CCPA Ethical Decision-Making Model

Step One:

A.What are the key ethical issues in this situation?

To ensure the protection of clients' information, safety, and rights, Brenda must adhere to privacy laws and guidelines, including maintaining client confidentiality during online sessions (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA], 2020, sec. C5). To avoid any unintentional disclosure of Carlos' private information, Brenda should discuss this matter with him, emphasizing the need to keep sensitive topics such as financial or marital issues that could affect his family, private, as emphasized by Sinclair (2020). According to Shebib (2020), a lack of privacy and confidentiality can have a negative impact on the therapeutic relationship. Respecting autonomy is a significant ethical concern in the presented case. Carlos has the right to make decisions about his therapy, including the presence of attendees (CCPA, 2021, sec. I11). Therefore, the counsellor must uphold his autonomy, involve Carlos in the decision-making process, and consider his input while continuing his therapy.

According to the CCPA, (2020, sec. B9), counsellors must receive training and supervision to effectively serve a diversity of people. According to Shebib, (2020), Brenda must be culturally sensitive and respectful towards Carlos' practices, as he comes from a culture where personal information is shared among all family members, and secrecy is not observed. In therapy, it is important to acknowledge and respect cultural norms and beliefs as they have a significant impact on the counselling process. It is crucial for counsellors to possess cultural competence, especially when working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. (Slay-Westbrook, 2017). It would be helpful for Brenda to have a candid conversation with Carlos about how his cultural values can be integrated with counselling principles.

Brenda should explain the ramifications of having family members present during counselling and make sure Carlos is aware of how this could affect the course and efficacy of his treatment (Cherry, 2023). It is crucial for her to highlight the significance of safeguarding his children and the risks associated with conducting therapy in front of his children, as they may become aware of sensitive issues (such as financial troubles) which could trigger emotional distress (Chambers et al., 2020). In the end, it's important to make a joint decision that considers both Carlos' preferences and ethical principles of safeguarding confidentiality and privacy. It's crucial to respect Carlos' autonomy and cultural values, while also considering the well-being and rights of his children (Ratnayake & Hyde, 2019). Brenda must prioritize the safety and rights of the children by having a conversation about appropriate boundaries and confidentiality measures.

To establish a successful counselling relationship, it is essential to obtain informed consent from clients. The CCPA (2020, sec. E2) requires counsellors to thoroughly inform their clients about the counselling process, including any potential risks and limitations. In Brenda's case, she must obtain Carlos' approval before inviting other family members to join the counselling sessions. Carlos needs to be fully aware of the possible consequences of sharing personal information in the presence of others, and only then can the counselling dialogue proceed with his informed consent.

As a counsellor, Brenda needs to maintain professional boundaries with Carlos and his family members. The presence of other family members in the background can blur boundaries and impact the therapeutic connection (Celestine, 2023). To best serve Carlos, Brenda must prioritize his needs during counselling sessions while also maintaining the confidentiality and establishing and respecting boundaries to safeguard the client's well-being (CCPA, 2020, sec. G6).

Step Two:

A.What ethical articles from the CCPA Code of Ethics are relevant to this situation?

According to CCPA (2020, sec. H2), it is mandatory for counsellors/therapists to seek informed consent from their clients before initiating any Internet-based communication and should communicate any potential risks involved. Martin, et al. (2015, p. 25) state that obtaining informed consent is a crucial way to safeguard the self-determination and self-governing rights of individuals undergoing psychotherapy. Regardless of the technology employed, it is the responsibility of counsellors tcreo uphold ethical principles such as privacy, confidentiality, and decision-making and ensure that these guidelines are always maintained (CCPA, 2020, sec. C5). During Carlos' counselling sessions, Brenda observed the presence of other family members, which caused her to question the confidentiality and privacy of the sessions. According to CCPA, (2020, sec. B2), counsellors must maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of their clients and inform them about any limitations/ exceptions to confidentiality.

In this scenario, it is crucial to uphold the principle of respect for autonomy and self-determination. Brenda must consider Carlos' cultural background and his statement regarding "keep no secrets." Counsellors should always consider cultural and contextual elements during counselling sessions (CCPA, 2020). Brenda must ensure that she respects Carlos' cultural norms and beliefs while also maintaining confidentiality and privacy. Counsellors should enhance their understanding, empathy, adaptability, and proficiency regarding diversity, for both them and their patients. They should be mindful of how diversity can influence their interactions with clients (CCPA, 2020, sec. A12). As professionals, it is their responsibility to honour and appreciate the diversity and distinctions of their clients and should refrain from any discriminatory conduct (CCPA, 2020, sec. B9).

