Ethical Analysis of Two Case Studies in Counseling

This report analyzes two case studies in counseling from an ethical perspective, discussing the principles and standards that have been violated and contrasting different ethical theories. It also explores how counselors should proceed to conform to appropriate ethical principles and standards and how consultation or referral can be used as part of the outcome.

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Critical Analysis/2 Case
Studies

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INTRODUCTION
Ethics refers to the discipline which is concerned with what is morally good and bad and
morally right and wrong as well. It is a branch of philosophy that involves defending, and
systematizing, and also recommends the concepts of right and wrong behavior. In this report,
two case studies are taken into consideration. The first case study talks about a person named
Vishal who came for counseling due to suicidal thoughts and depression. The main key issues
are related to depression, quality of life which is being degraded and somehow is linked to
suicidal tendencies (Bossaert & et.al., (2015). Another case study is about Rupinder who is
stressed about her dramatic household with her husband. This report will cover a discussion
about ethical principles and standards which are being violated. In addition to this, the report will
cover an analysis of different ethical theories to demonstrate the knowledge and the manner in
which the counselor proceeds to conform to the appropriate ethical principles and standards.
Moreover, the report will capture the methodology of referral or consultation that can be used as
part of the outcome.
MAIN BODY
Analyze the scenario in the context of ethical principles and standards that have been violated or
breached in a critical manner
Ethical principles and standards play a very significant role in terms of executing the outcome
positively. The importance of ethical standards leads to the right way to work which needs to be
accomplished within a set time. According to the scenario, Vishal is totally into a depressing
situation due to his mother's death and his father's demanding nature which has lead him into this
situation (McNaughton, D. (1988). He has also lost his job and has indulged into poor lifestyle
habits like prolonsg sleeping which is also one of the symptom of serious Depression..
According to ethical standards and principles it has been observed that his suicidal thoughts
towards life are wrong however this decision of him is due to very harsh situations in his life and
augmented way of working(Example of organisational ethics, 2022) He confessed to the
counselor that he does not want to die and also has faith in the therapeutic relationship. In
context to ethical standards, the principle of trust has worked for him as per the Psychotherapy
and Counseling Federation of Australia.

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As per the principle of beneficence and nonmaleficence which given by PACFA and its
the duty of the counselor to consider the welfare of the client and refrain him from taking any
action that harms him and the society in which they live (Eagleton, T. (2011). In context to the
Utilitarian perspective, it can be applied to the scenario with Vishal where his family members
and others would have got impacted with his decision and the larger society in terms of
determining the moral or ethical judgment of the action. Vishal due to his inconvenient situation
is acting against the moral law and going against their welfare by thinking to end his life.
The other scenario in next case study is about Rupinder who is stressed about their
household dramas with her husband according to her manager. In context to Welfel's ethical
decision model, a logical approach and consideration of empathy, culture, evidence-based
guidelines, active listening, and after referral or supervision if required is a good outline that
needed to be followed in such cases (Australian association of social workers, 2022). According
to the discussion withRupinder she has disagreed about her husband to get involved in the
counselling sessions because she does not want her husband to know about counseling which
she is taking from her organization as it can become abusive in terms of nature if he gets to
know about it.. In this scenario, she has used ethical sensitivity approach, but she could not reach
to a conclusive decision because the outcomes can vary from the different perspectives of
theories and principles. In the end, she decided to approach her supervisor to discuss the case.
In an overall way, it has been observed from both the case studies that they are not
following ethical standards when they were taking the wrong decision at the initial stage. Further
after discussion with their supervisor’s and counselor’s, they have reached to a conclusive
decision in a positive manner( Crisp(2015). Although it's not easy to tackle the situations
positively with all the patience and point of discussion they can handle the situation in a better
manner. From both these scenarios, it has been clear that ethical standards and principles can be
violated or breached negatively but up to a certain extent they can be controlled by taking
positive actions towards it.

