Social, Legal & Ethical Issues

The active involvement and participation of students in this module is central to the development of a solid ethical foundation in counselling.

Students develop a keen awareness and understanding of legal and ethical issues in counselling and their social implications. A wide variety of important and relevant topics are explored and researched, ranging from the impact of cultural differences in counselling to working with the victims of physical and emotional abuse. Students learn to recognise clients as individuals regardless of their culture, gender, disability or socio-economic status.

Learning outcomes

• Use concepts and terminology on various social issues including culture, gender, age and disabilities
• Identify personal values and how these relate to various counselling situations
• Research theories and sociological issues for cultural and gender differences
• Relate social issues to the presenting problem
• Identify ethical and legal issues when working with clients
• Identify issues of discrimination and harassment
• Apply self-awareness to individual and relationship counselling skills

Content areas

• Distinguishing between morals, values and establishing a helping relationship
• Ethics in counselling
• Understanding legal implications
• Protecting children and privileged communication
• Respecting client autonomy
• Setting boundaries
• Clarifying dual relationships
• Managing sexual boundaries and feelings
• Working cross culturally
• Being aware of diverse populations
• Working with counselling supervision
• Avoiding burnout and continuing training

This module is available on campus, by distance education or online.