Title: Paved With Good Intentions: Ethical Dilemmas, Court and Ethics Board Review

Presenters: Ann M. Ordway, PhD; Ruth Ouzts Moore, PhD; and Donna S. Sheperis, PhD

Description: Part 1: Building an ethical foundation is essential. Through ethics, counselors examine personal values and how they impact professional decisions. In this session, three counselor educators (who are also an attorney, an expert witness, and a former chair of the ACA Ethics Committee) will explore decision making for potential dilemmas that arise in clinical practice and in cases with court involvement, as well as how to address malpractice and ethical violations issues that arise despite best efforts.

Part 2: Part 2 continues to build upon the counselor's knowledge of the court system by outlining what to expect during the courtroom proceedings. Counselors will learn terminology commonly used in court as well as suggestions on do’s and don’ts when testifying. Part two also explores ethical review processes and ethical implications of counselor competency and expertise.

Part 3: The role of the counselor during legal proceedings is not always clear. During this session, the varying roles one may have as a professional counselor will be discussed, as well as specific do’s and don’ts for different types of roles. A discussion of maintaining clients’ privacy and ethical professional boundaries is included. Suggestions for maintaining appropriate documentation will be offered. This presentation provides practical guidance on managing the often-stressful courtroom environment and how counselors can adhere to ethical obligations and maintain their professional reputability.