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Contrast two different theories of ethics to demonstrate knowledge of how ethical arguments and
outcomes of the scenario might change according to the ethics they have followed
There are different theories of ethics which support in terms of how outcomes and ethical
arguments might change according to ethics which are defined into the following manner:
According to the first case study, it has been observed that Vishal is totally in the depression
situation due to which he can't focus on his life and also has suicidal thoughts. The main reason
behind this kind of situation is due to death of his mother and also because of father's demanding
nature as well. This is the main reason due to which he can't focus on the work and quit his job
into fast pace manner as well(Choi & Berger.,(2010). According to the theory of ethics which is
named as Utilitarian perspective that considers the consequences of the suicide which include the
impact on family members and the larger society in determining the ethical or moral judgment
of the action. The action of suicide results in reduction of pain and stress levels but it can't be
considered good action from an ethical point of view. The suicide action may be morally
acceptable but it causes more harm and it also acts in the wrong form from a moral point of view.
The two theories have been involved in the contrast between the ethical principles and
standards which is basically between confidentiality and trust/ beneficence and maleficence. It
has been observed that both of them can't be compromised and these theories can't be reliable in
terms of nature and lead towards the desired outcome(Choi & Berger (2010). These theories not
only assist in decision making but also curb terms of overcoming negative thoughts or intuitive
thoughts which are detrimental in terms of decision making and should be based on the
objective.
Into the context of the second case study, it has been observed that the Kantian theory
which has been given by Immanuel Kant states that the actions of people are guided by the moral
laws which are in terms of universal manner and Rupinder's autonomy is in the first place.
According to utilitarian theory, it's about thinking about all courses of action and outcomes and if
it does good to a greater number of people then it's correct in this case that Tara is reporting to
the authorities is a must condition. This kind of application also works positively and Tara comes
out of her problem in a positive manner (Broadie (1991)).

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The situation becomes worse due to she has started reading more organizational policy,
literature, and supervision advice guidelines. So it's very important to implement this theory
properly so that problems can be resolved ineffective way and the client can receive a positive
outcome from it in a proper manner as well. In this manner, ethical outcomes and arguments of
the scenario also have changed according to the ethics which they have followed.
Analyze in which manner the counselor in each scenario should proceed to conform to
appropriate ethical principles and standards perhaps the use of an EDM model
According to the first case study, these two theories are in contrast to ethical principles
which are between confidentiality and trust/ beneficence and maleficence. The model of Welfel's
ethical decision that guides the theories which cannot work alone manner which is reliable and
lead towards the desired outcome. It is a model which not only assists in decision making which
is ethical but also supports in terms of overcoming any negative thoughts or intuitive thoughts
which are detrimental to the decision-making and should be based on the objective and which
needs to be evidence-based practice. It has been advised for Vishal to listen compassionately
and professionally and facts need to be gathered by taking cognizance of the socio-cultural
aspect with his friends within the case. The main issue with him is whether to live or not to live
and the counselor is to provide him continuous support. His discussion with the doctor and
friends as per the standard ethical codes through ACA and PAFCA and also the state's
organizational laws and policies as well(Australian counselling association,2022).
He has taken the initial step towards listening in an empathetic manner and a supportive
environment also guides him towards the future course of action for his welfare after doing a risk
assessment for it which entails the severity of suicidal ideation and the counselor has to take into
consideration supervisor consultation and referral to his doctor( Davidson (1994)). Supportive
lifeline resources have also helped in terms of developing positive thinking which saves him
from suffering from this same problem. He also felt relieved through sharing his depressive
thoughts and also had a positive outlook on the same problem.
According to the second case study, when Welfel's ethical decision model has been
followed by Tara and further it has been informed to the Rupinder that they have a concern about
her child. In the further situation, Tara has asked about his opinion from Rupinder regarding the
discussion of the issue but Rupinder has disagreed that there is no need to discuss this matter as

