CODE OF ETHICS

Code of ethics



Code of Ethics

Introduction

Codes of ethics are established by professional groups for the purpose of protecting clients, providing guidelines for counselors, and clarifying the professional stance of the organizations (Corey, Corey and Callanan, 2011). Both the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) code of ethics grasp this statement. Taking a look at their mission statements we find evident of this. ' The mission statement of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of profession counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice to promote respect for human dignity and diversity' (“American Counseling Association,” 2010).

Now the American Association of Christian Counselors website states that their mission is 'to assist AACC members to, better serve their clients and congregants and to improve the work of Christian counseling worldwide' (“American Association of Christian Counseling,” 2010). Different wording but same overall purpose is to help clients, society, counseling professionals and the counseling profession.

Discussion

Compare and Contrast on ACA and AACA

One obvious difference of the two associations in found, in the title of their names. The word Christian is the difference. The American Association of Christian Counselors code of ethics primary goal is to “bring honor to Jesus Christ and his church, promote excellence in Christian counseling and bring unity to Christian counselors and their code of ethics are only enforceable to Christian counselors, ministers and helpers” (“American Counseling Association,” 2010).

These Christian counselors implement the word of God as their final authority when counseling a client. Nevertheless, different from the American Counseling Association which does not utilize the old and New Testament of the bible to practice counseling but still 'promotes respect for human dignity by recognizing diversity and embraces all cultures worth, potential and uniqueness' (“American Counseling Association,” 2010).

The ACA contains eight main sections that address area such as relationship to society, confidentially, and sexual intimacies whereas the AACC contain four main sections in the code of ethics which address these topics also. It was noticeable when exploring the area of similarities and differences that both associations wanted change in the client, for it is a reason why someone may be in counseling, in the first place. In the area, of relationship to society; The ACA and AACC counselors both have a duty to 'study and maintain expertise, contribute to new knowledge in their fields when able, become knowledgeable of other associations practices, and report any unethical practices by members of their association' (“American Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselors,” 2010).

With this in mind, being a responsible counselor it would cause a client and society to both benefits. Thinking of this, why would not the client become more productive in society and our society be less burdened? Why someone would want their own affairs posted in the daily news? It is apparent that with the increasing number of suicide incidents, murders and a demand for more counselors in ...