How would you address the dilemma to prioritize the client’s welfare while adhering to ethical
guidelines? If necessary, what steps would you take to consult or seek supervision?
I. Confidentiality vs. Duty to Protect (Section IV. A vs. Section IV. B, IV. E)
According to Section IV. A from the Psychological Association of the Philippines, which
maintains clients’ confidentiality. It is duty of as a psychologist to safeguard any information
divulged by their clients, regardless of the medium where it was stored. However, in Section IV.
B, the limitations of confidentiality are discussed, allowing psychologists to release information
to appropriate individuals or authorities only after careful deliberation or when there is imminent
danger to the client or community. In court cases, information should be limited only to those
pertinent to the legitimate request of the court.
In case 2, where a client admits to engaging in illegal activities but request complete and
full confidentiality. It is important for a counselor to clearly explain the limits of confidentiality
to the client, especially to the case where illegal activity is involved. Counselors are responsible
for maintaining confidentiality and protecting the privacy of clients. However, counselor also
have ethical obligation to intervene when there is a risk of harm which breaching confidentiality
is crucial when if it is necessary to ensure safety. Ensure the client fully understands the limits of
confidentiality. Counselor should explain that confidentiality will only be broken in cases where
there is a risk of harm including illegal activities that could endanger the safety of others and
client. Counselor must assess whether there is a serious threat in illegal activities. If the activity
present no harm, then the confidentiality upheld, however, if harm is imposed or possible then
the duty to protect would outweigh the client’s wish for confidentiality.
II. Respect for Dignity vs. Competent Care for Well- Being (Principle I vs. Principle II)
According to principle I, Counselors are required to honor the dignity, autonomy, and
worth of each client, which includes respecting their right to confidentiality. The principle also
involves ensuring the clients feel heard, valued, and treated with fairness and respect. However,
in Principle II, counselors are ethically obligated to act in ways that protect the well- being of
clients, which sometimes may involve intervening in ways the client may not want, such as
disclosing harmful information. When a client’s actions threaten their own well- being of others,
the counselor must act in the client’s best interest, even if it means breaking confidentiality.
In this case, counselor must balance the principle I which is maintain client’s dignity and
principle which is protecting their well- being. Communicating about the potential risks
involving to keep information that related to confidentiality and explain the counselor’s role in
protecting the client from risk of harm.
III. Integrity vs. Respect for Dignity (Principle III vs. Principle I)
According to Principle III, Counselors are required to maintain honesty, transparency,
and ethical conduct in all professional interactions. This means being clear with the client about
the counselor’s ethical responsibilities, the limits of confidentiality, and the reasons behind any
decisions to report harmful behavior. However, while it is important for the counselor to respect
the client’s dignity, the counselor must communicate the truth even if it is goes against the
client’s wishes.
Being transparent with the client is essential about the counseling process such as the
limits of confidentiality and the potential consequences of sharing information that could lead
risk of harm to the client or others. Integrity requires honesty about these boundaries while still
showing respect for client’s dignity.
If the counselor is not sure about how to navigate this ethical dilemma, it is essential for them
to seek supervision or consult with colleagues to ensure they are adhering to ethical guidelines.
Step 1. Consultation with Supervisors or Colleagues if the counselor feels conflicted about
breaking confidentiality or unsure about the best way of action, they should seek supervision or
consult with peers. Supervision allows the counselor to discuss the ethical concerns, the
potential risks, and the client’s welfare in a safe space, ensuring a thoughtful approach.
Step 2. Consult Legal Counsel if the counselor is hesitate about their legal obligations regarding
the disclosure of illegal activities then they may also seek legal advice to make sure that they
are compliant with both ethical practices and legal requirements.
Step 3. Counselors can utilize ethical decision-making to help clarify their actions or behavior.
These encourage a structured approach to weighing the various principles at play, ensuring that
the counselor’s decision is based on a balanced evaluation of the situation.
