Christian Counseling Connection Vol. 20, Iss. 4

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Christian Counseling Connection 21
treat all clients with dignity and respect, no matter their culture, values, or background (AACC, 2014), and the ACA prohibits
discrimination on any basis (ACA, 2014). Both codes further prohibit counselors from imposing their values on clients (AACC,
2014; ACA, 2014). At the core of imposing values and discrimination is an attitude of pride, while humility is an attitude that
leads to compassion and understanding. Let us look to the example of Jesus, who “… did not count equality with God a thing to
be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant…” (Philippians 2:6-7, ESV).
While I was originally uninterested in the topic of ethics, I now realize how important it is to remain up-to-date with appro-
priate ethical codes. Yet, as Christian counselors, we must not only know them, but also continually grow in the characteristics of
Jesus and those required of an ethical counselor. ;
TRENDING NOW
References
American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) (2014). AACC code of ethics: The Y-2014 code of ethics. Retrieved from
of%20Ethics%20-%20Master%20Document.pdf.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) (2015). AAMFT code of ethics. Retrieved from
Ethics/Code_of_Ethics.aspx.
American Counseling Association (ACA). (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) (2010). AMHCA code of ethics. Retrieved from:
Alisha Keener, M.A.,recently completed
her master’s degree in Professional
Counseling at Liberty University and
is practicing as a Provisional Licensed
Professional Counselor. She is a military
spouse currently living in Louisiana and the
mother of four daughters.
Amy L. Evans, Ph.D., is a Licensed
Professional Counselor and an Assistant
Professor for the Department of Counselor
Education and Family Studies at Liberty
University Online. Amy resides in
Wisconsin with her husband of 19 years and
their three daughters.