Discussion: Ethics Codes Applied to Research
Ethical and culturally competent practitioners understand how the ethical standards relate to the use of counseling research in practice. The concept of beneficence extends to conducting and applying counseling research in evidence-based practice. For example, in the ACA Ethics Code (2014) Section C.2.d. emphasis is placed on clinician's monitoring their effectiveness. The standard states "Counselors continually monitor their effectiveness as professionals and take steps to improve when necessary. Counselors take reasonable steps to seek peer supervision to evaluate their efficacy as counselors" (p. 8).
This ethical standard has implications both in assessing the effectiveness of your own counseling practice and in your ability to accurately interpret and apply counseling research. Consider your obligation to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment you provide and to make changes if necessary. Now, let's take a look at the Code of Ethics with consideration for how it applies to the use of research in your counseling practice.
For this Discussion, you will examine the implications of the code when working in counseling practice.
To Prepare
• Review the ACA Ethics Code excluding Section G, which is specific to conducting research.
• Identify a standard that is related to evidence-based practice or applies to the use or application of research in culturally competent counseling practice.
• Identify and describe one specific ACA ethical standard by section/number and state the code.
• Explain the implications of the code when working as a counseling professional.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Required Resources
Balkin, R. S., & Kleist, D. M. (2017). Counseling research: A practitioner-scholar approach. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
• Chapter 3, "Ethical and Multicultural Issues in Counseling Research"
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.).