I've been looking for research regarding rights of the counselor. When the client is verbally abusive, slanders,or yells at the counselor over phone - how should the counselor ethically protect oneself? Also, just any situation of how the client and counselor should ethically treat each other?
It seems that in the counselor Code of Ethics only the protection of the client is discussed. Any ideas?
Hi Patricia,
I doubt any organisations would condone the verbal abuse of staff, irrespective of their positions and an individual practitioner would also be within their rights to assert they expect to be treated with respect.
In brief, the BACP Ethical Framework (UK) does mention consideration for counsellors (point 65) and again in the section regarding "Self Respect"
http://www.bacp.co.uk/admin/structure/files/pdf/9479_ethical%20framework%20jan2013.pdf
As you appear to be based in U.S. I guess that 1.03 of the APA Codes will apply regarding 'Conflicts with Ethics & Organisation Demands' - although I am obviously less familiar with these.
Codes of Ethics often appear to be heavily weighed in favour of the client as they are usually in a more vulnerable position within this type of relationship and we have a duty to safeguard them from unprofessional practice and maintain high standards of work.
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