Emerging Ethical Issues in Counseling Research Assignment (Research Paper Sample)

Emerging ethical issues in counseling
Author’s name
Institutional affiliation
Summary
Susan’s article about ethical issues in counseling describes a counselor-client relationship within the American society. Counseling is believed to have an imperative effect on clients’ decision making concerning myriad issues. Discrimination is practiced within the American society has been delineated in the counseling perspective. Individuals of different races, gender and cultural ethnicity have received varied treatment by counselors. There are certain individuals in the society that have been labeled to be mentally ill as a result of some social or economic disadvantage. For instance, poor people, women, and minorities fall under the category as mentioned above. Several ethical issues emerge when addressing counseling among the blacks, gays, poor people, women, and ethnic minorities. It is, therefore, crucial to address these complex cultural and ethical problems to facilitate efficient counseling procedures.
In counseling, counselors should observe cultural and ethical issues concerning their patients. According to counseling standards, it is important to observe client autonomy when carrying out counseling session. Counselors are expected to observe and adhere to the necessary guidelines during counseling sessions. Accordingly, patients have been treated in different ways as a result of their color, sex, and race. Issues concerning black women trying to emulate white women’s standards of behavior and other lifestyle traits have resulted in conflicts in demand. Counselors have been observed to practice a paternalistic approach in providing advice to clients. This is evident in some instances where the counselor is inclined in giving information. As a result, the counselor will end up acting in the best interest of the patient. This kind of practice distorts the client’s autonomy in making decisions according to his or her best interest. The relationship between counselor and the client must be professional to avoid crossing lines.
Comments
Counseling people of a different race, gender, and cultural background can prove to be a challenge among counselors. It is, therefore, important to maintain a counselor-client relationship during a counseling session. Counseling of blacks has significantly been influenced by Westernization effect. This has seen many blacks trying to emulate the whites in various social, economic, and political aspects. As a result, conflict in demand of interests has emerged, leading to the complexity of ethical and cultural issues.
Analysis
Counselors are obligated to acknowledge and understand various cultural beliefs and norms of a wide range of individuals across the globe. This helps in facilitating and effective counselor-client relationship leading to a better understanding of the client. As a result of the cultural misunderstanding, communication between the counselor and client may be obscured. Understanding clients’ cultural beliefs and interests are considerable importance since it prevents the counselor from doing any harm to the client.
Observations and reactions
In response to the case regarding Maria Gonzalez, the counselor should try and...