B.Are there policies, case law, statutes, regulations, bylaws or other related articles that are relevant to this situation?

Before starting the counselling process, Brenda must obtain informed consent from Carlos (CCPA, 2021, sec. B4), which includes discussing the possibility of having family members present during sessions and the use of any internet-based communication (CCPA, 2021, sec. H2). She should also address any concerns regarding confidentiality and privacy that may arise due to their presence (CCPA, 2021, sec. B2).As a counsellor, it is crucial to honour and acknowledge the client's unique identity, cultural background, and personal history (CCPA, 2021, sec. I11). It is important to take into consideration their preferences in identifying with and engaging in cultural practices (CCPA, 2021, sec. I1). It is crucial for counsellors to acknowledge the impact of culture on their clients' well-being and the therapeutic relationship. Most importantly, they must respect their client's autonomy and their right to make independent decisions (CCPA, 2021, sec. I1). Section 19of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities protects your right to engage in cultural activities, practice your religion, and communicate using your native language (Heritage, 2022). It is essential for Brenda to have a thorough understanding of the provincial acts and laws that regulate counselling practices in her jurisdiction.

Step Three:

A.Which of the six ethical principles are of major importance in this situation?

When making ethical decisions, it is crucial to consider all 6 ethical principles. However, in Carlos' scenario, the primary ethical principles that should be considered are autonomy and nonmaleficence (CCPA, 2020).Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes respecting clients' rights to agency and self-determination (William & Marry, 2018). Carlos shares personal information with all family members, reflecting a cultural norm of collective information sharing over individual privacy. To honour Carlos's cultural practices and respect his autonomy, it's important to give him the freedom to choose how and when he wants to share personal information. This not only empowers him but also recognizes his right to control his own life(Slay-Westbrook, 2017). Brenda, in this case, needs to balance Carlos's cultural norms with ethical obligations of confidentiality and privacy (Smith, 2021).

In counselling, the well-being of clients should always be the top priority. Nonmaleficence, or the principle of doing no harm, requires therapists like Brenda to avoid actions that may cause harm to their clients. One potential risk is sharing sensitive information with Carlos's family members, which could negatively impact his family dynamics (Chambers et al., 2020). For this reason, Brenda must carefully evaluate the risks of involving family members in therapy and ensure confidentiality is maintained to prevent any harm (Cherry, 2023). While family involvement may benefit Carlos's progress in therapy, Brenda must balance the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence to ensure his well-being is not compromised.

Step Four:

A.How can the relevant ethical articles be applied in this circumstance?

According to CCPA, (2020, sec. B2), counsellors have an ethical duty to maintain their client's confidentiality. However, in this case, there is a conflict with Brenda's need to protect Carlos' right to privacy and his right to autonomy, which includes self-determination and respecting cultural diversity. It would be beneficial for Brenda to seek out consultation from trusted colleagues or a supervisor, to help guide her course of action (Grunhaus et al., 2018).The principle of autonomy and self-determination must be respected, and Brenda should honour Carlos' right to choose which information is shared and with whom it is shared(CCPA, 2021, sec. I11). As a counsellor, it is crucial for Brenda to respect and acknowledge Carlos' cultural beliefs and values, as they significantly influence his views on privacy. Counsellors should be aware of the differences between their own cultural background and that of their clients (Martin et al., 2015) and strive to expand their understanding to improve the therapeutic relationship. These distinctions are essential for a successful counselling experience (Slay-Westbrook, 2017).

The importance of confidentiality and privacy in online counselling sessions cannot be overstated, as highlighted in the CCPA regulations (2020, sec. C5) regarding the use of technology. To ensure high-quality service, counsellors must strictly adhere to the CCPA's standards of practice when offering online counselling. Additionally, they must be aware of potential privacy and security issues that may arise during virtual sessions and take necessary steps to protect confidential information (CCPA, 2020, sec. H2).

B.How might any conflict between ethical principles be resolved?

