Comparing Ethics Codes: ACA, AACC, and AAPC Counselors

Introduction

The ethics codes of the three following counseling associations share certain ethical responsibilities in common, while also containing responsibilities unique to each organization. The three associations' ethics codes examined here are the American Counseling Association (ACA) 2005 Draft Code of Ethics, the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Code of Ethics — Y2004 Final Code, and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) Code of Ethics.

Duties to Clients: Similarities and Differences

The first level of comparison between the three ethics codes begins with examining the similarities and differences they display in their duties to clients. Several similarities exist in this regard. In terms of obtaining informed consent, the ACA Code of Ethics states (A2.a) that clients can choose to either continue or terminate treatment at any time — after the counselor has discharged their duty by informing the client how the counseling would occur, what the counselor's credentials are, and what rights and responsibilities are enjoined upon both parties.

In a similar fashion, the AACC Code of Ethics states (1-310) that Christian counselors must seek a client's informed consent for all types of services, including consulting other counselors for help with the client, the possibility of audio or video taping a client's sessions, the engagement in special counseling methods, and the disclosure of client data to other agencies or counselors. The AAPC Code of Ethics also states (Principle IV-E) that clients are to give informed, documented consent regarding the use of audio or video tapes or third-party observation in their sessions.

There are also similarities in how professional competence is treated. Competence here refers to the level of training, education, and experience a counselor has acquired. The ACA Code of Ethics states (C2.a) that counselors must work within the boundaries of their education, training, work experience, and state and national credentials. The AACC Code of Ethics states (1-210) that counselors should truthfully represent their level of education, experience, credentials, and counseling methods to clients, and that AACC members should never work beyond their limits. The AAPC Code of Ethics states (Principle V-D) that its professionals should not provide services beyond what they are capable of.

In terms of the dangers that can develop within a counselor-client relationship, all three ethics codes differ in how they view sexual or romantic relationships between counselors and former clients, though all three explicitly forbid such relationships with current clients.

Sexual and Romantic Boundaries with Former Clients

The ACA (A5.b) permits such relationships to develop after a period of five years has elapsed since the last treatment, provided counselors demonstrate in writing that the relationship would not harm or exploit the former client in any way. Both the AAPC and AACC, however, do not allow their counselors to engage in any sexual relations with former clients. The AAPC states (Principle III-H) that all forms of sexual behavior with former clients are forbidden. The AACC states (1-131) that all forms of premarital or extramarital sexual relations with former clients are forbidden, though it does allow counselors to marry a former client after a period of two years (1-133). This may occur only after a counselor demonstrates that the counseling relationship has completely ended, that there is no indication of exploitation or harm in the marital relationship, and that the former client's care is being handled by a different counselor.

This difference in how the three associations view sexual and romantic relations with former clients stems from the religious orientation that some of them carry. Since the AACC and AAPC espouse religious morals and values in their codes of ethics, it is understandable why they prohibit sexual relations of a premarital or extramarital nature. Another difference involves how each association handles dangers clients may pose to themselves or others. The AACC states (1-120 to 1-127) that its counselors would never support a client's decision to engage in threatening behavior, substance abuse, abortion, divorce, premarital or extramarital sexual affairs, homosexual behavior, or assisted suicide. This stands in direct contrast to both the ACA and AAPC, which state that counselors should never impose their values and beliefs onto clients. This divergence stems from the AACC's commitment to fundamental Christian morals, which requires strict adherence to those ideals in its ethics code. The AAPC, as a nonsectarian organization, does not espouse any particular values from its various denominations, and the ACA is predominantly composed of lay professionals.

The second level of comparison examines the similarities and differences each association displays in its ethical duties toward the profession. Regarding relations among colleagues, all three associations reflect similar ethical ideals. All three, for example, prohibit the solicitation of clients from other counselors. They all also respect the different approaches that professionals from other associations or agencies use when caring for clients.