping professionals, we must avoid the temptation of greed and always remember that we are there to serve the best interest of the public, not our own corporate ladder. While both codes provide honorable guidelines for counselors to follow, the AACC is specifically rooted in a Christian foundation and influenced by the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. Its mission and ethical foundations are distinctive and biblically based. Those that follow the AACCs Code of Ethics are held to a different standard with the primary goal of allowing the

helping process to be guided and led by the Holy Spirit. It shows an absolute commitment to service, excellence and spiritually through Christ. Christian counselors are representatives of Christ, his church, and righteousness through the Spirit. We must be ever mindful of that fact and accept the responsibilities that come along with it. In conclusion, there are many similarities between the competence, confidentiality, and colleague relationships sections of the AACC and ACA codes of ethics. There are also several differences between the sections of the ethics codes as well. There are some possible reasons for the similarities in the codes, such as both codes being from the same profession. There are also some possible reasons for the differences, such as the AACC being for Christian counseling and having a Biblical or Christian worldview. This paper has helped explore the writer's thoughts and feelings on these issues as well. It has helped the writer become more in tune with the way they want to work as a counselor. It has been a very informative and enlightening journey.

References American Association if Christian Counselors, AACC Law & Ethics Committee. (2004). AACC Code of ethics: The Y2004 final code. Forest, VA: Author. American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.