ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING MODELS
All counselors, whether novice or expert, regardless of training or experience, will be faced with dilemmas that require judgment and sound decision making in their practice. There are many resources to assist counselors when facing complex and sensitive issues with clients. Due to the nature of counseling practice and the diverse issues they will encounter, no resource will include solutions to every ethical question. Following legal regulations, ACA Decision-Making Modelw The ACA decision-making model is based on the five foundational principals of ethical counseling practice from the ACA Code of Ethics, which are autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity. They are included in the Practitioner’s Guide to Ethical Decision Making published by the ACA (Forester-Miller & Davis, 2016). The ACA provides these five principles for examination and application to a conflict situation the counselor may encounter. In some cases, a review of these principles will clarify the course of action, but when questions remain on the best approach forward, the counselor will need to apply a sound decision- making model to arrive at a conclusion. The ACA model is presented subsequently, followed by directives and additional questions to ask, which are abbreviated here. The ACA ethical decision-making model (Forester-Miller & Davis, 2016) states: 1. Identify the problem: Outline the facts, separating out innuendos, assumptions, hypotheses, or suspicions. There are several questions to ask yourself: Is it an ethical, legal, professional, or clinical problem? If a legal question exists, be sure to seek legal advice. 2. Apply the ACA Code of Ethics: Refer to the ACA Code of Ethics (ACA, 2014) to see if the issue is addressed. Also consider any state or professional codes that may apply. If there is an applicable standard or several standards and they are specific and clear, following the course of action indicated should lead to a resolution of the problem. If the problem is not resolved, you have a complex ethical dilemma and need to proceed with further steps in the ethical decision-making process. 3. Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma: Examine the dilemma’s implications for each of the foundational principles: autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity. Decide which of the principles apply to the specific situation, and determine which principle takes priority. You will need to use your professional judgment to determine the priorities when two or more AAMFT: Decision Making The AAMFT includes a section in the Code of Ethics (2015) concerning decision making, though it does not prescribe a specific model to follow. Their guidance on this matter is as follows: Ethical Decision-Making Both law and ethics govern the practice of marriage and family therapy. When making decisions regarding professional behavior, marriage and family therapists must consider the AAMFT Code of Ethics and applicable laws and regulations. If the AAMFT Code of Ethics prescribes a standard higher than that required by law, marriage and family therapists must meet the higher standard of the AAMFT Code of Ethics. Marriage and family therapists comply with the mandates of law but make known ASCA Standards for Decision Making (ASCA, 2022) The ASCA includes the following standard on decision making to find a solution to an ethical dilemma. This standard provides a detailed description of steps to follow and is based on the same foundational principals as the ACA decision making model. F. Ethical Decision-Making
association ethics codes and standards, and decision-making strategies is the best defenses against ethical missteps. When reviewing legal and ethical directives, the counselor will be able to identify situations of an ethical nature which require sound decision making to determine the course of their practice. Counselors must be familiar with the steps to follow when making critical decisions. of them are in conflict. Review the relevant professional literature to ensure that you are using the most current professional thinking and are aware of the diversity issues involved. Consult with experienced professional counselors and/or supervisors. 4. Generate potential courses of action: Brainstorm as many potential courses of action as possible. List all options even ones that you are not sure will work. Consult with at least one colleague to help you generate options. 5. Consider the potential consequences of all options and determine a course of action. Evaluate and assess the consequences for all parties involved. Eliminate the options that do not give the desired results or that cause more problematic consequences. Determine which option or combination best fits the priorities you have identified. 6. Evaluate the selected course of action. Review the selected course of action to see if it presents any new ethical considerations. Apply three simple tests to the selected course of action: 1. Justice: In applying the test of justice, assess your own sense of fairness by determining whether you would treat others the same in this situation. 2. Publicity: For the test of publicity, ask yourself whether you would want your behavior reported in the press. 3. Universality: The test of universality asks you to assess whether you could recommend the same course of action to another counselor in the same situation. If the course of action you have selected causes any new ethical issues, then go back to the beginning and reevaluate each step of the process. If you can answer in the affirmative to each of the questions and are satisfied you have selected an appropriate course of action move to step 7. 7. Implement the course of action. Strengthen your resolve to allow you to carry out your plan. After implementing the action, follow up to assess whether your actions had the anticipated effect and consequences. their commitment to the AAMFT Code of Ethics and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner. The AAMFT supports legal mandates for reporting of alleged unethical conduct. Marriage and family therapists remain accountable to the AAMFT Code of Ethics when acting as members or employees of organizations. If the mandates of an organization with which a marriage and family therapist is affiliated, through employment, contract or otherwise, conflict with the AAMFT Code of Ethics, marriage and family therapists make known to the organization their commitment to the AAMFT Code of Ethics and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict in a way that allows the fullest adherence to the Code of Ethics. When faced with an ethical dilemma, school counselors and school counseling program directors/supervisors use an ethical decision-making model. a. a. Define the ethical dilemma. b. Identify potential cultural, religious and worldview factors and power dynamics that are present within a potential ethical dilemma.
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