Counselor values and responsibilities

Most of the people believe in God but it is ethical of a counsellor to have an in-depth knowledge of the client's beliefs before introducing prayer. Some clients might not be comfortable with the concept of prayer. Understanding clients’ beliefs are very important because it helps the counsellors to meet the clients’ expectations and this contributes to positive outcomes during and after the counselling session. Religious clients are comfortable with prayer during counselling but both the counsellor and the client should know the main purpose of prayer and how prayer will help in solving the client’s problems. Counsellors need to embrace the dignity, worth and the uniqueness of the clients’ cultural and social context during the counselling sessions. Counsellors should identify the key issues that they need to incorporate the idea of spirituality and prayer in the counselling process because failing to identify the subject need, prayer and the concept of spirituality might seem unethical.

It is ethical if the counsellors seek more knowledge on spirituality through research, training and self-understanding to avoid conflict with the client’s spiritual opinions during the counselling session (Lambie et al, 2008). What are your views on introducing religious/spiritual beliefs or practices to the counseling relationship? Why? Counsellors should be keen on incorporating the client’s religious beliefs, values and practices in the counselling process. This will help the counsellor to get more information on the spirituals issues and the role of prayer in different religions. Having more information on different religions and faith will enable the counsellors to respect the client’s values and values concerning prayer. , & Miller, G. Spirituality: Implications for professional school counsellors' ethical practice. Counselling and Values, 52(3), 211–223.