Assignment: Ethics and Multicultural Counseling
Overview
According to the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics: Counselors do not condone or engage in discrimination based on age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status/partnership, language preference, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law. Counselors do not discriminate against clients, students, employees, supervisees, or research participants in a manner that has a negative impact on these persons.
This aspect of the code is especially important to consider as you prepare to enter the world of professional counseling.
Assignment will help you to clarify your understanding of the ethical codes, cultural competence, and the implications for counseling practice. You should also listen to the lecture, review supplemental materials, and use the rubrics as guides to help you complete the assignment.
Directions
Read your textbook chapters, the ACA code of ethics (see your course resources for the code), and a short article related to counselor preparation to prepare for this assignment. You are to reflect on the following questions as part of this assignment (one or two pages).
1. What ethical standards pertain to multicultural counseling? (List the letter, number, and brief titles only)
2. What characteristics describe effective counselors? (list at least five)
3. What specific beliefs and attitudes, understandings, skills, and ethical concerns should be addressed during professional preparation for multicultural counseling?
4. How do culturally competent counselors provide a positive and supportive environment for clients of diverse backgrounds?
5. What ethical and legal consequences might a counselor face for refusing to provide counseling services to an LGBTQ client?
6. Reflect on your learning experience related to cultural competence, identity areas for personal development (1-2 paragraphs).
References:
American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.