Ethical Decision Making in Counselling

Ethical Decision Making in Counselling
Essay
2500 words
14 Academic references- APA style

Assessment Details and Instructions
Purpose:
Students select two different ethical decision-making models to apply to the same ethical scenario (see below). Students critically analyze the strengths and limitations of each model (as applied to the scenario client) to develop advanced knowledge of counsellor and psychotherapist responsibilities with regards to ethical decision-making models and processes.
Process:
Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of two different ethical decision-making models and professional ethical responsibilities. Eight step model and ten step model (see below pictures)
Students then critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of chosen ethical decision-making models to effectively guide counsellors to work with ethical sensitivity and meet professional responsibilities.
Students will also apply and contextualize this knowledge of each model to consider how they respond effectively, sensitively and ethically to case scenario provided.
Task explained
apply two ethical decision-making models to Sharon’s case study (below ).
You are to critically analyze the strengths and limitations of each model (as applied to the scenario client) to develop advanced knowledge of therapist responsibilities with regards to ethical decision-making models and processes
Language: Please use academic/professional language throughout. Third person is preferred.
The structure would be as follows:
1. General Introduction (approximately 200 words)
Here, I would provide an overview of the paper.
Ethical decision-making models are used to support therapists when negotiating challenging ethical dilemmas. These decision making-models……. guide therapists to choose an appropriate response to the dilemma.
This paper explores two ethical decision-making models applying each model to the given (Sharon’s) case, including strengths and limitations with consideration to the legal and ethical ….. evident in the scenario.
I would then move onto:
2. Ethical decision-making model one
Ten-step model (see below picture)
Provide a brief overview of the model one.
Apply the case scenario using the model one.
In the first stage the primary focus is to assess the facts with awareness …… (Cottone et al., 2021).
The final stage encourages therapists to reflect upon their decision making, considering contextual influences and possible prejudice……
3. Ethical decision-making model two
Eight Step Model (see below )
Provide a brief overview of the model two.
Apply the case scenario using the model two.
4. Critical Evaluation
Discuss Strengths and Limitations of both the models relating it to the case scenario (Sharon). Include commonalities as well.
Another strength of Integrative Decision-making model is its strong focus on unconscious bias….
…..Both models guide therapists to include cultural sensitivity throughout the process…….
5. Conclusion
Focus on both the models.
6. References
Minimum of 14 academic references (Books, Journals, Peer-reviewed sources, etc) is required. Code of ethics are not classified as academic references but as supporting references.

Scenario:
The client, Sharon, is a 45-year-old woman who is seeking help for depression. During the initial phone contact, she asked repeatedly about privacy and wanted assurances that information discussed in session was confidential. The client repeated this line of questioning during the first face-to-face session.
As the session progressed, she revealed that the source of her depression was the death of her mother one year ago. Her mother had suffered from a combination of severe renal problems and dementia and was very difficult to care for. Sharon had been caring for her and her father in their home for 9 years prior to her death, putting her teaching career on hold as well as any possible romantic relationship. During the last two years, her mother required total care. She revealed that she had been suffering greatly and, out of compassion for her, she gave her an excess dose of her sleeping and pain pills. Medical personnel never questioned the death as the woman had been quite sick and “It was only a matter of time.”
Sharon goes on to explain that she is now caring for her father in similar circumstances, although there is no dementia. Her father has declined rapidly since the death of his wife and now requires total care. Sharon reveals that recently she had a conversation with her father in which the father commented how peaceful his wife’s death was and how he hoped for a similar passing.

Marking criteria
1- Content: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of two ethical decision making models and professional ethical responsibilities.
 Sophisticated demonstration of knowledge and understanding of two of ethical decision-making models and professional ethical responsibilities. Succinct, comprehensive and highly detailed descriptions provided.
2- Critical Analysis: Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of chosen ethical decision-making models to effectively guide counsellors to work with ethical sensitivity and meet professional responsibilities.
 Sophisticated demonstration of knowledge and skills in critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of ethical decision models to effectively guide counsellors to work with ethical sensitivity and meet professional responsibilities. Supported by at least 5 highly pertinent and relevant examples.
3- Application: Demonstration in applying and contextualizing strengths and limitations of chosen models to respond effectively, sensitively and ethically to case scenario.
 Sophisticated, insightful and contextualised application of the strengths and limitations of each model to respond effectively, sensitively and ethically to case scenario. Supported with highly relevant examples from the scenarios and consistently and succinctly integrated with academic literature.
4- Evidence:  Demonstration of knowledge and skills in curating and citing relevant academic sources and pertinent examples throughout the essay 
 All ideas are supported by the highly effective, consistent inclusion of relevant academic sources and pertinent examples throughout the essay.
5- Academic literacies:
 Written and presented to an exemplary academic standard i.e., diligent command and adherence to the specified genre; the communication is clear and logical. No errors in grammar, punctuation and or spelling. No errors in APA referencing and formatting.

References and readings might be needed
Kitchener, K. S. (1984). Intuition, critical evaluation and ethical principles: Τhe foundation for ethical decisions in counseling psychology. Counseling Psychologist, 12(3), 43-55.
Kohlberg, L. (1981). Essays on Moral Development, Vol l. I: The Philosophy of Moral Development. Harper & Row.
Scaturo, D.J. (2002). Fundamental dilemmas in contemporary psychotherapy: A transtheoretical concept. American Journal of psychotherapy, 56(2), 115-133.
Thorogood, G. (1982). The Original. UMG Recordings Inc..
Thornton, B.C., & Hardwick S.P. (2002). Five stages of ethical action. University of Nevada. http://www.unr.edu/ncehp/downloads/research/Ethicalaction.pdf
Welfel, E. R. (2016). Ethics in counseling and psychotherapy: Standards, research and emerging issues (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.