ETHICS CODES ANALYSIS PAPER

Ethics Codes Analysis Paper

Ethics Codes Analysis Paper

The ACA ethics document is a simple document divided into eight major section headings. Each section heading provides ethical standards and procedural rules relative to the section being discussed. When applicable, reference is made to other sections containing information relevant to the standard or rule being presented or discussed (American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004). Because the format is not complicated, it is easy to find information concerning topics of interest. In general, the ACA ethics document is easy to read. Because of the need to address ethical considerations for different types of counseling, the format of the AACC ethics document is more complex. A different body of ethics information is provided for each of the following categories of counselors and counseling settings:

1. Christian counselors,

2. Supervisors, educators, researchers, and writers,

3. Ordained ministers and pastoral counselors, and

4. Lay helpers and other ministers.

In addition, the AACC Law and Ethics Committee made the decision to make a distinction between ethical standards and procedural rules. This appears to be an attempt to avoid further complexity in their attempt to handle two broad issues that the ACA did not have to address. First, is the fact that the AACC Law and Ethics Committee wrote specifically about its jurisdiction and authority among members (American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004). Second, the document addresses ethical considerations when dealing with client cases where both the court and the church are involved.

Both documents provide a section concerning the resolution of conflict between ethical standards and legalities. The AACC document included this section under its discussion of ethical standards. It is the only one of the five topics addressing a particular concern instead of a group of people.

Sections Analyzed

Competence

Similarities

The AACC and ACA ethics documents were very similar in the context of discussing competency issues. Primarily, both explicitly require that persons provide counseling services only if they are qualified and experienced (American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004). Each document defines the expectation for gaining and maintaining qualification supported by an authorized credentialing body. New skills should only be gained through experience under supervision by a qualified supervisor. Finally, every counselor should be concerned with self monitoring with appropriate peer supervision when needed.

Differences

The AACC Law and Ethics Committee encompassed the entirety of their discussion concerning competence within a call to operate with integrity. This is an attempt ...