Code of Ethics Essay

The primary purpose of a grave of ethics is to defense the welfare of invitees by providing what is in their best interest. It is also designed to protect the public and to guide pros in their work so that they throne get out the best service possible. All professional centeringors are obligated to complete by a code of ethics.The American Counseling Association (ACA) provides focussing in resolving moral problems that professionals may encounter, whereas Christian counselors not just abide by the ACA Code of morals solely also by the American Association of Christian Counselors AACC code, which set ups excellence and trains unity to Christian counselors, and gives keep to Jesus Christ. This paper will address the broad similarities and differences between the ii codes, as well as comparisons in the specific lands of Confidentiality, Sexual Intimacies and Discrimination.Codes of Ethics Comparison A code of ethics is a systematic narrative of ethical standards that r epresent the moral convictions and guide the practice behavior of a group (Clinton and Ohlschlager, 2002). With that in mind, every counseling discipline has an ethics code which is continuously revised and updated to stay current with emerging issue, and to promote kick upstairs clarity and direction to the profession. Thus, the ACA and AACC codes of ethics were both created to assist their members to better inspection and repair their clients. They also define take accounts and behavioral standards necessary for ethical counseling. notwithstanding while they are similar in intent, they are distinct in their foundational premise. General Similarities and Differences Both codes stress the importance of promoting the welfare of consumers, practicing within the mise en scene of ones competence, doing no harm to the client, protecting clients confidentiality and privacy, acting ethically and responsibly, avoiding exploitation, and upholding the integrity of the profession by stri ving for aspirational practice (Corey, p. 6). However, the biggest difference between the two codes rests in the streams of influence, whereas the AACC code is rooted in a scriptural worldview.In other words, the primary goal of the AACC is to conduce honor to Jesus Christ and his church, promote excellence in Christian counseling and bring unity to Christian counselors (AACC, 2004). However, the ACAs goals are educational, scientific, and professional. It strives to enkindle the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity (ACA, 2005).The primary goal of the AACC is to bring honor to Jesus Christ and is church, promote excellence in Christian counseling and bring unity to Christian counselors (AACC, 2004) Specific Comparisons Both codes pull up a high priority on client confidentiality. Also, they expr ess the value of discussing and securing written consent from the client. They also both discuss the importance of client disclosure in that protecting confidential communication is always the basic response of the counselor.The counselor is mandated to come upon information in life queer or abusive situations. However, the distinct difference between the AACC and the ACA is in the area of privileged communication. While both associations require that counselors do not disclose client information as it relates to training, research or publication, the AACC adds that Christian counselors do not disclose confidential client communications in each supervisory, consultation, teaching, preaching, publishing, or other activity without written or other wakeless authorization by the client (AACC, 2004).The ACA and the AACC codes differ greatly in the supposition of sexual Intimacies. In fact, The ACA (2005) used the term sexual or romantic interactions or relationship. In other words The ACA (2005) does not forbid, but sets guidelines pertaining to all participation of sexual or romantic interaction with any current or formal clients for a period of 5 long time following the last professional contact. However, the AACC state that all forms of sexual interactions or relationships outside of marriage are unethical.The only exception to this rule is marriage, which the AACC (2004) declared as honorable before God. Thus, guidelines have been appropriated to allow for such(prenominal) a case. In addition, Christian counselors are also forbidden to counsel current or former sexual partners and or marital partners. (AACC, 2004 )Discrimination can result in serious problems for both the race that hold them and the people that they are prejudiced against.Both associations agree that non-discrimination is the best practice, for clients should not be denied service based on age, religion, sexual orientation etc. However, the AACC maintains its biblical perspective in t hat counselors are to encourage biblical principles. While Christian counselors must not discriminate, they also cannot condone certain practices that conflict with biblical principles. For instance, in the area of sexual orientation, Christian counselors will not turn down service.However they will encourage sexual celibacy or biblically electropositive sexual behavior while such issues are being intercommunicate (AACC, 2004). Conclusion There are many similarities and differences relating to the code of ethics for the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). Through these areas we insure that the code of ethics sets boundaries and regulations for all professional counselors and without them, counselors could not be hard-hitting or productive in their true calling.