In this case, there is a conflict between two ethical principles:confidentiality and cultural sensitivity.Brenda, as a counsellor, is obligated to maintain the confidentiality of her client, Carlos. Still, his cultural background promotes sharing personal information with all family members, which conflicts with the principle of confidentiality. To resolve this conflict, the following courses of action can be considered:

1. Continue having sessions online with Carlos' family present:

To proceed, it is important to honour Carlos's cultural beliefs and acknowledge that confidential details will be disclosed to his family members. Brenda should clarify the boundaries of privacy to Carlos and his family, highlighting the significance of trust and confidentiality in counselling. Additionally, she should ensure that all family members understand how their participation could impact the therapeutic relationship and urge them to respect professional boundaries during sessions (Celestine, 2023).

2. Continue having sessions online only if the family is not present:

To prioritize confidentiality and respect cultural differences, Brenda and Carlos could explore the option of scheduling individual sessions where family members are not present. This would provide Carlos with a safe space to discuss sensitive or personal issues that he may not feel comfortable sharing with his family. It's important for Brenda to emphasize the significance of confidentiality and the potential benefits of individual sessions to Carlos(Mignone et al., 2017).

3. Discontinue sessions online and provide therapy in-person:

If the challenge of balancing confidentiality and cultural values cannot be resolved with online counselling, Brenda may need to explore the possibility of switching to in-person therapy. This could provide a more secure and secluded setting, ensuring that Carlos's cultural beliefs are respected while maintaining confidentiality. Brenda should consult with Carlos about this alternative and evaluate the possibility and practicality of transitioning to in-person sessions (McGee, 2022).

C.What are the potential risks and benefits of this application and resolution?

Continuing online sessions with Carlos' family present has the risks of breach of confidentiality if sensitive information is shared with family members who may not fully understand the boundaries of privacy (Celestine, 2023). This could lead to losing trust between Carlos and Brenda if he feels his confidentiality is compromised. The benefit of this solution is that it respects Carlos' cultural beliefs and values by involving his family in the sessions, which could increase support and understanding from family members, which could positively impact the therapeutic process (Mignone et al., 2017). Continuing online therapy sessions without family present can create potential conflict or tension within the family, as they may expect to be involved. In choosing this option, Carlos may feel torn between his cultural values of sharing with family and the need for confidentiality in therapy. However, this approach provides a safe space for Carlos to explore sensitive issues and maintain his privacy(Mignone et al., 2017). Transitioning from online to in-person therapy may pose challenges, such as scheduling conflicts and transportation issues. There is also a need to establish a new therapeutic rapport and sense of safety in the new environment. The benefits of a controlled and secluded setting include increased confidentiality and privacy and the ability to explore sensitive topics with consideration for cultural background (McGee, 2022).

Step Five:

A.What feelings and intuitions tell me to do in this situation? (See also Virtue-Based Ethical Decision-Making)

As a future counsellor, I find myself navigating the decision regarding the presence of other family members during counselling sessions. I experience a conflict between Carlos's confidentiality and respecting his culture. I feel concerned about the potential breach of confidentiality and privacy, as well as the impact it could have on our therapeutic relationship. My intuition guides me to address this issue openly and assertively with Carlos, recognizing the need to establish clear boundaries and ensure a safe and confidential therapeutic space. By acknowledging and addressing these concerns, I can maintain the integrity of the therapeutic process while respecting Carlos's cultural values. In this situation, prioritizing empathy as a core principle is important to me. I aim to ensure that Carlos feels heard and understood and that I am attentive to his cultural needs. I believe empathy plays a crucial role in building a strong therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to demonstrating it in my interactions with Carlos. Honesty and trust are values I hold dear, and I want to make sure that Carlos is respected throughout the entirety of this process.

1. What emotions and intuition am I aware of as I consider this ethical dilemma, and what are they telling me to do?

As a future counsellor, I find myself navigating the decision regarding the presence of other family members during counselling sessions. I experience a conflict between Carlos's confidentiality and respecting his culture. I feel concerned about the potential breach of confidentiality and privacy and the impact it could have on our therapeutic relationship. My intuition guides me to address this issue openly and assertively with Carlos, recognizing the need to establish clear boundaries and ensure a safe and confidential therapeutic space. By acknowledging and addressing these concerns, I can maintain the integrity of the therapeutic process while respecting Carlos's cultural values. In this situation, prioritizing empathy as a core principle is important to me. I aim to ensure that Carlos feels heard and understood and that I am attentive to his cultural needs. I believe empathy plays a crucial role in building a strong therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to demonstrating it in my interactions with Carlos. Honesty and trust are values I hold dear, and I want to ensure that Carlos is respected throughout this process.

