Ethics in Counselling

1. ETHICS IN COUSELING
WEEK:9
BY
DR.SHAZIA ZAMIR

2. Content
• Definition of Ethics
• Ethics in Counseling
• Why ethics important in counseling?
• Significance of Ethics in Counseling
• Ethical Principles in Counseling
oBeneficence
oAutonomy
oFidelity
oJustice
oVeracity

3. Definition of Ethics
Derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which means “way of living”,
ethics is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with human conduct,
more specifically the behavior of individuals in society.
“Ethics is generally defined as a philosophical discipline that is concerned
with human conduct and moral decision making”.

4. Ethics in Counseling
Counsellor has a duty of care for counsellee, and by nature of the profession,
counsellors are to act in the best interest of their client, promoting client goals,
protecting client rights, maximizing good and minimizing harm.

5. Why Ethics Important in Counseling?
• Ethics are important in counseling, as they are a means to protect the
welfare of the client and counselors by clearly outlining what is
appropriate.
• They have a duty of care for clients, and by nature of the profession,
counsellors are to act in the best interest of their client, promoting client
goals, protecting client rights, maximizing good and minimizing harm.

6. Significance of Ethics in Counseling
Ethical Standards are designed for many reasons such as:
• To provide guidelines for the professional behavior of members.
• To reserve right of counselee.
• Ensuring competent professional behavior.
• Professional Responsibility.
• Professionals can monitor their own and members’ professional behaviour.
• To set standards.

7. Ethical Principles of Counseling
• Beneficence
• Autonomy
• Fidelity
• Non-Maleficence
• Justice
• Veracity

8. Beneficence
Beneficence reflects the counselor's responsibility to contribute to the
welfare of the client. Simply stated, it means to do good, to be
proactive, and also to prevent harm when possible.
Autonomy
Autonomy “to honor the right to make individual decisions” Acting in a
manner that respects a person’s freedom to control his or her life.

9. Fidelity
Fidelity means “to be loyal and honest” keeping promises or commitments, both
stated and implied.
Non-Maleficence
“To do no harms to others”. Acting in a manner that does not cause harm or prevents
harm to counselee.
Justice
“To be fair and give equally to others” Treating people fairly, especially in allocation of
resources.
Veracity
“To be honest” Not engaging in an act or omission of a dishonest, deceitful or
fraudulent nature.