The key difference between someone using counselling skills and a qualified and trained counsellor is that 'the counsellor is bound by a code of ethics and practice and carries a set of professional responsibilities' (1) Generally anyone can be trained

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Assignment

Unit 1: Professional Framework Report Assignment

Contents:

Criteria 1

Differences between a Person Using Counselling Skills and a Qualified and Trained Counsellor

Criteria 2

The BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Criteria 3

Comparison of BACP Framework to other Codes and Organisational Requirements

Criteria 4

Key Issues

Criteria 5

Safety

Criteria 6

Importance of Casework and Managerial Supervision

Bibliography

Criteria 1

Differences between a Person Using Counselling Skills and a Qualified and Trained Counsellor

The key difference between someone using counselling skills and a qualified and trained counsellor is that ‘the counsellor is bound by a code of ethics and practice and carries a set of professional responsibilities’ (1) Generally anyone can be trained to use counselling skills however often they use them in the context of their own environment i.e. Nurses use skills at work but are bound by their own employer’s set of standards and practices, therefore counselling skills can be subject to a conflict in interests e.g. a Nurse who has used counselling skills with a patient may be obliged to disclose information given if their employer’s guidelines dictate so i.e. the patient discloses that they are HIV Positive. This conflict of interest, on the whole, does not exist with the trained and qualified counsellor, so the client retains the confidence that what is being said is confidential and will not be repeated outside of the session. The other aspect of professional counselling is the ‘Contract’ this allows for the counsellor to agree boundaries with the client and notes when confidentiality may be broken, it also outlines both what the clients and counsellor’s expectations of the relationship will be. In order for clients to have confidence in the counselling process it is vital that those individuals who say they are counsellors but who do not abide by the BACP Ethical Framework do not call themselves counsellors, as client expectation will become confused and serious damage could be done to the clients well being.

Criteria 2

The BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy

The BACP Ethical Framework came into force in April 2002 and provides a professional framework to counsellors, outlining key areas of responsibility and rules of conduct. By its existence the framework ensures that a level of professionalism is associated with the service and reassures potential clients and the general public of service standards. The Framework is needed as guideline and a reference point for all professional counsellors and ensures that a standard is maintained through out the service provision. Although accreditation is currently not compulsory the ethical framework outlines standards of training and supervision required by those complying with the BACP framework.

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Main elements covered in the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling and Psychotherapy are as follows:

  • Ethics
  • Values
  • Principles
  • Personal Moral Qualities
  • Guidance of Good Practice
  • Standards of Practice and Care
  • Professional Conduct Procedure

Criteria 3

Comparison of BACP Framework to other Codes and Organisational Requirements

Many other organisations have Professional Codes and organisational requirements. These organisations generally fall into three categories:

  • Healthcare
  • Professional Services
  • Caring Services

Healthcare covers the Medical Profession; Doctors, Nurses etc.

Non Healthcare covers Professional Services such as those in the Legal Profession, Police, Armed ...

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