Blog 10, Chapter 9

I'm really glad this was this week's case study. Jason's experience pretty much sums up my biggest fear. Not that i would be answering questions of a students while not paying attention, but more that there would be a sticky ethical dilemma. I know that the book says that the only time an ethical dilemma occurs is when you have two compelling priorities but i think it would be realistic to say that between the needs of a student and my requirements by law, there could always be an ethical dilemma. The more I get into the readings and logistics of this job via this class, the more overwhelmed I feel. There are SO many factors to balance while counseling students in today's society. Clearly, everyone in this class wants to be the best support to each student that they can be while upholding the rules and legal limitations of each respective school, but mistakes are going to be made. It's not like our society is becoming more of a friendly and forgiving environment in which to make mistakes. It is more realistic to understand that the penalty for making mistakes may end in a lawsuit (situation dependent). I am thankful that it is a requirement of the pre-practicum portfolio to be a member of ASCA so that we are more connected as future counselors. The key to ethically sticky situations is being able to rely on the collaborative framework that we are building now and will continue to build professionally. Having that "help line" to reach out to other professionals and get their opinion on situations may ease many of our flustered feathers.

The ACA statement that "The ACA directs counselors to establish clear agreements with employers about the conditions of the work but then also indicates that accepting employment implies that counselors agree with employers general policies and principals" NEGATES ITSELF! I want to be able to have a good relationship with my employer as well as with the students.  Should I be in a school where I am required to disclose students who are intoxicated I have no way of building trust. I'm not saying that i would break confidentiality to help an intoxicated student even if its not required of me- it just brings to light more situations where I feel more concerned aobut the legality issues than I feel freed to do my job.

The idea of being summoned to a court hearing is even more nerve wracking I think I would have a particularly hard time putting my personal experiences within the court system aside to be able to testify. I've been in the middle of a particularly unsavory court experience that has left a bitter taste in my mouth. I do not agree with coercing witnesses and the like to better build a case. This chapter has given me a lot to think about, as well as stress about. One major positive is that I would like to be able to incorporate some of my concerns into my practicum experience to see if any of the professionals I will be working with have had situations they can discuss (ethically of course) and how they handled them. There can never be a shortage of stories and situations shared in this particular area!