We are the sum total of everyone we have ever been. Inside we are children, teens, adults, friends, lovers, parents and wives or husbands. We usually behave differently with different people. There is the person we are with our close friends and with more distant friends, the person we are in our intimate relationships, the person we are with our family, the person we are at work, and many, many more. Therefore everyone is different, and people act in different ways. Counseling needs to be client specific.
What works for one person may not work for another, therefore the counselor needs to be open minded and prepared to use different theories, techniques and skills. A multi-dimensional approach is often the most effective way of working. 2. Evaluate the need for an ethical framework for counseling and psychotherapy All clients are entitled to good standards of practice and care from their practitioners in counseling and psychotherapy. Good standards of practice and care require professional competence; good relationships with clients and colleagues; and commitment to and observance of professional ethics (www. Back. Co. K/ethical_framework) The Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counseling (BACK, 2013) is the ethical code for counselors, trainers, and supervisors within the counseling field. It is also applicable to counseling search, the use of counseling skills, and the management of counseling services within organizations and agencies. It has been developed to inform individual members of the BACK, as well as those providing counseling services. The framework provides a common platform for counselors and other people working within the counseling field, although member associations are also expected to have ethical codes of their own. . 2 Explain the main elements of one recognized ethical framework for counseling and psychotherapy BACK Ethical Framework There are huge disparities in how ethics are approached, the BACK framework as made every effort to reflect this ethical diversity by considering three key ethical domains: Values Principles Personal moral qualities The importance of adhering to an ethical framework can be highlighted through an exploration of these three domains. Firstly, values ensure that clients feel comfortable and safe to express themselves.
The fundamental values of counseling include respecting human rights and dignity, ensuring clients are safe, maintaining a professional counselor-client relationship, and counselor commitment to keeping up to date with the discipline via research and continued reflections development. Further values include working with clients to alleviate suffering and distress, increasing clients’ personal effectiveness, and appreciating diversity in experience and culture. Ethical principles place emphasis on ethical responsibilities, with counselors being accountable for any decisions.
Ethical principles include: Fidelity (i. E. Being trustworthy) – this is fundamental to understanding and resolving incongruence. Autonomy – this principle emphasizes the importance of respecting and developing the client’s ability to be self-directing. Beneficence – acting in the best interests of he client, based on professional assessment and working within one’s limits of competence. Non-maleficent – the responsibility to mitigate any harm to clients Justice – consideration of any legal requirements and obligations, and conflicts between legal and ethical obligations.
Self-respect – working towards self-awareness and taking care of the self. In other words, counselors need to apply all of the above principles to themselves as well as their clients. In terms of personal moral qualities, counselors are encouraged to towards: Empathy being able to understand the clients experience from their frame of reference. Sincerity – a personal commitment to consistency between what is done and what is professed. Integrity – honest and coherent service provision. Resilience – being capable of working with client concerns without being personally diminished.
Humility – accurate assessment and acknowledge of or-Vs. own strengths and weaknesses. Competence – effective deployment of the skills and knowledge needed to be an ethical counselor. Working within an ethical framework not only protects the client, but also the counselor. It also enhances the interaction between the two by promoting transparency and thus eloping create equality between the client and the counselor. This is particularly important within person-centered theory, where the counselor is not portrayed as the ‘expert’ but as someone who works with the client.
BACK (2013). Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counseling and Psychotherapy. 2. 3 Analyses the similarities and differences between their chosen ethical framework and the requirements of at least one other professional body or employing organization 2. 4 Using examples analyses potential conflicts between the requirements or organizational and other codes of professional practice ND their chosen ethical framework for counseling and psychotherapy 2. 5 Summaries how these conflicts could be resolved 3. Using examples, analyses the key issues surrounding the following in relation to possible actions by clients Professional conduct: It is possible that as a counselor you may encounter a client whom is only coming to see you because they feel they have to, they are doing it to appease someone else, or as part of a rehabilitation programmer, someone who does not actually want to participate in the counseling relationship. It is important to realism this and bring these issues o the for-front of the session and if required report the situation to the relevant people or if needed terminate the relationship.
It would be urn-professional to carry on in these circumstances for financial gain. Ethical issues: If a client were to come to see a counselor and disclose information about certain people whom the counselor knows or has friendships or relationships with, It would be UN- ethical for the counselor to proceed with session without informing the client or possibly referring the client to another counselor. There could be a potential conflict of interest should the sessions continue.
Confidentiality: The issues the client shares with the counselor are confidential except in certain circumstances outlined in the contract. Should a client discuss issues of a sensitive nature and then for the counselor to disclose these to others could be potentially harmful to the client and certainly harmful to the therapeutic relationship. Or equally if the client discloses information which is of concern to the counselor and meets the criteria set out in the contract but neglects to share the information with the relevant parties, then again this could be harmful to the client and the therapeutic relationship.
Boundaries: Boundaries are set for the safety and well-being of both the client and counselor, and it is the responsibility of both to adhere to these to generate a good therapeutic relationship. In some circumstances the client may become attracted to the counselor and make their feelings towards the counselor known. It is at this point the boundaries need to be identified to the client and discussion take place to see why these boundaries have been breached and discuss what issues are occurring for the client. Equally this could happen where the counselor has feelings for the client.
