Values, ethics, and laws?
Values can be found in the individual, ethics in groups or organizations, and laws in larger societies. What other differences are there between values, ethics, and laws? Why are there ethics for counselors? Depending on your program of study, which codes of ethics will you abide by and why? How can the ACA, AACC, NAADAC, or applicable professional code of ethics help you in providing treatment to someone with different values than your own?
Sample Solution
Values, ethics and laws are all distinct but related concepts that describe a society’s morality and how it is enforced. Values are the beliefs, principles and standards held by an individual or group; they define a code of conduct that guides behavior and serves as a source of personal integrity (Bok, 1984). Ethics, on the other hand, refers to the moral principles accepted by a specific community or organization; these concepts provide guidance for decision making in particular contexts (Shaw & Barry, 2019). Finally, laws represent rules which have been imposed upon society by higher authorities such as governments and courts; they serve to regulate citizens’ behavior according to established codes of conduct with binding consequences for those who disobey them (Friedman & Friedman 1980).
Counselors must abide by certain ethical codes due to their unique role in forming relationships with clients. The American Counseling Association (ACA), for example, has issued its Code of Ethics which outlines professional responsibilities relating to client welfare such as maintaining respect for human dignity and confidentiality regarding any information shared with the counseling session (ACA 2017). Similarly, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has created its own ethical framework outlining counselors’ responsibilities towards creating a safe space for clients where trust is paramount (BACP 2018). Abiding by these codes ensures that counselors can remain true to their values while providing effective services without compromising their clients’ interests.
In conclusion then, we can see how values represent personal convictions whereas ethics refer more generally to acceptable forms of moral behavior within certain contexts. Laws meanwhile impose necessary regulations on any given society so as to protect citizens from harm or exploitation. As professionals whose primary job is helping others achieve emotional well-being through meaningful dialogue, it is essential that counselors adhere strictly to established ethical codes so as to ensure both parties remain treated fairly during every interaction.
