Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

Quiz #1
You are given different scenarios in counseling and psychotherapy. As a
practitioner in these fields, provide your insights on what a
counseling/psychotherapist should do, applying the characteristics and
skills of a good counselor and psychotherapist.

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

1
Ava, a licensed therapist with strong negative opinions about
homosexuality and gay marriage, believes that her clients
Paulo and Raul should dissolve their relationship and give
heterosexuality a chance. As her alliance, she asked your
opinion about this.

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

2
Yummi, a recent immigrant from Korea, has been
encouraged by his American girlfriend to join her in couples
counseling. During the first session, Yummi seems reluctant
to self-disclose and admits that he does not believe
counseling is the best way for them to address their
problem. As a counselor what will be your response on this?

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

3
A counselor trainee makes the following comment in a
meeting of counselors “I would never work with a counselor
who has been a client in counseling! If they can’t handle
their own problems, how could they possibly be effective in
helping others?” What would be your appropriate response
on this matter?

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

4
Blaire, a therapist specializing in working with adolescents,
told a young pregnant client to strongly consider giving her
child up for adoption. In Blaire’s words: “Certainly you don’t
want to eliminate the possibility of going to college and ruin
your future by having a child at such a young age, right?”
What is your side on this?

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

5 You plan to work with clients who are mandated by the
courts to receive counselling. Considering they will be
involuntary clients, what you should do in terms of:
a. consent process and confidentiality
b. counseling process
c. Application of the five phases of counselling and
psychotherapy (exploratory, introductory, interpretative,
working, termination)

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

Ethical Essentials in Counselling and
Psychotherapy
Exercise 1: Self Inventory
This inventory is designed to assess your attitudes and beliefs on specific
ethical issues. Select the response that comes closest to your position, or
write your own response in “e”. Write your answer in your notebook.

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

1A therapist should terminate a therapeutic relationship
when
a. The client decides to terminate
b. The therapist judges that it is time to terminate
c. It is reasonably clear that the client is not benefiting from
therapy
d. The client reaches an impasse (a situation in which no
progress is possible , especially because of disagreement)
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

2 Regarding confidentiality, I believe
a. It is never ethical to disclose anything a client tells me
under any circumstances.
b. It is ethical to break a confidence when the therapist
deems that the client might do harm to him or herself to
others
c. Confidences can be shared with the parents of the client
if the parents request information
d. Deciding when to break confidentiality ultimately will be
left to my professional judgment
e. _________________________
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling
3 My definition of an ethical therapist is one who
a. Devotes time to self-examination on matters of ethics
b. Is careful not to take advantage of his or her position of
power
c. Follows all the codes of ethics
d. Knows the right course of action to take in each problem
situation
e. _________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

4 Regarding the issue of counseling friends, I think that
a. it is acceptable to have a valued friend as a client.
b. it should be done rarely and then only if it is clear that
the friendship will not interfere with the therapeutic
relationship
c. friendship and therapy should not be mixed.
d. a friend could be accepted as a client only when the
friend asks to be
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

5
I would tend to refer a client to another professional if
a. it were clear that the client was not benefiting in the
relationship with me.
b. I felt a strong sexual attraction to the person.
c. the client continually stirred up painful feelings in me
(reminded me of my mother, father, ex-spouse, and so
on).
d. I had a hard time caring for or being interest in the client.
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

6 Regarding the ethics of social and personal relationships with
clients, it is my position that
a. it is never wise to see or to get involved with clients on a social
basis.
b. it is an acceptable practice to strike up a social relationship once the
therapy relationship has ended if both want to do so.
c. with some clients a personal and social relationship might well
enhance the therapeutic relationship by building trust.
d. it is ethical to combine a social and therapeutic relationship if both
parties agree.
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

7
One of the best ways to determine on what occasions and
under what circumstances I would break confidentiality ith a
client is to
a. confer with a supervisor or a consultant.
b. check out my perceptions with several colleagues.
c. follow my own institutions and trust my own judgment.
d. discuss the matter with my client and solicit his or her
opinion.
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

8 In terms of appreciating and understanding the value system
of clients who are culturally different from me,
a. I see it as my responsibility to learn about their values and
not impose mine on them.
b. I would encourage them to accept the values of the
dominant culture for survival purposes.
c. I would attempt to modify my counseling procedures to fit
their cultural values.
d. it is imperative that I learn about the specific cultural values
my clients hold.
e. ________________________
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling
9 To be effective in counseling clients from a different culture, I
will need to
a. possess specific knowledge about the particular group I am
counseling.
b. be able to accurately “read” nonverbal messages.
c. have had direct contact with this group.
d. treat these clients no differently from clients from my own
cultural background.
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

