Ethics and Values
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Carla Britton-JonesProfessor Glenda Momrelle-Clarke        HS201-.2February 11, 2018Reflection Paper 11.        Yes, it is both possible and desirable for counselors to remain neutral with respect to their clients’ values so as to keep their values from influencing clients’ (Corey, Corey, Corey, & Callahan).  However, I will discuss three ways in which my personal values may affect the counseling process and three ways to overcome these challenges.a.        The fear of doing harm to female clients’ who are in abusive or coming out of relationships. I was physically, emotionally, and psychology abused as a young child and as an adult. I feel that I may inadvertently do more harm than good in the helping relationship by saying the wrong thing, and project my feelings and emotions unto the clients known as counter-transference (Corey, Corey, Corey, & Callahan). I have psychological wounds that has yet to be healed and I may lose my objectivity towards the clients’ problems. I can be quite outspoken at times and ask questions that may seem harsh and /or insensitive in regards to the clients’ crisis.  I will not the clients to feel that they that are alone in this and cannot escape the guilt that comes with being abused. I believe as a child one has no choice to accept the abuse; but, as you get older and you know better you can stop the cycle. My moral beliefs are that women; no matter the situation should not allow themselves to become abused and be made to feel useless and that the situation is their fault.b.        The tendency to assume too much responsibility for the clients’.  I fear that as counselor with a history of abuse; I will over step my boundaries with the clients’ and create an unhealthy dependency in and out of the helping relationship. I may not give the clients’ the opportunity to make decisions on their own without my input and guidance on the “Do’s” and “Do nots” in dealing with their crisis. I am the kind of person that likes to make sure that they are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and take care of themselves.  I fear that the process of helping may be extended longer than it should and will cause me to over extend myself and cause burnout.c.        My values pertaining to females having an abortion. I am very judgmental and vocal on the subject. I fear that I may not be able to maintain a sense of objectivity as my beliefs may get in the way of the counseling process. If the clients are teenagers; I believe that I might ask too many leading questions that might make me seem nosey in the helping relationship. I may have a hard time connecting and compartmentalizing my values instead of building trust in the relationship and working towards her goals. I advocate safe sex and believe that there are other options that clients’ can consider instead of killing a viable fetus especially if the fetus has no defects or has died inside of the womb.
To overcome these challenges in the counseling process a.        In order to overcome my fear of doing harm to the clients’, I have to be aware of my feelings and engage in personal therapy; so that I can be an effective counselor and not impose my values and beliefs. In doing that I will be getting help in coping with my past. Also, I have to realize that I am no longer a victim of circumstance and that I am where I want to be and who I am today.so, with that being said I have to realize that I am not perfect and to learn to control and regulate my thoughts, feelings and behaviors (Neale, 2018). In overcoming that I will be effective and be able to empower my clients. However, if I find that I cannot help the client(s) because of too much memories I will have a conversation with my supervisor and notify him/her of the situation.b.        I will have to explain the limitations of the counseling process in and out of therapy and adhere to it. I will disclose the potential similarities that we have in common and empathize with them, promote independence and empowerment.  In doing so, I will have created boundaries so there is no creation of dependency on both sides.  If they do require help out of the office, they can call at a certain time. If it is an emergency they can call 311 or a crisis hotline.c.        I have to compartmentalize my thoughts and realize that my values and beliefs are not those of the clients’ and that I have to be unbiased. I cannot impose my values and beliefs unto the clients.  I have to aware of myself and realize that the clients are there for guidance, unbiased information about their options, to discuss their feelings, and come to a decision without pressure or judgment.ReferencesCorey, G., Corey, M. S., Corey, C., & Callahan, P. (n.d.). Issues and Ethics in the Helpinh Professions. Cengage Publishing.Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., L. (n.d.). (Sussex Publishers, LLC ) Retrieved from