Ethics in Counselling( Date; 12th Feb 2025 )

Ethics in counselling refers to the moral principles that govern a counsellor's behaviour. Confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, and respect for clients' dignity are core values.

Counseling is a profession built on trust, empathy, and confidentiality, guided by a set of ethical principles that help counselors navigate challenging situations and maintain professional integrity.

Confidentiality forms the foundation of the counselor-client relationship. Clients need to feel safe sharing personal details, knowing their privacy will be respected. However, certain exceptions exist—such as when there is a risk of harm to the client or others, or in cases involving abuse where legal action may be required.

Clients also have the right to be informed about the counseling process. Informed consent involves explaining the goals, possible risks, and limitations of therapy, ensuring that clients willingly engage in the process with a clear understanding of their rights and obligations. This openness strengthens the therapeutic alliance.

Counselors are ethically obligated to act in the best interest of their clients, guided by the principles of non-maleficence (avoiding harm) and beneficence (promoting well-being). To uphold these, counselors must engage in ongoing learning, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and remain self-aware to minimize the impact of personal biases.

Establishing and maintaining clear professional boundaries is essential to preserve objectivity in therapy. Counselors must avoid dual relationships—whether personal, financial, or romantic—as these can create conflicts of interest and compromise the therapeutic relationship.

Reflecting back, the first counsellor I ever interacted with breached the basic ethical principle of confidentiality. Knowing that my personal stories were casually discussed among teachers left a deep scar and eroded my trust. It made me wonder how often this boundary is crossed by those who claim to help.

 

Now, studying counselling ethics has been both a healing and an eye-opening journey. I understand that ethical practice is not optional — it is the backbone of the entire process. Learning about case studies, dilemmas, and how to handle tricky situations responsibly has made me realise the kind of counsellor I aspire to become: one who never compromises on trust.