Dilemma+-+Group+A

A middle school counselor receives a call from the mother of a student the counselor has been seeing recently related to the student's reluctance to participate in group activities. The student has been talking to the counselor about his shyness, anxiety around peers, negative self-concept, and interest in developing more self-confidence. The mother tells the counselor that her son has told her he is seeing the counselor. The mother thanks the counselor for talking to her son, asks what her son has been talking about in the counseling sessions, and inquires as to whether there is any way in which she can be helpful. The counselor thanks the mother for her call and explains that the counseling relationship is confidential and that she cannot disclose what the student has been talking to her about. She tells the mother she will contact her if there is anything she needs to know. (Remley & Huey, 2002)

Remley, T.P. & Huey, W.C. (2002). An ethics quiz for school counselors- Special issue:legal and ethical issues in school counseling. //Professional School Counseling.// FindArticles.com. 20 Jul, 2010. [].

ACA Ethical Decision Making Model Option 2- The school counselor will review all case notes, progress and information shared within the school counseling relationship with the parent/guardian. Option 3- The school counselor will invite and facilitate a counseling session with the parent and student. Option 4- The school counselor will not reveal any information about the counseling sessions with the parent. Option 2-This option has the potential to damage the therapeutic relationship between the student and school counselor because the student no longer feels they can safely disclose information to the school counselor. Option 3- This option has the potential to build a trusting relationship with the parent and maintain the therapeutic relationship with the student. Option 4-This option is in violation of multiple ethical codes and is not in best interest of the child. There is no service coordination between the school counselor and the student’s home. The course of action selected is option 1 with giving the student and parent the choice of participating in a family session (option 3). Hayley, Kristin, Elizabeth and Kathryn
 * Identify problem: The mother is requesting information gathered during counseling sessions between the school counselor and the student. The school counselor is denying the mother’s rights and request for the information. The school counselor’s decision, action, and behavior in this scenario demonstrates unethical procedures.
 * Apply ASCA Code of Ethics: According to the ASCA Code of Ethics Section B Responsibilities to Parents/Guardians, the ASCA Code of Ethics mandates the school counselor provides the parent with “accurate, comprehensive and relevant information” (ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, 2005). The school counselor will maintain a collaborative relationship with the parent/guardian through honoring their wishes of information regarding their student. (ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, 2005).
 * Generate potential courses of action: Option 1-The school counselor will provide parent/guardian with an overview of topics discussed during counseling and will discuss this with the student.
 * Consider potential consequences of all options and determine a course of action: Option 1- Building a trusting relationship with the parent and maintained the counseling relationship with the student.
 * Evaluate the selected course of action: The school counselor developing and maintaining an open line of communication through phone calls and face to face meetings with the parent regarding their student’s progress in counseling and any other needs that arise would best benefit the student and family.
 * Implement the course of action: The school counselor will discuss the course of action with the student and contact the parent to discuss this as well. Then the school counselor will call and meet with the parent and student as needed and as other needs arise.