VALUE CONFLICTS 101

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a value conflict?

• A student choosing between two equally appealing subjects to study

• An employee deciding whether to report a colleague who is a close friend for unethical behavior

• A family choosing a vacation destination that everyone will enjoy

• A person deciding between two different restaurants for dinner

Dr. Smith is a therapist who values both patient confidentiality and the duty to protect others from harm. During a session, a patient reveals intentions and plans already set in place to harm someone. What should Dr. Smith do?

• Maintain patient confidentiality and hope the patient reconsiders their intentions

• Break confidentiality and warn the potential victim and authorities

• Discuss the situation with the patient and try to dissuade them from their plans without breaking confidentiality

• Seek advice from a supervisor before taking any action

What is paternalism?

• The practice of allowing individuals to make decisions for themselves without interference from others.

• The practice of teaching clients about the importance of using gentle parenting styles

• The practice of intentionally overriding the client’s preferences or actions, with the justification that it is in the best interest of the client

• The practice of advocating for client autonomy

A feminist-oriented counselor is working with a 26-year-old asian woman who shares fears about leaving her nursing job to become a software engineer. What types of value conflicts may arise?

• Cultural Beliefs, Gender Roles

• Cultural Beliefs, Substance Use

• Life Choices, Parenting Styles

• Religious Views, Gender Roles

When addressing spiritual or religious concerns, what is the primary focus for counselors?

• To align the client with the counselor's personal beliefs

• To ignore the client's religious views for neutrality

• To recommend specific religious practices to the client

• To explore the client’s value system without imposing personal beliefs

According to the ACA Code of Ethics, when is it ethically appropriate for a counselor to refer a client?

• When the client’s lifestyle conflicts with the counselor’s values

• When the client requests services outside the counselor's competence

• When the counselor finds the client difficult to work with

• When the counselor feels uncomfortable with the client’s goals