Professionalism & Ethical

Behaviors in School
Counseling
Presented by Isalie Corneil
INTRODUCTION

Professional school counselors are advocates, leaders, collaborators and consultants

who create opportunities for equity in access and success in educational
opportunities (American School Counselors Association [ASCA], 2016, p. 1).
School counselors need to display a basic level of principles guided by a personal
moral code.
Demonstrating behaviors such as honesty, fairness, respect, integrity, and compassion
will enable school counselor to effectively serve with the counseling profession.
CURRENT PROBLEMS

Common problems school counselors face in the area of professionalism and ethical
behavior:
Maintaining student confidentiality (most common overall)
Responding to parent rights to know
Reporting a students danger to self or others
Confidentiality is one of the most key component to establishing the counseling
relationship
Ethical guidelines on maintaining confidentiality often conflicts with a parental rights
to know information disclosed during counseling session

(Bodenhorn, 2006; Isaacs & Stone, 1999; Lazovsky, 2008).

BACKGROUND & WAYS TO IMPROVE

Stay up-to-date with state laws and professional standards (especially students
confidentiality)
Attend professional development activities from local, state, and national
organizations
Consulting with other professional counselors
Educate parents and develop a good counselor-parent relationship
Establish an informed consent policy

(Bodenhorn, 2006; Glossoff & Pate, 2002; Isaacs & Stone, 1999; Lazovsky, 2008).
HOW CAN I HELP

Educate school personnel and other stakeholders about the current problems
Review the roles and responsibilities of school counselor
Stay updated on the ethical and legal standards
Evaluate my own personal moral code and align with professional standards
Developing good communication skills and show compassion
Demonstrate ethical behaviors such as honest, fairness, good character, and integrity
Actively participate in local and national organizations
REFERENCES

American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA Ethical Standards for School
Counselors. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Bodenhorn, N. (2006). Exploratory study of common and challenging ethical dilemmas
experienced by professional school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 10(2),
195-202.
Glosoff, H. L., & Pate, Robert H., Jr. (2002). Privacy and confidentiality in school
counseling. Professional School Counseling, 6(1), 20.
Isaacs, M. L., & Stone, C. (1999). School counselors and confidentiality: Factors
affecting professional choices. Professional School Counseling, 2(4), 258.
Lazovsky, R. (2008). Maintaining confidentiality with minors: Dilemmas of school
counselors. Professional School Counseling, 11(5), 335-340,342-346.