Ethical Decision Making: Practice, Practice, Practice

Transcription

1 Ethical Decision Making: Practice, Practice, Practice Joe Rosenfeld, Psy. D., CRADC, HS-BCP Elgin Community College

2 In This Workshop We will define ethics and discuss its relevance to our profession. Look at ten steps for ethical decision making. Practice scenarios utilizing IAODAPCA s Code of Ethics, and IAODAPCA s Code of Procedure.

3 Why are Ethics Important? In general In our profession

4 What Is Ethics? Ethics is defined as, The rules of a particular group that define behavior. These rules may be either written or unwritten. They are seen by the group using them to be common sense.

5 What Is Ethics? Rules may differ between groups, causing conflict between the groups. Individuals also belong to multiple groups and may experience conflict from one group to the next.

6 Steps for Ethical Decision Making 1. Clearly define the problem. 2. Whose interests are involved? Ethical Hierarchy (i.e. profession, society, organization, employer, co-worker, client) 3. What interests if any are in conflict?

7 Steps for Ethical Decision Making 4. Determine your emotional investment. 5. Evaluate alternatives and consequences. 6. Are there any relevant laws?

8 Steps for Ethical Decision Making 7. Seek counsel. 8. Allow sufficient time for reflection. 9. Decide. 10. Live with your decision.

9 Vignettes In small groups you will be asked to consider the following vignettes. Discuss the issue using as many of the Steps for Ethical Decision Making as possible. Identify one of more relevant ethics statements in the IAODAPCA Code of Ethics. Have a spokesperson share your findings with the rest of the workshop participants.

10 Vignette #1 You are a supervisor at a local community social service agency that provides mental health and addiction treatment services. Two possible answers (Identify them both for a prize).

11 Vignette #2 Janelle, a client, approaches you and tells you that she has been seeing a staff member socially outside of the facility. She is uncomfortable about it, and wants your advice. Three possible answers (Identify all three for a prize). Hint: One is in the Code of Procedure.

12 Vignette # 3 You are late for work one day because your car broke down. You explain to the client who was waiting that you are sorry, and that your car broke down One answer.

13 Vignette #4 Leonard is in a competitive Karaoke group. Each week they go from bar to bar and compete with others for prizes and the thrill of victory. One answer.

14 Vignette #5 You hold a Bachelor s Degree in Psychology and are a Certified Addictions Counselor. Your new client has both a substance abuse disorder and is a compulsive overeater Three possible answers (Identify them all for a prize).

15 Vignette #6 Brenda is a counselor leading women s therapy group. The clients bring up a concern that they have about the agency. Three possible answers (Identify them all for a prize).

16 Vignette #7 Your agency has recently hired a former client as a counselor. She finished treatment three years ago. One answer.

17 Barriers to Ethical Decision Making It s not unethical If a funder or a supervisor tells me to do it. If I can claim victimhood. If it isn t explicitly banned. It s me following my heart. If someone else does it. If I don t get caught. If I think the people on the Ethics Board are probably hypocrites. If I can find support somewhere for my actions. I can t be unethical, I am a good person.

18 In Conclusion Thank you for participating in these scenarios. I am sure that you gave great answers. But what will you do in real life it is so much more complicated. Yes? No?

19 References Corey, G., Corey, M, & Haynes, R. (1998). Student Workbook for Ethics in Action. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. IAODAPCA Code of Ethics: IAODAPCA Code of Procedure: Pope, K.S., & Sonne, J. (Spring, 2006). 21 Cognitive Strategies to Justify Unethical Behavior. Independent Practitioner, p. 71. Pope, K.S. & Vasquez, M. J.T. (2010). Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A practical guide. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. White, W. L., & Popovits, R. M. (2001). Critical Incidents: Ethical issues in the prevention and treatment of addiction. Bloomington, IL: Chestnut Health Systems.