The Link Between Personal Values and Professional Ethics of the Famiy/Marital Counselor

In my initial blog, I briefly explored the importance for therapist’s to maintain awareness of their personal values in order to not affect the outcome of their clients’ treatments.  This advice is substantial for effective therapy, but it seems there should be more to it than a simple awareness of one’s own personal values while respecting the values of clients.  In an article titled “Value analysis: A model of personal and professional ethics in marriage and family counseling”  Thomas (1994) explains six recommended values that bridge personal and professional ethics, which in turn increase the counselor’s ability to promote effective therapy.  The three most influential values will be discussed in this blog: responsibility, integrity, and freedom of choice.

Responsibility.  On a personal level, responsibility is a value that includes self care, awareness of personal limitations, and allowing for growth in one’s personal life (Thomas, 1994).  On a professional level, a therapist who values responsibility not only adheres to the code of ethics and regulations of the profession, but also maintains membership in professional organizations, is aware of professional limitations, and seeks consultation and continuing education when necessary (Thomas, 1994).

Integrity.  Thomas (1994) recommends that counselors uphold their personal integrity by “protecting themselves from intrusion of personal boundaries and from physical and emotional pain that goes beyond their threshold” (para. 16).  While this is ideal, it is not always possible.  Therefore, Thomas’ (1994) second recommendation of “nurturing confidence and self-esteem” (para. 16) is more likely to preserve integrity on a personal level as well as carry over into the professional domain.

Freedom of Choice.  Thomas (1994) describes freedom of choice to be a personal value that creates a positive sense of self and considers it to be a critical factor for enabling one to be responsive to others.  Since a counselor must be responsive to their clients, it seems as though freedom of choice is a pivotal point between personal values and being effective as a counselor.

To conclude, Thomas (1994) simplifies the ways in which personal values can enhance the counselor’s ability to provide effective therapy.  Therapists who are responsible for self-care, maintain high self-esteem, and are able to freely make their own choices are more likely to carry the same values into their profession and as a result, conduct more effective therapy for their clients.

References

Thomas, V. (1994). Value analysis: A model of personal and professional ethics in marriage and family counseling. Counseling & Values, 38(3), 193.