ETHICAL DILEMAS IN COUNSELING: IDENTIFYING and ANALYZING ETHICAL ISSUES in a CASE

Publication Date

Spring 4-29-2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Department

Mental Health Counseling, School of

Student Level

Graduate

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Waters, Dr. Cassidy, Dr. Bentley

Metadata/Fulltext

Metadata ONLY

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

This presentation highlights some of the ethical dilemma’s counselors face when treating clients. As professionals we are legally bound to our clients and the ethical standards of our profession. In this case study we introduce Ethan, a 15-year-old male presenting with anxiety, depression, and trust-related concerns within a nuclear family system. Ethan reports a close emotional bond with his father and a strained relationship with his mother. During counseling, he discloses experiences that raise significant ethical and legal concerns, including witnessing his father engage with child pornography, which contributes to his emotional distress.

The case highlights a central ethical dilemma: navigating the tension between maintaining client confidentiality and fulfilling mandated reporting obligations. Drawing on ethical guidelines from the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), this presentation outlines a decision-making process for addressing these concerns. Emphasis is placed on protecting client welfare, adhering to legal requirements, and maintaining ethical integrity in clinical practice.

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