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1. What stood out to me the most was that a counselors negligence is considered unethical such as failure to use correct test instruments, taking an inadequate client examination or incorrect psychological report. This stood out for me because I had never thought of negligence as unethical.

2. What I found interesting was that violation of confidentiality was one of the most prevalent forms of unethical behavior in counselling. This was really interesting because its one of the very first things that counselors learn in training and keep learning about through out their training.

3. I think sexual activity with a client is one unethical behavior I would consider common sense.

- Sizolwethu Xaba

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What stands out most to you?

Autonomy

Confidentiality

Respect

What did you find interesting or surprising?

I found autonomy very interesting. Autonomy for me means allowing others to be themselves through freedom of choice and the ability to act on their values and interests. Allowing individuals to make decisions, without influence or direction. The reason I chose autonomy is that I enjoy being free and making my own decisions.  I do not enjoy it when decisions are made for me, as I feel restricted.

What seems like common sense?

I always believed in greeting people when I entered a room or when at work, especially in the morning and when seeing someone for the first time. For me, this was part of respect, and this is what I was taught from a young age, to be polite, and respectful and to acknowledge another person. Since joining a new and younger team of colleagues in 2021, I felt this same value-based behaviour of mine was not reciprocated.  Because this action was instilled in me, I thought it would be a natural thing or common sense for everyone to do.  This feeling that I had towards my colleagues was almost resentful as I found the team members to be extremely disrespectful and I thought that their parents did not teach them morals and values. This annoyed me so much that I could not shift the thought of disrespect from my mind, that one day I said, “Didn’t your parents teach you to greet and acknowledge a person when entering a room or when you see them for the first time in the morning”. My colleagues were taken aback and were wondering what I was going on about as it is not so important. I don’t even think I got a proper answer. For me, this was common sense, however not realizing that I was expecting my colleagues to follow my values. Imposing my values onto someone else is unethical.  A counsellor could knowingly or unknowingly impose his or her values onto a client.

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Good day it's Igni/Ignatius

To be honest nothing really stood out too much due to my fair share of receiving therapy, and always being explained most of the ethic conducts and procedures. Due to having to go through a custody case when my parent's divorced, the time I was sent to a psychiatrist, and when I struggled with my depression and tried to end my life twice due to bullying and other factors.

The only thing that really stood out was group therapy sessions. This is due to client confidentiality, as there is no way of knowing that everyone will not tell a third party of what is discussed in the group session. It is even more likely to happen with children in a group therapy session as they do not understand what harm can be caused by telling people outside of the group. In my opinion group therapy may have some benefits like encouraging people to open quicker where in a one on one session it takes time, but then yet everyone in the group knows about the information you have shared and can or might use it to cause you harm.

Common sense is knowing of when, whether and to whom you are allowed to share a client's information with. Like when working with children it is sometimes up to the parents to decide whether information of each session or certain things should be shared. With divorce cases it seems that everything of every session discussed with the child must be shared with both parties (parents) lawyers. For me I believe that children and adolescents should have the choice or make an agreement of what can be shared to their parents as some parents might misunderstand what they have been told and act strangely or do things differently than before.

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Hi Everyone, it's Kirsten

I found it very interesting to read about unethical behaviour that can occur in counseling. I was surprised about the number of different types of misconduct that occurs.
I found it very surprising how prevalent the violation of confidentiality was, especially the disclosure of confidential information to a third party without the permission of the client. Considering the emphasis on confidentiality in counseling and the importance of creating a safe space, I had thought it would have been common sense to first obtain permission. However, I am mindful that I do not know the context therefore this comment could be unfair. I was also surprised that fraudulent conduct takes place – this is not something I had previously considered.

Something that stood out to me was sexual activity with a client. I wondered how often this occurs as it was highlighted as one of the most prevalent forms of unethical behaviour in counseling.
Looking forward to reading what others thought. Have a great week :) Kirsten

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Sorry for the pen clicking

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Good day everyone,
Does anyone have their own theory on why confidentiality is a common violation among some healthcare and medical practitioners?

Is it because the healthcare/practitioner does not respect the client/patient?
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@Gomolemo_Marumo