Ethical Decision Making: A Guide for Counselors in the 21st Century

Ethical Decision Making: A Guide for Counselors in the 21st Century emphasizes the importance of ethical decision making while simultaneously recognizing the complexity and nuance involved in decision making in the counseling profession. Urging readers beyond simple comprehension of a professional code of ethics, the text guides them through the translation and application of codes of ethics to critical clinical decisions.

In Section I, readers learn about the need for and challenge of ethical practice, and receive an introduction to various models of ethical decision making. Section II highlights the unique challenges counselors face in a time of expanded diversity and increasing technology. Readers are provided with case illustrations and guided exercises to close the gap between theory and practice. In dedicated chapters, readers are invited to apply an ethical decision-making model to specific clinical dilemmas.

Ethical Decision Making provides a structure needed to guide the ethical decision making in the 21st century. It is an ideal supplementary text for courses and programs in counseling as well as a valuable tool for those in practice.

Richard D. Parsons, Ph.D. is a professor of counselor education at West Chester University. He has over 40 years of university teaching experience and has had a private clinical practice for over 30 years. Dr. Parsons serves as a consultant to educational and mental health institutions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. He has authored or co-authored over 90 books, book chapters, and professional articles. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Temple University.

Peter J. Boccone, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the Counselor Education Department at West Chester University. He is an approved clinical supervisor and a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Dr. Boccone’s research interests include legal and ethical issues in counseling and LGBTQ+ considerations in counseling.