IPA5146 - Professional Ethics

Students are oriented to relevant professional organizations; the need for liability insurance, codes of ethics, professional standards and certification is examined. The course reviews major contemporary issues that surround the practice of pastoral counselling (e.g., confidentiality and its limits, record keeping, informed consent, the legal concerns impacting pastoral counselling) and research. The student is introduced to the processes of ethical reasoning and ethical decision-making. The need for continued training and supervised practice leading to certification will be discussed. Considerable attention is given to the role of informed judgment and peer consultation in resolving ethical dilemmas.