Ethics Code Analysis

Ethics Code Analysis

Running head: CONTRAST AND COMPARISON OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION AND THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS


















Contrast and Comparison of the Code of Ethics for the American Counseling
Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors
Andrea B. Flood
Liberty University
Abstract
Counseling associations, such as the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors, maintain a strict Code of Ethics by which counselors are expected to abide. The Code for each association varies somewhat on topics such as discrimination, harassment, refusal of treatment, and continuing education. In matters that are straight-forward, such as continuing education, these two associations have similar written policies. More complex matters such as those relating to discrimination and harassment contain more variations and differences. The similarities and differences in each association’s Code of Ethics are explored in this paper and described in further detail.


Introduction to the Code of Ethics
This paper will compare and contrast three aspects of the Code of Ethics for the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). The creation and maintenance of a written Code of Ethics is an important standard among counseling services and providers. The Code of Ethics outlines procedures and protocols for dealing with situations that arise in the counseling environment. The intention of the Code is to demonstrate how counseling professionals may respond to these situations in a legal, moral, and ethical manner. Each counseling organization has a code of ethics that is unique. The Code for the ACA is described as being a model by which new and existing counselors may refer to for help in resolving ethical dilemmas and is designed to provide members with the framework to construct “a professional course...