2. How can my values best show caring for the client in this situation?

In this situation, empathy is crucial to me.I aim to ensure Carlos feels heard,andunderstood and that I am attentive to his cultural needs. Empathy is essential in building a therapeutic relationship, and I want to demonstrate my unwavering commitment. As someone who values honesty, trust, and respect, I want Carlos to be respected throughout this process. Balancing cultural sensitivity and confidentiality is my objective. My values as a caring counsellor guide my decision-making. Ethical codes highlight client well-being, autonomy, and cultural diversity. I engage in respectful dialogue with Carlos about his cultural practices, exploring ways to ensure session confidentiality. By aligning my decision-making with my values and ethical guidelines, I create a therapeutic environment that fosters trust, respect and addresses Carlos's needs. I can also utilize a Virtue-based ethical decision-making model. This model emphasizes virtues like compassion, integrity, and respect in guiding ethical choices. I consider how my decision aligns with these virtues and promotes Carlos's well-being and autonomy. By incorporating the Virtue-based ethical decision-making model, I ensure my decision reflects my commitment to ethical practice and the values I uphold as a caring counsellor.

3. How will my decision affect other relevant individuals in this ethical dilemma?

When making decisions about family members incounselling, I must consider the potential impact on Carlos and his family.I must carefully assess how this will influence the therapy process and the participants' ability to express themselves freely. I should alsoconsider the possibility of other family members hindering open communication duringcounselling sessions. This involves considering whether it might lead to the revelation of family secrets, causing distress and conflict within the family.Continuing counselling sessions in front of Carlos's family may also affect them. They might become aware of their father's issues, which could upset them and impact their health. On the other hand, not allowing Carlos to receive treatment in front of his family may raise questions about respecting his cultural beliefs and customs. This approach could potentially enhance his treatment by ensuring confidentiality and privacy.Before deciding, I must carefully evaluate these factors and prioritize everyone's needs. As a future counsellor, I am responsible for making choices that benefit Carlos and his family while respecting their privacy and ensuring effective treatment. This entails considering the potential influence on communication, family dynamics, and cultural values.As a counsellor, it is crucial for me to prioritize Carlos's privacy and cultural values. My choice will significantly impact him, so it is essential to consider his mental health, overall well-being, and how his family may react. Furthermore, my decision will affect my credibility and reputation as a counsellor, so I must ensure that it aligns with ethical and industry standards.

4. What decision would I feel best about publicizing?

If I were to make a choice, I would want it to be one that I am comfortable talking about and making public because it would represent the values and standards I uphold as a counsellor. Ultimately, I want to conclude that I can discuss openly with my other professional associates and coworkers and yet feel good about it. My ethical decision-making process should involve careful consideration of the ethical implications and alignment with professional codes and standards set forth by relevant organizations. I need to take into account the needs of my client Carlos while also ensuring the protection of his family members, especially his children. By balancing these factors, I can decide what I believe would be well-regarded within my professional community and align with the values and principles outlined by (Audet & Pare, 2017). This approach allows me to uphold professional standards and maintain consistency with the expectations of my field, providing me with confidence in publicizing my ethical choice.

5. What decision would best define who I am as a person?

The values and ideals that define who I am as a person and in my professional life should be reflected in the choice that I make. I make it a point to preserve ethical norms of conduct while also recognizing and appreciating the value of the unique cultures and diversity of others. The decision that best defines me I would want to consider all aspects, use ethical guidelines in my decision - making and seek guidance from a supervisor and most importantly, adheres to fundamental moral principles that protect the client and his family. It represents my professional ideals and personal conviction in cultural sensitivity and individual sovereignty (Sinclair, 2020). As a counsellor, I must reconcile cultural customs and client confidentiality.

Reading above mentioned information

Answer step 6

Step Six:

A.What plan of action will be most helpful in this situation?

B.Follow up to evaluate the appropriateness, adequacy, and effectiveness of the course of action taken. Identify any adjustments necessary to optimize the outcome.