10.13 Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
- How can counselors balance the ethical responsibility to maintain adolescent confidentiality with legal requirements to involve parents or guardians?
- What strategies can counselors use to build trust with adolescent clients, particularly when discussing sensitive topics like self-harm or substance use?
- In what ways does the principle of autonomy apply to adolescents in counseling, and how can counselors navigate situations where autonomy conflicts with parental involvement?
- How can counselors effectively assess and address safety risks, such as self-harm or suicidal ideation, while respecting the adolescent’s right to privacy?
- What are the ethical considerations when working with adolescents from diverse cultural or familial backgrounds, and how can counselors ensure culturally responsive care?
- How should counselors approach situations where an adolescent client discloses sensitive information but explicitly asks the counselor not to share it with their parents?
- What role does informed consent and assent play in counseling adolescents, and how can counselors ensure that both adolescents and their parents understand the scope of services?
- How can counselors navigate ethical dilemmas when working with adolescents who are experiencing conflicts with their parents or guardians?
- What are the potential challenges of addressing substance use issues with adolescent clients, and how can counselors approach these issues ethically?
- How can supervision or consultation help counselors make ethical decisions when working with complex adolescent cases involving confidentiality, safety, and family dynamics?