Deconstructing Ethical Ambiguity: Ethical Decision Making When Working With Multiple Ethical Codes of Conduct

ABSTRACT

Adherence to ethical standards is an ever-evolving topic in the counseling field. At different times throughout the educational and licensing processes, there are moments of ambiguity that can muddle professional judgment. Understanding ethical ambiguity as it occurs on a personal and systemic level is essential for the advancement of the profession. State mandated standards versus the American Counseling Association (ACA) ethical code, potentially create ethical dilemmas rooted in ambiguity of ideals. This article will deconstruct the ideology of ethical ambiguity as it exists within the Counseling field.

KEYWORDS:

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• ethical code
• ethical ambiguity
• ethical dilemma

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jarryn Robinson

Jarryn Robinson, PhD, LMFT-A, is the Clinical Director for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center and an adjunct professor for the University of Texas at San Antonio. She received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in 2012, and her doctorate in counselor education and supervision in 2018 from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Robinson teaches a variety of courses including counseling practicum, internship, group theory, multicultural counseling, and advanced research methods, among others. Her primary research interests include racial identify development, inclusivity in counseling, experiences of BIPOC in counseling, and ethics.

Michael Moyer

Michael Moyer, PhD, LPC-S, is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling, Health & Kinesiology at Texas A&M University – San Antonio. He received his master’s in counseling and doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Dr. Moyer teaches a broad range of courses, however, most often enjoys teaching courses in ethics, practicum, and counseling techniques. Some of his primary research interests include ethical decision-making, non-suicidal self-injury, and counselor education.

Mahsa Maghsoudi

Mahsa Maghsoudi, PhD, NCC, LPC-Intern, is a Assistant Professor, Counseling – Clinical Mental Health at Wichita State University.

Cristina Martinez-Smith

Cristina Martinez-Smith, PhD, LPC, is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at St. Edward’s University in Austin. She received her master’s in counseling and doctorate in counselor education and supervision from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Martinez-Smith teaches a broad range of courses in practicum, internship, professional orientation, culturally diverse populations, and bilingual-bicultural populations. Some of her primary research interests include bilingual counseling education and supervision, self-efficacy, and multiculturalism. Dr. Martinez-Smith has authored/co-authored various professional/peer-reviewed publications, translated a book from English to Spanish, and delivered several presentations at national, state, and local conferences.