Introduction to ethics and professional issues in counselling

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge about what it means to practice ethically in a variety of counselling contexts. You will examine the ethical foundations of counselling and gain an awareness of the common issues and dilemmas faced in a range of counselling settings. Themes addressed include implementing ethical principles and codes of practice, legal responsibilities, personal, social, and professional values, diversity, informed consent, confidentiality and privacy, referrals and collaboration with other professionals, dual relationships and managing boundaries, and managing self-care. You will also be introduced to ethical decision-making models and gain experience in applying such structures to respond to applied ethical dilemmas.