Comparativeanalysis from the APA, AACC and ACA PDF

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This paper compares and contrasts the code of ethics written by the APA AACC and ACA...

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Ashley M. Roberts Grand Canyon University BHS-330 Laura Fite September 12, 2021

2 Codes of Ethics Counselors are given codes of conducts to help them maximize their abilities, perform to the highest standards of counseling, and make decisions that help clients without breaking laws, without discrimations, and without biases. The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), The American Psychological Association Of Ethical Principles (APA), and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (ACA) all have standards and policies for practice. The guidelines in place by these 3 associations are geared toward different aspects of the behavioral health field while helping counselors successfully work with clients from all walks of life. The American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) was created to help counselors of the christian faith and also protect Christian clients seeking counseling. It also helps pastors, designated church members and other professionals. The AACC emphasizes Christian based practices and offers guidance to hurt people offering a biblical, ethical, legal, and clinical way of counseling. The code is used to minister and help move to wholeness interpersonal competence, mental stability, and spiritual maturity (AACC, 2019). The pillars of ethical and clinical practice and core principles include, servanthood, excellence, integrity, trustworthiness, dignity, soundness, relationships, and humility. The goal for christian counselors is to incorporate Christianity with ethical frameworks to provide safe and effective counseling. The American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Ethics The American Psychological Association (APA) has principles in place to help professionals make positive and ethical decisions regarding counseling practices. The principles

3 include, beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect for people’s rights and dignity. These principles are used to inspire psychologists with ethical ideas. The APA code of ethics is used for activities dealing with scientific, educational, and professional roles in psychology. It includes communication in person as well as over the phone and electronically. It provides guidance on the standards to be upheld by professionals to be used in addition to laws and board regulations. Also included in the APA are sections regarding competence, human relations, privacy and confidentiality, public statements, record keeping and fees, education and training, research and publication, assessments, and therapy (APA, 2017). The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice The American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics is an organization for counselors. It stands by the ability to work with all diversities of people to help maintain or gain mental health, wellness, education, and reach career goals. It is a guide to ethical behavior and provides resources when a counselor faces a dilemma (ACA,2014). Compare/Contrast & Applications The AACC, APA, and the ACA all have guidelines on how to ethically serve clients. They all have very similar guidelines pertaining to privacy and confidentiality and healthy relationships. Informed consent is very important for treatment and treatment plans. Competence is something that is explained, defined, and expected within the AACC, APA and the ACA guidelines to insure integrity, dignity and respect. The guidelines for sexual misconduct, dual relationships, or any relationship with current or former clients are basically the same with a few exceptions. The AACA stresses that the extramarital or premarital activities are frowned upon and discouraged. The ACA allows relationships with former clients after the counseling has

4 ended for 5 years or more. However, the AACC does allow the termination of counseling if marriage is happening, with the proper procedures. The AACC codes are in place to bring a faith based practice into counseling. They are ministering christians and allowing other christian organizations and leaders to aid in counseling. Everything they teach circles back around to Christ and the Bible for reference. The ACA and the APA does not include a religious aspect into their counseling to be able to ethically help individuals from various backgrounds. They both also share the same view in connection with beneficence, fidelity, and non-maleficence. These guidelines can be helpful in the field of counseling. In some cases, the AACC would not be as helpful when working with a client who is seeking counseling for things such as infidelity, sexuality, or any other factor that goes against the Christian faith, especially if the person was not Christian. It would be helpful for clients who are Christian so that their counseling can be geared toward the Bible and faith based answers to dilemmas. The ACA and APA would be useful and impactful to help shape counselors for the diversity that comes from various cultures and religions. Being able to put personal worldviews aside and become a professional counselor that is open and aware of difference in others, would help with ethics and align with everything the codes of ethics stand for. References American Association of Christian Counselors (AACA). (2014). AACC code of ethics. https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2027/10/AACC-Code-of-ethics-Master

American Counseling Association (ACA). 2014 code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org.resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

5 American Psychological Association. (APA). (2017). Ethical Principles of psychologists and code of conduct. http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.html...