The ACA Code of ethics (2014) defines counselors’ confidentiality as “counselors protect the confidential information of prospective at current clients. council disclosed information only when appropriate consent or with sound legal ethical justification”

2DB  post APA 250 words each due by 10/31/21 must include references

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Crisis intervention in the difference in counseling/psychotherapy is a more short-term counseling to resolve imminent crisis. An example of counseling/psychotherapy would be an individual who is receiving counseling services that does not present a threat to their life. This counseling sessions have short-, medium-, and long-term goals associated with it. In a crisis intervention session, the goals are more short-term in nature to eliminate the crisis. After crisis intervention counseling has been conducted, a client may then begin to engage in counseling/psychotherapy to work through other issues that may be present.

The ACA Code of ethics (2014) defines counselors’ confidentiality as “counselors protect the confidential information of prospective at current clients. council disclosed information only when appropriate consent or with sound legal ethical justification” (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). A counselor is obligated to break confidentiality under certain circumstances. These circumstances include the client is threatening to take their own life, a child or disable person is being abused, the client gives permission for the counselor to disclose the information, and if the counselor is legally subpoenaed by the court. It is only during these circumstances that a counselor can break confidentiality. If a counselor does break confidentiality without consent, they could lose their license.

Having good attending skills are imperative in the counseling profession. Good attending skills consist of maintain good eye contact with the client, verbally following during the session, minimal encouragers, and an interested posture. According to Kanel (2018), “these attending behaviors demonstrate to the client that you are with him or her and indeed are listening” (Kanel, 2018). From a Christian perspective operating from a ministry of presence demonstrates the love we have for one another as Christians. Being there for someone even if their believes are different from mine. Helping one another work through thoughts of anxiety, depression, and other emotional states. Operating from a ministry of presence and being a Christian counselor share the same vision. As a Christian counselor this view will be easily demonstrated in the counseling sessions with have with clients.

A key issue when working with someone of a different culture in counseling is understanding and respecting the differences. As counselors we are required to be aware of our bias and prevent displaying them in counseling sessions. In order to provide competent counseling services to their client a counselor must be familiar with this culture. For instance, in some cultures the family structure has a high impact on their everyday life. If one family member is unable to meet their role members in the household behaviors may begin to change. A counselor must be willing to continue their education to understand different cultures, religions, and sexual orientations. A counselor is required to do no harm to their client, and a lack of understanding of culture could do just that.

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

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There are two main differences between crisis intervention and counseling/psychotherapy. Psychotherapy and counseling tend to focus on helping the client with mood and personality disorders or building self-confidence (Kanel, 2018, p. 2). This form of counseling can also be long-term. In contrast, crisis intervention focuses on clients who are unable to cope in a healthy way due to a stressor or traumatic event. The goal of crisis intervention is to help the client regain their ability to function by addressing their perception of the event, assisting them in processing their distress, and providing coping strategies (Kaplan, 2018, pp. 2-3).

Confidentiality refers to the duty of the counselor to avoid disclosing the client’s personal information. Essentially, whatever is discussed within a session remains between the counselor and the client unless the client signs a waiver permitting the session’s content to be disclosed (Kaplan, 2018, p. 29). However, there are other some exceptions. When a client shows signs of harming themself or others, the counselor is obligated to report to the authorities and any party that may be involved. Counselors must also report if they detect child abuse, elder abuse, or disabled abuse due to the individual’s inability to report for themselves.

Attending skills refers to the manner in which a counselor connects with their client. During a session, a counselor must employ certain behaviors to create a safe environment for the client. Body language is an essential attending behavior. When a counselor speaks in a soothing tone, sits facing the client, and maintains an appropriate amount eye contact during the session, they indicate their investment in the client’s concerns (Kaplan, 2018, p. 40). Along with body language, empathy is a necessary component to any human services profession. By using empathy, a counselor can put aside their own opinions to better understand the client’s feelings and perceptions. From a Christian perspective, an individual can minister to someone simply by sitting with them and listening while they work through their struggles. As Romans 12:15 states, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001).

When working with clients, it is likely we will encounter individuals from backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities far different than our own. Each culture has their own characteristics and struggles that may affect their perception of a crisis and the intervention. For instance, Latin Americans may be more expressive with their emotions whereas Asian Americans may be more reserved and avoid eye contact during sessions (Kaplan, 2018, pp. 41, 105, & 108). In this sense, the attending behaviors we use for one cultural group may prove detrimental if applied to a client from another cultural group. Since each case and client is unique, it is vital that we as human service professionals show sensitivity and be willing to work with differing cultural influences (Martin, 2018, p.52).

References

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). BibleGateway.com. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2021, from https://www.biblegateway.com/.

Kanel, K. (2018). A guide to crisis intervention (6th ed.). Cengage.

Martin, M.E. (2018). Introduction to human services :Through the eyes of practice settings (4th ed.). Pearson.