Assignment 2: RA: Ethical Autobiography Report
Counselors have an ethical responsibility to
provide professional services that demonstrate respect for the cultural
worldviews, values, and traditions of culturally diverse clients. To
the extent that counselors are focused on the values of the dominant
culture and insensitive to variations among groups and individuals, they
are at risk for practicing unethically. However, how do you know that
you are on your way to becoming a culturally competent professional?
This assignment will help uncover your multicultural background as well
as any potential challenges you may face in counseling clients from
diverse backgrounds.
Tasks:
In a 5- to 7-page Microsoft Word document, respond to the following:
- Autobiography: Develop an
autobiographical report detailing your multicultural background and the
development of your personal values and beliefs. - Identify and include
significant ethical and cultural milestones and use these to
differentiate distinct stages of your professional ethical development
during your academic, career, and social development. - Identify and include no less than three values that are a significant part of who you are as a person and as a professional.
- Synthesize how you think these personal values are related to your family or cultural systems.
- Reflection: Reflect and address the following:
- Explain how this ethical autobiography relates to your identity as a professional counselor.
- Given your ethical
value system, determine any potential conflicts in values that might
emerge between you (as a professional counselor) and your clients.
Describe how you will manage these conflicts in counseling. - Determine what, if
any, values might impact your ability to effectively apply professional
codes of ethics (e.g., ACA, the NBCC, the American Mental Health
Counselors Association [AMHCA], etc.) or relevant laws (identify
specific codes/laws). Explain what risk management strategies you will
apply to be able to overcome these values conflicts. - Explain what risk
management strategies you will apply to be able to overcome these values
conflicts. Be sure to articulate clearly how you know that you are addressing your client’s presenting problems in a clinically effective way.
Integrate and apply the most recent peer-reviewed literature and empirical research in your responses.
Your final product will be in a Microsoft
Word document and be approximately 5–7 pages in length. Utilize three to
five sources from professional literature in your research (do not
include relevant codes of ethics and laws). Professional literature may
include relevant
textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by
professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu or .gov).
Expert Solution Preview
Answer:
Introduction:
The ethical responsibility of a counselor is to provide professional services that depict respect for the cultural worldviews, values, and traditions of all clients. The task of this assignment is to develop an autobiographical report, identifying personal and ethical milestones throughout my academic, career, and social development. In this paper, I will highlight and reflect on my multicultural background, ethical values, potential value conflicts with clients, and strategies for managing these conflicts.
Autobiography:
As a first-generation immigrant, I grew up in a household that embraced traditional family values and cultural systems. Being brought up in a collectivist culture that prioritized the needs of the family and community, I learned to value cooperation, social harmony, and obligation towards others. During my academic development, I was introduced to the importance of empathy, social justice, and self-awareness, which shaped my ethical values. As a professional, I have recognized the significance of autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent, which are integral components of ethical practice.
My personal and ethical milestones have helped me differentiate distinct stages of ethical development in my life. As a child, I valued the collective good of the family, community, and culture. However, during my academic and career development, I was exposed to diverse worldviews, which allowed me to recognize and appreciate the significance of individual differences.
Reflection:
As a professional counselor, my ethical autobiography is an integral part of my professional identity. It has shaped my ethical decision-making process, perspective on diversity, and awareness of cultural norms. My ethical value system emphasizes the importance of autonomy, confidentiality, informed consent, social justice, and empathy.
Potential conflicts in values might emerge between me (as a professional counselor) and my clients due to cultural or personal differences. I will manage these conflicts by practicing self-awareness, respect, and cultural humility. I will also seek consultation from supervisors or colleagues to gain a better understanding of my clients’ cultural background.
My ability to effectively apply professional codes of ethics and relevant laws may be impacted by my personal or cultural values, which might contradict ethical guidelines. To overcome these value conflicts, I will utilize risk management strategies such as seeking consultation, reviewing ethical guidelines, and maintaining transparency with clients.
Conclusion:
This ethical autobiography has helped uncover my multicultural background, ethical values, and potential conflicts that might emerge in my interactions with clients. By recognizing these aspects of my professional identity, I can engage in culturally competent practice, understand my clients’ diverse worldviews, and maintain ethical integrity.
