Professional Ethics Reflection

Students will be asked to reflect on using the ethical decision making model as applied to the case provided below the questions. Students will be given a series of questions to consider for the reflection:

1. How would you utilize the ethical-decision making model with this case? Would you need to use the model, or make the decision on your own?

2. What are the ethical codes that apply to the case?

3. How important is a consulting network when you become fully licensed?

4. What are your feelings about the ethical dilemma’s counselors often find themselves in?

Case Study

Mary, a 19 year old college student was initially referred to counseling because she was experiencing social isolation and increased levels of stress. During the initial interview, Mary, a native-born U.S. citizen, described herself as an American Muslim feminist woman. She reported having never felt treated differently by her friends, or teachers in the past, perhaps because she was fair-skinned, spoke English without an accent, and came from a family of high socioeconomic status. She also changed her name from Miriam to Mary to be more integrated into American society. After Mary began college, she decided she wanted to learn more about her faith tradition, which eventually led her to wear a hijab (head scarf). She stated the hijab had a large impact on her relationships with friends and on social media. The counselor does not have any experience with the Muslim faith, identifies as a Christian-American, feminist and is Caucasian. The counselor feels nervous about being able to help Mary due to their differences.