Communicating With a Client's Support System

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Communicating With a Client's Support System

(1) Can you reflect on communication you have had with a family member or spouse of a client?

A situation in which I personally have communicated with a client has been in couple counseling in which the couple considered a divorce because of an extramarital affair. Cameron (2006) expresses the point in discussing ethics from a professional point of view as following professional standards that avoid harm. He further asserts, "Rules to avoid inadequate harm may be inadequate because rules change and do not always lead to desirable outcomes "(p. 318). Nevertheless, research is presented to suggest that many commonly used negotiation tactics have ethical concerns. For instance, Barsky (2008) explain that strategies in counseling most often as being unethical involves deception. When information is manipulated, hidden, or unfairly disclosed it can be deceptive and may suggest an unfair advantage for the practitioner versus the client. On the other hand, sharing information can be a valuable asset to negotiations. As Barsky point out, while it may be ethical to withhold information in leading one's own goals, the goals may not be the same for the other party. In the same way, concealing one's true position may allow a deal to be finalized that otherwise would not be finalized is being truthful.

(2) Can you assess whether you took into consideration the scope and limitations of confidentiality (providing information on a need-to-know basis only) and if your language was appropriate for the family member or spouse.

NOTE: This question requires a personal perspective. You might consider the ACA ethical code paraphrased here:

Considering the client's situation including his or her cultural and religious principles is an important and necessary approach to effective counseling. For example, the American Counseling Association sets forth guidelines to ensure, .the dignity, integrity, ...