Personal values and meeting professional competencies

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2020). Code of ethics. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CCPA-2020-Code-of-Ethics-E-Book-EN.pdf

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2021). Standards of Practice (6th ed.). https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CCPA-Standards-of-Practice-ENG-Sept-29-Web-file.pdf

Martin, L., Shepard, B., & Lehr, R. (Eds.). (2015). Canadian counselling and psychotherapy experience: Ethics-based issues and cases. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8
• Appendix A

It is essential that counsellors be aware of their personal values when choosing a helping profession as a career, as their values will have an impact on the counselling process and their moral development. Although many personal needs can be met through helping others, it is crucial that these needs not be met at the expense of the client. Those who make a lifetime commitment to helping others have a responsibility to be clear about what they are getting from their work and how their personal characteristics play a vital role in their ability to make appropriate ethical decisions.

Review what the codes of ethics have to say about this topic and incorporate this into your discussions:

• During your therapeutic practice, you will inevitably incorporate some of your personal value orientations. What is your ethical obligation in informing clients about your value orientation, and how can you do it in your practice?

• Should professionals always put professional ethics above all other values?

Effective counselling and psychotherapy depend on the therapist’s ability to provide objectivity and single-minded commitment to the client’s welfare. When the practitioner has a special personal or professional relationship with the client, objectivity, selfless commitment to the client, and client trust are exposed to the risks associated with the treatment process. 

Review what the codes of ethics have to say about this topic and incorporate this into your discussions:

• There is an ongoing debate in mental health professions about the value of professional qualifications such as licenses and certifications. Some argue that such credentials serve to protect professions rather than protect the public. What’s your opinion on this issue?

• What does it mean to you to be a competent professional?  How will you acquire competence in counselling? How will you maintain your competence?