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Shelby
Student
Broadlands, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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What are some ways we, as counselors, can ensure our practices are ethical?
Specifically, how can we ensure that patients from all demographics are receiving adequate services? Are there additional ways we can inform ourselves of their specific issues?
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Kerri Butler
Vocational RTW Claim Manager
4
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Kerri’s Answer
Shelby, ethics in the counseling field are centered on what you do (and don't do) to assure that both you and your clients are protected. As a practitioner, your personal moral principles have a lasting impact on diverse stakeholders. Of course, your clients will be the most obvious benefactor of solid ethical counseling practices. However, taking an ethical approach to effectively supporting disadvantaged, underserved, and minority client demographics includes exploring the broader environment.
Let's take my practice as an example. I have a passion and purpose for serving injured and disabled workers. Initially, I was a fireball of unrestrained energy for every individual client. I dare say I did too much "howling at the moon" in those early days. I was so eager to solve the problems for underserved demographics that my staff ran ragged trying to keep up. Today, I have come to embrace the potential of collective effort. My clients of all demographics are part of a bigger picture. The resources necessary for success come from infinite places. Sure, I can make double double sure that all clients receive ethical care in my physical environment. From office voice mail messages to the intake paperwork, clinical interactions, staff training, and written reports - an equitable, fair approach to client service is a key goal in our vocational counseling practice. But how can I assess and evaluate if all clients are "receiving adequate services?" The answer to that question has come from external participation and feedback.
I can envision the vast resources and roadblocks ahead by putting myself in the client's shoes. I am a big advocate for developing actionable ethics game plans. Beyond individual counseling, consider efforts that IMPROVE resources and REDUCE roadblocks within the broader environments that impact clients. What does that look like? I love complaining about burdensome bureaucracy in medical care systems and state agencies, but I had to give that up. Regularly meeting with stakeholders in the systems surrounding vocational counseling has dramatically improved my knowledge and abilities to help clients. The same thing goes for my work and home families. Regular meetings to build a strong ethical framework have empowered individual accountability, proactive effort, and valuable feedback insights. Oddly enough, in my career, the ethical journey to protect and promote equity for all client demographics took an interesting twist. The most effective way to care for them is to focus on me.
Let's take my practice as an example. I have a passion and purpose for serving injured and disabled workers. Initially, I was a fireball of unrestrained energy for every individual client. I dare say I did too much "howling at the moon" in those early days. I was so eager to solve the problems for underserved demographics that my staff ran ragged trying to keep up. Today, I have come to embrace the potential of collective effort. My clients of all demographics are part of a bigger picture. The resources necessary for success come from infinite places. Sure, I can make double double sure that all clients receive ethical care in my physical environment. From office voice mail messages to the intake paperwork, clinical interactions, staff training, and written reports - an equitable, fair approach to client service is a key goal in our vocational counseling practice. But how can I assess and evaluate if all clients are "receiving adequate services?" The answer to that question has come from external participation and feedback.
I can envision the vast resources and roadblocks ahead by putting myself in the client's shoes. I am a big advocate for developing actionable ethics game plans. Beyond individual counseling, consider efforts that IMPROVE resources and REDUCE roadblocks within the broader environments that impact clients. What does that look like? I love complaining about burdensome bureaucracy in medical care systems and state agencies, but I had to give that up. Regularly meeting with stakeholders in the systems surrounding vocational counseling has dramatically improved my knowledge and abilities to help clients. The same thing goes for my work and home families. Regular meetings to build a strong ethical framework have empowered individual accountability, proactive effort, and valuable feedback insights. Oddly enough, in my career, the ethical journey to protect and promote equity for all client demographics took an interesting twist. The most effective way to care for them is to focus on me.