A Code of Ethics

Abstract

The American Counseling Association (ACA) and The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) both provide counselors with a code of ethics which serve as guidelines for the betterment of counselor and clients. This paper attempts to present some basic similarities and differences between the two. While both associations share views on several issues with regard to ethical practices there are some fundamental differences.

Introduction

A code of ethics is a vital element of any professional organization. As with all businesses and organizations there is a set of standards that each employee is required to meet. Of course there are those performance standards and goals which vary from job to job and career to career however there must be ethical standards as well. This code provides individuals within the organization with a guideline of behavior and conduct in relation to their job description. A code of ethics should be a guide yes but also clear and comprehensible. Perhaps most important any code must be firm in its concept. Employees must understand exactly what is expected of them with regard to their conduct while performing their requirements. The profession of professional counseling is no different. In fact, counselors are held to a strict set of standards created by The American Association of Christian Counselors and The American Counseling Association. While each of these organizations provide a useful set of standards that aid in the ultimate goal of creating positive counseling sessions between counselor and client, there are differences as well as similarities between the two.

Section 1: General Similarities and differences.

Typically the ethics codes provided by the American Association of Christian Counselors and The American Counseling Association contain several similarities. However, to find the most basic and fundamental difference between the two one should look no further than the mission statement of each. The...