10 My view of evidence-based practice is that it
a. is bound to improve counseling practice because it relies on
empirical practice
b. has little relevance to what I consider to be effective
counseling practice.
c. fits for some theories, but not for other theoretical
orientations.
d. puts too much emphasis on techniques and note enough
on the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
e. ________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

11 Regarding the practice of counseling via the Internet, I believe
a. the practice is fraught with ethical and legal problems.
b. this is a form of technology with real promise for many
clients who would not, or could not, seek out face-to-face
counseling.
c. it is limited to dealing with simple problems because of the
inability to make an adequate assessment.
d. I would not provide Internet counseling without having
some personal contact with the client.
e. _________________________________
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling
12 In working with clients from different ethnic groups, it is most
important to
a. be aware of the sociopolitical forces that have influenced
them.
b. understand how language can be a barrier to effective
multicultural counseling.
c. refer these clients to some professional who shares their
ethnic and cultural background.
d. help these clients modify their views so that they will feed
more accepted.
e. _______________________________
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling
13 Regarding the role of spiritual and religious values, as a
counselor I would be inclined to
a. ignore such values our of concern that I would impose my
own beliefs on my clients.
b. actively strive to get my clients to think about how
spirituality or religion could enhance their lives.
c. avoid bringing up the topic unless my client initiated such a
discussion.
d. conduct an assessment of my client’s spiritual and religious
beliefs during the intake sessions.
e. _______________________________
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling
14
Concerning the role of diagnosis in counseling, I believe
a. diagnosis is essential for planning a treatment program.
b. diagnosis is counterproductive for therapy because it is
based on an external view of the client.
c. diagnosis can be harmful in that it tends to label people,
who then are limited by the label.
d. the usefulness of diagnosis depends on the theoretical
orientation and the kind of counseling a therapist does.
e. _______________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

15
Of the following, I consider the most unethical form of
therapist behavior to be
a. promoting dependence in the client.
b. becoming sexually involved with a client.
c. breaking confidentiality without a good reason to do so.
d. Accepting a client who has a problem that goes beyond my
competence.
e. ______________________________

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

Exercise 2: I do, I believe
1. Group yourselves with 5-7 members.
2. Discuss your answers and insights on why you came up with that
choice
3. Consolidate your answers/insights.
4. Choose a rapporteur to discuss your group answers/insights in the
class.
5. You are given 30 mins to work on

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

Codes of Ethics of Professional Organizations
1. American Counseling Association (ACA): Code of Ethics (2014)
2. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Code of Ethics (2012)
3. Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC): Code of
Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors (2010)
4. Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC): Code of Ethics
(2011)
5. Canadian Counselling Association (CCA): Code of Ethics (2007)

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

Codes of Ethics of Professional Organizations
6. American School Counselor Association (ASCA): Ethical Standards for
School Counselors (2010)
7. American Psychological Association (APA): Ethical Principles of
Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2010)
8. American Psychiatric Association: The Principles of Medical Ethics with
Annotations Especially Applicable to Psychiatry (2013)
9. American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA): Ethical Guidelines
for Group Therapists (2002)
10. American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA): Code of
Ethics (2010)

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

Codes of Ethics of Professional Organizations
11. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT):
Code of Ethics (2012)
12. International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC):
Ethical Code (2011)
13. Association for Specialist in Group Work (ASGW): Best Practices
Guidelines (2008)
14. National Association of Social Workers (NASW): Code of Ethics (2008)
15. National Organization for Human Services: Ethical Standards of Human
Services Professionals (2000)
16. American Music Therapy Association (AMTA): Code of Ethics (2008)

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

The practice of therapy is subject to the code of ethics of the American Psychological
Association (APA) for the US and the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) here
in the Philippines. Counseling practice on the other hand is under the ethical principles and
guidelines of the American Counseling Association (ACA) for the US, and the Philippine
Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) for the Philippines.

Section 10 of the APA Ethical Code for Psychologists and

Section VIII of the PAP Ethical Code for Psychologists.

Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling

 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.01 Informed Consent to Therapy

a) When obtaining informed consent to therapy as required in Standard 3.10, Informed

Consent , psychologists inform clients/patients as early as is feasible in the
therapeutic relationship about the nature and anticipated course of therapy, fees,
involvement of third parties, and limits of confidentiality and provide sufficient
opportunity for the client/patient to ask questions and receive answers. (See also
Standards 4.02, Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality , and 6.04, Fees and
Financial Arrangements .)
b) When obtaining informed consent for treatment for which generally recognized
techniques and procedures have not been established, psychologists inform their
clients/patients of the developing nature of the treatment, the potential risks involved,
alternative treatments that may be available, and the voluntary nature of their
participation. (See also Standards 2.01e, Boundaries of Competence , and 3.10,
Informed Consent .)
c) When the therapist is a trainee and the legal responsibility for the treatment provided
resides with the supervisor, the client/patient, as part of the informed consent
procedure, is informed that the therapist is in training and is being supervised and is
given the name of the supervisor.
 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.02 Therapy Involving Couples or Families

a) When psychologists agree to provide services to several persons who have a

relationship (such as spouses, significant others, or parents and children), they
take reasonable steps to clarify at the outset (1) which of the individuals are
clients/patients and (2) the relationship the psychologist will have with each
person. This clarification includes the psychologist's role and the probable uses
of the services provided or the information obtained. (See also Standard 4.02,
Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality .)
b) If it becomes apparent that psychologists may be called on to perform
potentially conflicting roles (such as family therapist and then witness for one
party in divorce proceedings), psychologists take reasonable steps to clarify
and modify, or withdraw from, roles appropriately. (See also Standard 3.05c,
Multiple Relationships .)
 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.03 Group Therapy

When psychologists provide services to several persons in a group setting, they describe at the
outset the roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality.

10.04 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others

In deciding whether to offer or provide services to those already receiving mental health services
elsewhere, psychologists carefully consider the treatment issues and the potential
client's/patient's welfare. Psychologists discuss these issues with the client/patient or another
legally authorized person on behalf of the client/patient in order to minimize the risk of confusion
and conflict, consult with the other service providers when appropriate, and proceed with caution
and sensitivity to the therapeutic issues.
 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.05 Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/Patients

Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/patients.

10.06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy

Clients/Patients

Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be close
relatives, guardians, or significant others of current clients/patients. Psychologists do not
terminate therapy to circumvent this standard.

10.07 Therapy with Former Sexual Partners

Psychologists do not accept as therapy clients/patients persons with whom they have
engaged in sexual intimacies.
 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.08 Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients

a) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two years after
cessation or termination of therapy.
b) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients even after a two-year
interval except in the most unusual circumstances. Psychologists who engage in such activity after the
two years following cessation or termination of therapy and of having no sexual contact with the former
client/patient bear the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant
factors, including (1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated; (2) the nature,
duration, and intensity of the therapy; (3) the circumstances of termination; (4) the client's/patient's
personal history; (5) the client's/patient's current mental status; (6) the likelihood of adverse impact on
the client/patient; and (7) any statements or actions made by the therapist during the course of therapy
suggesting or inviting the possibility of a post termination sexual or romantic relationship with the
client/patient. (See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships .)
 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.09 Interruption of Therapy

When entering into employment or contractual relationships, psychologists make reasonable

efforts to provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for client/patient care in
the event that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount consideration
given to the welfare of the client/patient. (See also Standard 3.12, Interruption of Psychological
Services .)
 Section 10: Therapy
APA Ethical Code of Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

10.10 Terminating Therapy

a) Psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no
longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.
b) Psychologists may terminate therapy when threatened or otherwise endangered by the
client/patient or another person with whom the client/patient has a relationship.
c) Except where precluded by the actions of clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to
termination psychologists provide pre-termination counseling and suggest alternative service
providers as appropriate.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

A. Confidentiality

1. We regard confidentiality as an obligation that arises from our client’s trust. We therefore
restrict disclosure of information about our clients except in instances when mandated or
regulated by the law.
2. For evaluation purposes, we discuss the results of clinical and counseling relationships with our
colleagues concerning materials that will not constitute undue invasion of privacy.
3. We release information to appropriate individuals or authorities only after careful deliberation or when
there is imminent danger to the individual and the community. In court cases, data should be limited
only to those pertinent to the legitimate request of the court.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