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their husband might be abusive after such kind of discussion(Bietti (2020, January)). Tara
explores the situation more deeply and she has found out that abuse can't be on a larger scale
because her husband also loves her child but there can be anxiety issues that need to be reported
positively. In this scenario, she has followed the ethical sensitivity approach while taking support
from the EDM model as well. The main outcome is that they have reached to the satisfactory
conclusion as outcomes can be varied according to the different perspectives and principles as
well. In this manner, the counselor within each scenario should proceed to confirm the ethical
principles and standards which have been perhaps the use of the EDM model.
Demonstrate the knowledge in which manner consultation or referral would be used as part of
the outcome
Consultation or referral can act as a support system in terms of reaching a positive
outcome. From the consultation, it has been observed that clarity has been provided within the
situation due to which individuals can think from the bigger perspective regarding the situation.
The referral is also a similar thing to consultation because here also advice has been taken or
opinion has to be taken into consideration due to which it becomes easier to resolve problems
and face the challenges from the positive aspect.
According to the first case study of Vishal, with the careful consideration of the facts of the case
consultation with the supervisor becomes essential to have an expert opinion which is along with
his referral to his doctor(Hitt, (1990)). It involves changing in terms of medication as Vishal is
experiencing hypersomnia daily which interferes with his job. Vishal has decided in the form of
remaining himself into a state of emotional or irrational which leads to a bad outcome. It seeks
an urgent referral or opinion which becomes most important in this particular case. In this
manner, referral or consultation would be used as part of the outcome.
According to a second case study of Rupinder, it has been observed that the supervisor
has advised Tara that the situation involves domestic violence, child abuse, and aggression then
confidentiality has been breached which has been explained to the Rupinder. After taking
Rupinder's consent and she explains to them more nicely with due respect to the culture. She
also tells about the signs of remaining cautious and abusement as well ( Hursthouse (1999)). In
this case, supervision has led to a clear, evidence-based choice of outcome and logic which could

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have led to the emotional abuse of the family. According to the scenario of Rupinder, she has
contoured the sessions to support her and she is also happy to work efficiently.
There are different perspectives from an ethical point of view and ethical theories act in
the form of a challenging situation and it also becomes necessary to follow the ethical decision
model and supervisor advice has also challenged the scenarios such as Rupinder to lead her life
into positive manner with full awareness of rules and also offenses in the western culture and in
which manner she can save herself in this kind of situation when it escalates. In this manner, the
knowledge can be helpful in terms of part of the outcome that has been used by the consultation
or referral as well.
CONCLUSION
The above-stated report concludes that ethics plays a very significant role in terms of
achieving organizational objectives and goals as well. It has been concluded that according to
different cases there are certain ethical principles and standards which need to be followed
appropriately so that work execution can be done properly. It has been determined that different
theories can be applied to different scenarios according to the requirement of the situations. It has
been observed that according to the model, there is a support system in terms of leading the
situation into a positive aspect due to which challenges and problems can be resolved ethically.
In this kind of situation, consultation and referrals can be used as the part of outcome due to
which results can be achieved. So in an overall manner, ethical principles and standards are very
important to perform within the good aspect and reduce those parameters which create problems
in terms of achieving results with the right kind of approach. That's why it is very important to
consider each aspect in a positive form and act accordingly for it as well.

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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Bossaert & et.al., (2015). European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015:
Section 11. The ethics of resuscitation and end-of-life decisions. Resuscitation, 95,
pp.302-311.
McNaughton, D. (1988). Moral vision: An introduction to ethics.
Eagleton, T. (2011). Trouble with strangers: A study of ethics. John Wiley & Sons.
Crisp, R. (2015). A third method of ethics?. Philosophy and phenomenological research, 90(2),
257-273.
Choi, C. J., & Berger, R. (2010). Ethics of celebrities and their increasing influence in 21st
century society. Journal of business ethics, 91(3), 313-318.
Choi, C. J., & Berger, R. (2010). Ethics of celebrities and their increasing influence in 21st
century society. Journal of business ethics, 91(3), 313-318.
Broadie, S. (1991). Ethics with aristotle. Oxford University Press on Demand.
Davidson, A. I. (1994). Ethics as ascetics: Foucault, the history of ethics, and ancient
thought. The Cambridge companion to foucault, 2, 123-48.
Bietti, E. (2020, January). From ethics washing to ethics bashing: A view on tech ethics from
within moral philosophy. In Proceedings of the 2020 conference on fairness,
accountability, and transparency (pp. 210-219).
Hitt, W. D. (1990). Ethics and leadership. Columbus, OH: Battelle Press.
Hursthouse, R. (1999). On virtue ethics. OUP Oxford.
Online
Example of organisational ethics, 2022[Online] Available through: <
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/example-organizational-ethics-36755.html/>
Australian association of social workers, 2022 [Online]Available through:<
https://ahpa.com.au/our-members/australian-association-of-social-workers/>
Australian counselling association,2022[Online] Available through:<
https://www.theaca.net.au/>

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