ETHICS AND COUNSELING CASE STUDY

Ethics and Counseling Case Study

Ethics and Counseling Case Study

Introduction

Sexual assault is any type of sexual act that is not consensual. These acts can be physical, verbal, or psychological and include inappropriate touching, attempted rape, and rape (e.g., vaginal, anal, or oral penetration). Often, sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the survivor knows, such as a spouse, family member, date, coworker, friend, or acquaintance. If sexual violence occurs between intimate partners, it is often referred to as a form of intimate partner violence. Individuals may be forced into unwanted sexual activities because of threats or intimidation from the perpetrator, or they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and unable to give consent. Some individuals are unable to give consent because of age, physical disability, or mental illness. Although anyone can be a potential victim of sexual assault, females are the most common victims of sexual violence. Young women, women with physical and mental disabilities, and women living with limited economic resources are at higher risk.

Sexual assaults by intimate partners (such as in Vinti's case) are often more violent, cause more injuries, and have a longer-lasting negative impact on survivors than sexual assaults by acquaintances. Aftermath effects may include emotional shock, panic, guilt, anger, denial, and/or feelings of powerlessness. Some survivors of sexual assault experience intense fear and nightmares associated with their victimization.

Other short-term and long-term effects of sexual violence include gynecological problems, gastrointestinal disorders, substance abuse, somatic conditions, depression, eating disorders, high-risk behaviors, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Discussion

This discussion focuses on the ethical aspects of practicing psychotherapy and counseling following personal life events experienced by the therapist.

While practicing as a Nurse for mental health patients experiencing a range of mental issues for examples depression, personality disorders, and suicidal tendencies, I am required to follow the MSMC code of practice. As a trainee counsellor, I am required to also practise within the British Association Counselling Psychotherapist. This is encapsulated with in the BACP 2010. These principles is echoed by (Feltham and Horton, 2000). It requires that all therapists should be psychologically fit to practise.

Identification of a Relevant Issue: Personal Psychological Well being/ Emotional Condition

I encountered a situation that made me question whether I was fit to practice as a therapist. The situation involved a close friend of mine that was diagnosed with an illness and subsequently had to undergo a major operation. I was emotionally upset and I wondered whether my emotional state would have an impact on my social well-being.

Discussion of its Impact on Fitness to Practice using Ethical Framework

In order to ensure that I could continue to practice in an ethical sound way I discussed my thoughts and feelings with my supervisor during my supervision session. What transpired from that discussion was a unilateral decision to take time out. I was aware that I work with venerable people and the counterbrace that could have taken place at the time. The BACP Ethical framework for counselors and psychotherapists lays down the foundations ...