Ethics: A fresh approach and a thoughtful discussion for the

changing times

Presented by: Rich Ponton

John Sommers-Flanaganand You!

IntroductionsRich

John

You

AssumptionsWe’ve all had courses and continuing

education in ethics.We all know something about ethics.None of us know everything about ethics.Together we know more than any one us

knows alone.

What Won’t be HappeningWe won’t tell you about all the ways you

might get sued.We won’t try to push an agenda from either

end of the political spectrum.We won’t tell you horror stories about all the

dumb things your colleagues have done.Then . . . you might be asking yourself . . .

“How is this going to be an ethics workshop?”

What We Hope for InsteadTogether we will have a conversation-Together we will explore the foundational

issues of our professional ethics code(s) and personal ethical orientation(s).

Together we will apply ethical thinking to our professional practice and the organizations in which we serve.

Together we will share our knowledge, strengths, challenges and doubts.

Together we’ll engage in some interactive Q & A designed to elevate our ethical thinking

Program Goals and Objectives 1. Identify and apply three philosophical foundations

for ethical decision-making.2. Identify three individual and three organizational

characteristics that may interfere with their ethical decision making.

3. Identify three organizational behaviors that will enhance ethical decision making

Your Ethical/Moral Orientation

Time for some work

Please complete the Moral Orientation Questionnaire (Short Form)

Bonus Slide: Ethical/Moral Orientationsa) Character Ethics – Aristotle – What is a good person, and

what does it take to become a good person?b) Deontological Ethics – Kant – There are moral duties that

apply to all people in all times and places.c) Situation Ethics – Fletcher – The highest moral act in a

given situation is based on selfless concern and compassion d) Utilitarian or Consequentialist Ethics – Mill – Given this

morally demanding situation, what action will make things come out the best for the most people?

e) Divine Command theory – God said it. I believe it. That settles it

f) Hedonism or Egoism – Morality as individual achievement and things will work out

g) Ethics of Care – Act in ways that enhance healthy, connected, human relationships

Bonus Slide II: Ethical/Moral OrientationsWhat’s Your Deeper Bottom Line?

Common Good vs. What’s Good for You

Keep in mind the ways that you (and the counseling profession) keep yourself (or keep ourselves) focused on what’s best for clients.

In many ways, your philosophy is your strategy for reminding yourself to do what’s right.

Question For Rich

How do you think the ethical codes of the AMHCA and ACA reflect the relationship of the profession to society?

Question for JohnWhat are your thoughts on the “new”

statement of core professional values of the counseling profession in the 2014 ACA Code?

ACA Core Values1. enhancing human development

throughout the life span;2. honoring diversity and embracing a

multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts;

3. promoting social justice;4. safeguarding the integrity of the

counselor–client relationship; and5. practicing in a competent and ethical

manner.

Question For Rich

How would you describe the differences between the ACA Code and the AMHCA code?

Question for JohnWhat do you see as some of the problems and

limitations of ethics codes in general and the ACA and AMHCA codes in particular?

Question For Rich

Can you talk about the situations when laws, ethics, and company policy collide?

Question for John

How can we better understand the inter-relationships between our ethical/moral orientation(s), our ethical fears and anxieties, and the ethical codes?

The Ethics Word Association Game

Question For Rich

When we look at bad behavior…in society and in counseling…how does that happen?

Question for JohnDiscuss the new technology section in the

ACA code in general and the social media section in particular. How do these new sections align with the foundational moral/ethical orientations?

Question For Rich

Can you talk about organizational ethics….how does the counselor-manager promote ethical behaviors of the organization and in the organization.

Question For Rich and John

Are you happy with the ethical IQ of the counseling profession?

Boiling it Down

Closing CommentsWhat do you want to remember from our

time together?

What ethical anxieties will you leave behind?

What counseling ethical guidelines make you proud to be a counselor?