The Five Moral Principles of the ACA
Webmaster March 25th, 2009
There are many similarities between the 5 moral principles mentioned in the ACA and the seven virtues in Clinton and Ohlschlager. One main similarity between the two is the universal principle of trustworthiness.
Autonomy is the principle that addresses the concept of independence. It means allowing an individual the freedom of choice and action.
Nonmaleficence is the concept of not causing harm to others which is similar to one of Clinton and Ohlschlager seven virtues, responsibility to love one another. This concept means love others the same way that Christ loves each and every one of us. It implies always having the client’s best interest at heart (Clinton and Ohlschlager, 2002, pg. 248).
Beneficence implies to have a servant mindset. We exist to serve others by placing their needs before our own needs.
The principle justice is that we are all created equally in the eyes of God regardless of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation. As counselors, we have a duty to treat all clients equally with regard to these universal characteristics. Clinton and Ohlschlager state that we should never show favoritism. However, since each client comes to a counselor with a unique problem, a counselor will treat each client differently with regards to the intervention or treatment plan.
Fidelity involves the notions of loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments. Counselors and clients must be able to trust each other and have faith in their relationship. The counselor has the moral obligation to stick with the client through the tough times, no matter how difficult the client may be or how severe the client’s problem is. The counselor is held accountable for the telling the client the truth. For example, the counselor can tell the client that he has the legal obligation to alert authorities in instances of abuse. If the client knows this from the outset, the client can have trust the client to very personal information discussed during the counseling session. This is the same as the concept of doctor-patient confidentiality.
References
Clinton, T., & Ohlschlager, G. (2002). Competent Christian counseling. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press.
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