Running head: ETHICS CODE COMPARISON

American Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselor Ethics Code Comparison Surprize Stephenson COUN 501-D27 Liberty University

ETHICS CODE COMPARISON

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.

ETHICS CODE COMPARISON

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

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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 clients 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.

ETHICS CODE COMPARISON

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 clients ability to pay. AACCs 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.

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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 oneon-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 dos and donts 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

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