Arianne Broadnax

CNS 780 EG- Crockett

Discussion 5.1
November 12, 2015

What do you think should be done if you become aware that a

counselor you know has become addicted to alcohol and may not be
counseling effectively?
The first action would be according to ACA Standard 1.2.a- to
informally attempt to resolve the issue with direct and open communication
with the involved party (counselor) due to my reason to believe, he is
addicted to alcohol and exhibiting unethical behavior which is impacting his
ability to counsel effectively and assuming that no harm has occurred, (ACA,
2014). Consultation with fellow colleagues/supervisor may also be beneficial
providing that confidentiality is maintained, protecting the identity of the
individual, (Remley & Herlihy, 2015). If harm has occurred or is occurring
obligations to protect the public and the profession would entail filing a
report/referral regarding the individual/counselors behavior with
state/national ethic committees, national certification bodies, state licensure
boards or other appropriate institutional authorities. (ACA, 2014).

If a client makes a serious threat to harm another person, the law in

most states requires or allows the counselor to either warn the
intended victim or inform the police of the threat. What do you think
of this? Is it good or bad? Why?
This is such a hot topic of controversy regarding ethics within the
counseling/mental health profession as a whole due to the seamlessly
ambivalence surrounding the duty to warn and protect. I definitely can
perceive this as a catch 22, noting the advantages/disadvantages to
warning the public or individuals with who the threat is directed to and
unknown potential victims. I also am aware of the impact this may have on
the individual client and the therapeutic relationship/ and the breach of
confidentiality. Also considered, are the possible ramifications if the individual
is not deemed as a threat or causes no imminent danger/harm in the
possibility of being accused of violating confidentiality and defaming ones
character, (Hopewell v. Adebimpe, 1982.)
I feel confident and more at peace with the law mandating the duty to
warn an individual of danger, if a client poses a threat or intent to harm. It
removes the ambivalence in the helping professionals role. I personally
would rather warn than respond negligently and harm occurs to individuals.

What do you think you should you do if: you conduct an intake
assessment and the client requests to stay with you as their

counselor but you do not have any past experience with their
presenting concern?
ACA Code C. 2.d speaks to the importance of counselors maintaining
competence, placing the responsibility on counselors to monitor their
effectiveness (ACA, 2014). Standard A.11.a places the requirement that
counselors who lack competence in a particular area concerning a client, that
a referral should be initiated to a counselor competent in working in that area
(ACA, 2014). There are two options here to consider. Either obtaining
additional training in the specified area could be acquired to familiarize
myself with working with the clients presenting concern and receiving
guidance from clinical supervisor competent in the area. The second option
would be to initiate the referral process. Explaining this process during intake
and supporting the client by explaining reasoning behind my decision
(Remley & Herlihy, 2015).

References
American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA.
Hopewell v. Adebimpe, 130 Pitt.L., J. 107 (1982).
Remley, T.P., & Herlihy, B. (2015). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in
counseling.
(5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.