At this point hey also need to remember the boundaries set and also their professional conduct and ethics. This is why boundaries are put in place. Legal Responsibility: Counselors have a legal responsibility to report any offences disclosed by their client. Part of the contract makes this clear to the client at the start of the sessions. If a client were to disclose they had committed an offence the counselor is obliged to tell the relevant people. For example should the client disclose they had committed an assault for which they had not been arrested and dealt with, the counselor should notify the relevant authorities. Negligence:
Counselors have a responsibility towards their clients and their welfare. It is important to check they are stable and grounded when they leave the session. They will quite often be talking about difficult, sensitive subjects which evoke strong emotions. Therefore checking they are k before they leave is important. In extreme circumstances clients may be suicidal or wanting to self-harm. Counselors would be negligent if they were not to look out for the welfare of their clients in these situations and endeavourer to ensure their safety after the session has finished, and refer there concerns to the relevant agencies and originations. . 2 Using examples, evaluate an appropriate working environment and contract which attends to the needs of both client and counselor An appropriate working environment and contract which attends to the needs of both client and counselor is important and ensures there are boundaries and measures of safety in place to ensure the therapeutic relationship can be built and positives changes can take place. Ensuring emotional and physical safety for both client and counselor is important.
This might involve, in the case of the counselor, support from a person in a supervisory role. This person may ensure that the workload for the counselor was appropriate to maintaining their health and well- being, and being able to assist the client in a professional manner. In the case of the client it is important for the counselor to be aware of who the client has for support, or be aware if there is no support network in place.
Safety in the counselor, client relationship refers to emotional safety and physical safety Emotional safety Creating a sense of emotional safety for the client involves building trust and rapport with the counselor, manifesting the core conditions, a sense of unguent and acceptance from the counselor, a commitment to confidentiality, and setting clear boundaries so the client knows where they stand. There are limits to confidentiality which might come from legal requirements to disclose a court order for client notes. Safety considerations, such as serious risk of harm to themselves or others.
Supervision, the need for the counselor to get professional support contractual requirements related to the organization in which the counselor is working Creating an appropriate working environment for the counselor and speaking environment for the client is essential for the relationship to blossom. A warm, comfortable setting, not in danger of being overlooked or overheard is needed. Physical safety is also very important. Avoiding physical risks, like slippery surfaces, hot surfaces, sharp objects, electrical supplies, providing adequate fire exit routes and the environment should also meet all other Health and Safety requirements.
Counselor safety is an issue too. As well as the above aspects of physical safety, in some ways the helper might have to safeguard against the possibility of harm from the person they are counseling, such safeguards might involve, Contracting with a person with a history of physical aggression that they will not direct their aggression towards the counselor, sitting nearest the door, carrying a personal alarm, making sure someone else is in the building, or choosing not to work with that particular person. 3. Using examples, analyses the importance of multi-professional working and co-operation Multi professional working and co-operation is important in many walks of life and counseling is no different. Sharing knowledge between agencies helps to find solutions and solve issues that may be outstanding. It also allows specialist input in situations that may require it. An example in counseling may be that the client is involved in a violent home life whereby they require the support of the police, social services or victim support.
A collection of views or ideas is often better than that of a single person, in some situations discussing issues with your supervisor can help to clarify difficult issues. It may also be essential to involve other agencies if the client tells you that they are going to harm themselves or others, a GPO of the police may need to be notifies if you have fears for the safety as a result of what the client has disclosed. If the client tells you offences they have committed or crime they are involved in, again it would be essential that other organizations, such as the police are notified.
As a result of these situations it may also mean that other agencies are notified as a knock on effect. Such as, social services, health care professionals, safe guarding, victim support or teachers, as well as many others. 4. 1 Explain why both casework and managerial supervision are important for a trainee and a qualified counselor Casework and managerial supervision is important for a trainee and qualified counselors.
Casework supervision is in place to aid the work of the counselor, or the development of a trainee counselor, it help keeps the counselor safe and helps to aid the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor or trainee counselor. It’s important as it is someone to go to with specific issues or problems, it highlights competencies or areas to work on for both the qualified counselor or trainee. It helps to highlight boundaries, ethics and competencies.
It can help you develop new ways of approaching clients or situations, using new theories or techniques. Supervision can help to evaluate ark you have completed and where you can improve. This is especially important for trainee counselors, but also good for the continuing development of those more experienced. It helps to monitor your well-being and fitness to see clients and would highlight any issues the counselor or trainee has in being able to practice safely.
Having good casework supervision aids your counseling effectiveness which intern aids the clients counseling experience. Managerial supervision is in place to aid the smooth running of the counseling environment, it is there for the logistical/administrative/statistical and time keeping reasons. Managerial supervision allows the counselor or trainee counselors to concentrate on counseling without the need to concern themselves with other logistical aspects. Managerial supervision is there to also make sure the organization meets targets and goals.
