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Code of Ethics Comparison Haleigh Bullard Liberty University

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Abstract A code of ethics is an important document for any organization. The code of ethics also provides the individuals in an organization a guideline to follow. The American Counseling Association (ACA) has been the pioneer for setting ethical standards in the counseling sphere. However, the ACA does not proved standards for being a Christian counselor. The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) was organized to provide guidance to counselors who wanted to integrate their Christian worldview into their practice. There are several similarities between the basic guidelines of the two codes but each has a different way of upholding it. This paper will address some of the similarities and differences of the ACA and AACC code of ethics.

Fees The first similarity between the ACA and the AACC is to set fair and reasonable fees. The documents discussed counseling for a profit, but the topic was discussed differently. In the AACC guidelines, the authors state the counselors should avoid relationships that are financially self-serving. This means that a counselor should not be counseling an individual if it benefits them financially. If a counselor is more concerned with making money they will do harm to the client. As Christian counselors we should be more concerned about helping a troubled individual that trying to have a financially self-serving relationship. However, the ACA allows a counselor to accept a payment from a client if the agency policy allows it. That means that a counselor should provide a counselor with all forms of alternative treatments before accepting a payment.

Code of Ethics3 The first major difference in the fees is how the counselors should handle lowincome situations. The AACC says that Christian counselors should implement a sliding fee for individuals that cannot afford their service fees. This is done so individuals will not be turned away during a time of economic hardship after a therapeutic relationship has been formed. The AACC document also implies that Christian counselors should do pro bono work because they are community minded. The ACA says that counselors should help clients find similar services at a price they can afford. The ACA document made no mention of working pro bono. In the AACC document it is clear that the guidelines help promote a focus on an integrity that goes beyond ethical practice.

Competence The competency section shows how similar the ACA and AACC guidelines are. The first similarity is that a counselor should only provide counseling if they are qualified and experienced. This is so that no harm is done to the client. The second similarity is that any kind of qualification should be supported by an authorized body. Also, a counselor should be aware of self monitoring with the help of peer supervision if needed. Finally, a counselor should only gain new skills while under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. The first difference is that the AACC document explains that the counselor should have integrity. This is done to show that character has more value than procedural considerations. Next, referrals should be made for Christian counselors if there are some available in the area. Finally, the document argues that Christian counselors should not

Code of Ethics4 counsel against obtaining professional treatment. The ACA document states that professionals in an organization should act as a team. Not only does the ACA document discuss working as an interdisciplinary team in competency but also in professional relationships. Majority of the differences associated in this section come from the AACC document to show that the counselor values character or procedural considerations.

Colleague Relationships The biggest similarity in the ACA and AACC documents is the need to be respectful to counselors that have different approaches. The AACC argues that counselors should be respectful whether or not they work in the church context. Finally both documents state that confidentiality is important and roles should be clear between colleagues. The roles need to be clear because counselors may have to report information to the authorities. Also, both guidelines provide ways for handling conflict with fellow employees. The first major difference is that the ACA discusses multidisciplinary relationship building and teamwork to help better serve the client. Working on office relationships is not in the AACC guidelines. The AACC guideline states that a counselor cannot leave the practice and take agency clients with them. This is to prevent a new practice that competes with the one left. Also, the AACC guideline mentions rules that the ACA committee placed into another section. This shows how different the two committees were in there way of thinking.

Code of Ethics5 Conclusion The two documents are proof that not all organizations agree on every point. It also shows how difficult it is to organize a set of beliefs into a document for professionals to follow. This paper helped me understand why as a professional, I should use both guidelines in my practice. They should both be used because the AACC provides more of a Christian worldview that I can integrate into practice.

Code of Ethics6 References American Association of Christian Counselors. (2004). AACC Code of Ethics. Retrieved January25, 2011, from http://www.counseling.org/Files/FD.ashx?guid=ab7c127271c4-46cf-848cf98489937dda American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.liberty.edu/media/1118/%5B5975%5DAACC_Christian_Code_of_Ethics .pdf