Ethical Issues with Counseling Psychology

For the Capstone essay, you will be required to write a six-page paper on an ethical issue within professional (e.g., dual relationships, self-disclosure, self-care/burnout, rural community counseling and boundaries, etc.). In particular, you will utilize at least six peer-reviewed journal articles to explore the topic, offering an overview of current research/writings in the field, what the current ethics code states about the matter (using the ACA, CAMFT, or AAMFT code of ethics), what you believe about the topic (e.g., personal values), and how you would hypothetically resolve the issue in an ethical manner in clinical practice utilizing an ethical decision-making model from the literature. Please note, you will need to come up with your own possible ethical dilemma to resolve that relates to your topic. Included in the essay will be an attempt to reconcile a biblical understanding of the topic with California law and ethics. Please note that this assignment is due on Day 4.

 

The paper will be graded according to the following criteria:

 

(1) Introduction (5%): In one paragraph, the student clearly and thoroughly articulates why the chosen topic is relevant to the study of ethical standards in clinical practice. The student ends this paragraph with a sentence outlining what the reader can except in the essay (“This essay will cover…”). (1 paragraph)

 

(2) Literature Review (25%): The student reviews at least six peer reviewed journal articles that specifically relate to the chosen topic, offering a synthesis of the contemporary literature on the ethical standard or topic. The textbook can be used a a peer-reviewed source, but will not count towards the minimum six source requirement. (3-4 pages)

 

(3) CAMFT/ACA/AAMFT Ethics Code Review (20%): The student thoroughly discusses what the CAMFT, ACA, or AAMFT Ethics Code states on the topic, referencing the precise code(s) that relate to his or her chosen topic. (approximately .5 page)

 

(4) Personal Reflection/Integration (10%): The student thoroughly discusses how his or her personal values relate to the chosen topic. Included will be reflections on how the student’s religious faith or spirituality relates to the topic. How could this issue be viewed through the Christian lens?  (1 page)

 

(5) Ethical Resolution (25%): The student presents a hypothetical case on the topic and utilizes an ethical decision-making model (e.g., Corey & Corey chapter 1) in the literature to resolve the dilemma, outlining the steps he or she would take to remedy the situation. Be sure to include ALL steps that are necessary to fully resolve the issue both clinically and ethically/legally. (1+ page)

 

(6) APA Style (15%): The paper is in APA style, with no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation mistakes, and is six to seven pages in length, excluding the Title and Reference pages. The paper includes a Title and Reference page in APA format, and includes at least six peer-reviewed sources beyond the class textbook.