It organizes training, holidays, salaries, sickness/back to work/ the office environment and all disciplinary issues. Having these aspect dealt with by a manager allows the counselor to concentrate on their role. This is especially important for the trainee counselor as they are starting on their journey. These other aspects can be an unwanted distraction as oh are trying to work in a new role as a counselor. Managerial supervisors are not trained counselors and do not know the topic or content of sessions. . 2 Using examples evaluate the possible impact of effective and less effective casework supervision on the Service provided for users Effective casework supervision can have a positive impact on the service provided for users in many ways. It offers the chance to consult with someone over issues you may be experiencing in your counseling sessions. By discussing these issues you can discuss new theories/techniques or ways of working which may benefit the client and improve the service provided.
It enables you to evaluate your work and improve the way you counsel the clients improving the service. Sometimes you may come up against a problem or issue which you are stuck with. Using your supervisor to discuss these issues can help find solutions and aid the improvement of the service offered. Less effective casework supervision will have the opposite effect on the service provided. If you do not have someone you feel confident to speak with about issues, then you are less likely to ask for advice.
If you are stuck with certain issues and you cannot get device and guidance then you will continue to counsel in the same way without getting to the feel issue, therefore offering a less effective service. A less effective relationship with the supervisor will have an effect on the evaluation of your own work therefore you will not improve at the rate that you should, therefore your client will suffer and not receive the effective counseling they should. Professional development of counselor Effective casework supervision can have a positive impact on the professional development of the counselor in many ways.
The counselor will benefit for he knowledge and experience of an experienced counselor who will have been in many situations and heard from many clients. They will offer new theories and techniques which you may not have thought of. They will be supportive in offering feedback about performance and offer suggestions in how you can improve as a counselor. They will make sure you are fit and well and able to work within the role, therefore aiding your performance and development. They will offer possible solutions to issues that you have within sessions and help develop your expertise.
Less effective casework supervision can have a negative impact on the professional development. If you have a supervisor who does not help you or offers poor advice this will slow your development. If you do not have someone you are confident in to go and speak with about your issues, you are unlikely to discuss problems you are experiencing in the sessions. Therefore you will not learn new theories or techniques, and not change the way in which you offer counseling. This would therefore have a negative effect on the development of your-self as a counselor. 4. Using examples, evaluate the possible impact of effective and less effective managerial supervision on the Service provided for users Effective managerial supervision can have a positive impact on the service provided for users. It can take away the everyday managerial and logistical issues which the counselor may ordinarily have to think about. Things such as roots, appointments, holidays, sickness, meetings, training can all be arranged by your line manager leaving the counselor to just concentrate on the job of counseling clients, this would therefore improve the service provided.
Should the managerial supervision be less effective this would mean the counselor ad more issues to deal with beyond and above the counseling, therefore taking away from the effectiveness of the service delivered. If things such as wages, holidays, sickness and training are not managed effectively this can have a psychological effect on the counselor which can effect there performance and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the service provided. Professional development of a counselor Effective managerial supervision can have a positive impact on the professional development of the counselor.
If you have a good manager, they will ensure you have all the training that you need and require and that you are up to ate with your supervision and have had the required hours. This will aid your development as a counselor. Also having the time to concentrate solely on counseling without the worry of any logistical issues means you can spend the majority of your time developing as a counselor. Less effective managerial supervision can have a negative impact on the professional development of the counselor.
If your time is spent dealing with issues such as wages, holidays and time sheets you are spending less time thinking about counseling. If you are not put on training courses and kept up to date with your supervision this is going to eave a negative effect on your development as a counselor. 5. 1 Explain the importance of good casework management Good casework supervision is important as it forms the basis of your counseling work. Keeping good notes, recording sessions and researching theories or techniques to aid your clients, all forms good casework.
It may be that you are required to show notes for court appearances or write letters for legal purposes, if your casework is of a good standard this will help in these situations. Good case management also helps the counselor to look back and read up on the revises sessions and prepare for upcoming sessions with good knowledge of what has been said before. Keeping notes safely locked away, and showing the clients you have good casework gives the client a sense of confidence in you as a counselor. 5. Using examples, analyses the importance of the following aspects of casework management Referral procedures – are important in casework management, this is because as a counselor sometimes it is necessary to enable the client to find additional resources or support, examples for reasons for referrals are, The client has another need The counselor lacks a specific skill The client requires a specialist The counselor knows the client beyond the professional basis The therapeutic relationship has not been established The counselor has difficulty with issues raised Keeping case records – Is very important.
A counselors notes may record background information and key issues worked on in a session. These will vary in length. Points of concern can also be noted. Reports and letter- With the express permission of the client it may be appropriate for the counselor to lease with or write to third parties. For example a personal tutor or GPO. In the case of hone calls, the purpose of the call and nature and extent of the information to be given will be agreed with the client prior to the call.
Legal rights of clients to access records – Under the data protection act clients have the right to access all there notes kept on them. If there notes contain reference to other individuals they may not be available as protection is also given to third parties. 5. 3 Explain the importance of the need for casework evaluation for the on-going professional development of the reflective practitioner. Casework evaluation is important for the on[going professional development of the reflective recantation because as a counselor you are always looking to improve and progress as a practitioner.
