week 11

Ethical Scenario #1 – Student thinks she may be pregnant and then threatens suicide when counselor says she/he must tell parents.  Counselor and student come to agreement that student will buy pregnancy test kit and take it with school nurse the next day.  If positive, counselor and student will call parents together.  Student does not test positive.

Thoughts:  The counselor is practicing appropriate ethics in telling the student that she/he must contact parents according to school policy.  It is important to do that even if students object or threaten suicide.  I am not comfortable with the counselor’s ethics in not telling anyone about the suicide threat and waiting until tomorrow.  It would seem incumbent upon the counselor to make appropriate notifications, including to the parents based on the student’s threats right away rather than waiting until the next day. 

Scenario #8 – A nine year-old student is exhibiting changes of behavior and academic performance due to his parents’ contentious divorce.  Counselor calls meeting of teachers and fills them on situation, encouraging support. 

Thoughts:  As I read this scenario, I wondered how the counselor knew about the situation and changed behavior in school.  Depending on whether things were shared by parent or child in confidence would influence the way the counselor might talk with teachers.  If things were shared in confidence, the counselor would want to keep details to a minimum.  With permission, the counselor may want to raise a general concern.  His/her idea to collaborate with the student’s teachers is admirable.  Perhaps, the teachers are already aware of the underlying situation and it may be very helpful to have the counselor collaborate with the teachers as to how to help support the student.

Scenario #14 – High school counselor seeks to adopt a boy who has lost both parents.  

Thoughts:  Although the counselor may feel close to the student, and even if the student would like to be adopted by the counselor, it is up to the counselor to establish appropriate limits in their relationship.  This includes not seeking to adopt this student.  It would be very inappropriate for a counselor to change a student/counselor relationship into a parent/child relationship.  The counselor may want to talk with the student about his desire or need for parental relationship.  The counselor may want to help the student explore the various options.  But the counselor should never seek to adopt the student himself.

Thompson, R.A. (2012). Professional School Counseling. Best practice for working in the schools. New York. Routleager.