But is it Ethical
2007 Number 164
COUNSELING ISSUES
Susan A Marino, BFA, MA, NCC, LPC, licensed professional counselor

As you know, message boards are new to me.  The description of my level of participation was set because my work schedule is active.  Some ethical issues have crossed my mind during my participation.  As I read your messages, it seems that

some writers could have an expectation of Internet counseling, which is dicey for all concerned.  Both the client and the counselor can get in a lot of trouble.  The counseling connection tends to be more distant, subjective and blurred than in structured face-to-face sessions.  There is not always a clear mutual agreement on what will and will not take place.  If a tragedy results, state and national laws apply.

One of the benefits of professional therapy is to explore and process an issue with someone who is not "too close" to the situation or has a vested interest in the outcome; an impartial third party who has an objective knowledge in the area of psychology or counseling.  Someone who knows a full range of options; and if they cannot supply what you need, they will refer you to someone who can.  Talking with friends and family members is a way of processing that can be helpful, but this service is more opinion based and the confidentiality loose.  If your situation has legal implications, your case has a better chance with professional input.

In the dynamics of dysfunctional families there is a lot of talk about lack of personal boundaries.   Enmeshment is considered emotionally unhealthy and a deterrent to independent growth.  It is also possible to jump from the frying pan of an enmeshed family into the fire of well-meaning hobby therapy.  Most people want to help others, especially their friends, but there are reasons operations happen at a hospital.  Things can get complicated pretty quickly.  

Fair questions for anyone you are considering trusting your secrets with are: Why are they accepting this responsibility?; Do they expect some kind of compensation or favor in return?; How much time are they willing to give, without feeling burdened?; If anything will be written down or shared and if so what/ with whom?; And what you can expect if the situation explodes into a feud?

My goal in this message board is to present topics for discussion, self-help resources for further consideration, and if needed encouragement to make an appointment with the professional of your choice.  I enjoy your insightful life experiences and observations of relationship patterns that can lead us into deeper exploration of any topic.   

www.proadvice.net

Specializing in LIFE STORIES & LESSONS

Feel free to post a message to counselorsam or make an appointment: 573-774-5747

Mr. Jones is an Insightful DVD which explores the following ethical points:

• Counseling is all about emotions and deep sharing.  During this process, an emotional connection is usually established.
• Both characters admitted that their connection was of a deeper nature.  Mr. Jones said he did not come to the hospital, he came to the doctor.  The doctor said she had never violated a patient's privacy before.  The result was not the professional goal: identification of negative patterns, positive replacement, and closure.
• When closure becomes the opposite two appropriate counseling choices are to let go of the person and/ or notify those that could be affected by this change.