B. Informed Consent

1. We seek for freely given and adequate informed consent for psychotherapy. We inform clients in
advance the nature and anticipated course of therapy, potential risks or conflicts of interests, fees,
third party involvement, client’s commitments, and limits of confidentiality.
2. We respect client’s rights to commit to or withdraw from therapy.
3. In instances where there is a need to provide generally recognized techniques and procedures that
are not yet established, we discuss with our clients the nature of the treatment, its developing
nature, potential risks, alternatives and obtain consent for their voluntary participation.
4. We discuss with our clients both our rights and responsibilities at appropriate points in the working
relationship. PAP Code of Ethics, page 20
5. In instances where the therapist is still undergoing training, we discuss this matter with
6. the client and assure them that adequate supervision will be provided.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

C. Client’s Wellbeing

1. We engage in systematic monitoring of our practice and outcomes using the best available
means in order to ensure the well being of our clients.
2. We do not provide services to our clients in instances when we are physically, mentally, or
emotionally unfit to do so.
3. We are responsible for learning and taking into account beliefs, practices and customs that
pertain to different working contexts and cultures.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

D. Relationships

1. We do not enter into a client- clinician relationship other than for professional
purposes.
2. We do not enter into multiple relationships that can have unforeseeable beneficial or
detrimental impact on our clients. (For exceptions, refer to III-E Multiple Relationships
in Human Relations)
3. We maintain a professional relationship with our clients, avoiding emotional
involvement that would be detrimental for the client’s well being.
4. We do not allow our professional therapeutic relationships with our clients to be
prejudiced by any personal views we hold about lifestyle, gender, age, disability,
sexual orientation, beliefs and culture.
5. We do not engage in sexual intimacies with our current therapy clients, their relatives
or their significant others. We do not terminate therapy to circumvent this standard.
6. We do not engage in sexual intimacies with our former clients, their relatives, or their
significant others for at least 2 years after cessation of our therapy with them.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

E. Record Keeping

We keep appropriate records with our clients and protect them from unauthorized disclosure
unless regulated by the court.

F. Competent Practice

1. We keep up to date with the latest knowledge and scientific advancements to respond to changing
circumstances. We carefully review our own need for continuing need for professional development
and engage in appropriate educational activities.
2. We responsibly monitor and maintain our fitness to provide therapy that enables us to provide
effective service.
3. When the need arises, we seek supervision or consultative support PAP Code of Ethics, page 21
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

G. Working with Young People

We assess and ensure the balance between young people’s dependence on adults and carers
and their capacity for acting independently. We carefully consider the issues of young people
such as capacity to give consent, confidentiality issues and receiving of service independent of
the parents and legal guardian’s responsibility.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

H. Referrals

1. We ensure that referrals with colleagues are discussed and consented by our clients. We
provide an explanation to our clients regarding the disclosure of information that
accompany the referral.
2. We ensure that the recipient of the referral is competent in providing the service and the
client will likely benefit from the referral.
3. In considering referrals, we carefully assess the appropriateness of the referral, benefits
of the referral to the client and the adequacy of client’s consent for referral.
 VIII. THERAPY
PAP’S CODE OF ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

I. Interruption

We assume orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for our client in instances when
our therapy services are terminated.

J. Termination

1. We terminate therapy when we are quite sure that our client no longer needs the
therapy, is not likely to benefit from therapy, or would be harmed by continued
therapy.
2. In cases when therapy is prematurely terminated, we provide pre-termination
counseling and make reasonable efforts to arrange for an orderly and appropriate
referral.
References:

American Psychological Association (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. American Psychological Association. Retrieved September 26,
2021, from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/ethics-code-2017.pdf.

Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning US.

Feldman, R.S. (2003). Essentials of understanding psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Gibson R.L., and Mitchell, M.H. (2008). Introduction to counseling and guidance. New York, NY: Pearson Education

Koffmann, A., & Walters, M. G. (2014). Introduction to psychological theories and psychotherapy. Oxford University Press.

Psychological Association of the Philippines. (2008). PAP code of ethics for Philippine Psychologists. Psychological Association of the Philippines. Retrieved
September 26, 2021, from https://pap.ph/downloadable/PAP_Code_of_Ethics_for_Philippine_Psychologists.pdf.

Santos, Pastor and Bautista. (2014). Principles of guidance and counseling: theory and practice. Manila: Booklore Publishing Corp.

Sharf, R. S. (2017). Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Wampold, B. E. (2019). The basics of psychotherapy: An introduction to theory and practice (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
Introduction to Psychotherapy and Counseling