Values in the Counseling Profession: Unethical vs. Non-Maleficence

The professional counseling field has in the past few years seen legal cases stemming from unethical behaviors exhibited by counseling students. Specifically, values conflict has been discussed at length. This paper uses a qualitative case study to apply the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics to a values related dilemma that occurs during the field placement of a counselor trainee. An ethical decision making model is used and discussed, gaps are identified and addressed, and implications for counselor education programs, field placement supervisors, and counselor trainees are also discussed.