16.10 Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
- How can counselors navigate ethical dilemmas when a client’s goals for harm reduction differ from the counselor’s perspective or societal norms regarding abstinence?
- What role does client autonomy play in harm reduction counseling, and how can counselors respect this while addressing safety and well-being?
- How should counselors address potential conflicts between harm reduction practices and organizational policies or funding requirements that prioritize abstinence?
- What strategies can counselors use to balance nonmaleficence (avoiding harm) and beneficence (promoting good) when working with clients engaged in risky behaviors?
- How can counselors ensure that harm reduction interventions are culturally sensitive and appropriate for diverse client populations?
- What ethical considerations arise when collaborating with other professionals or agencies that may have differing views on harm reduction?
- How should counselors document harm reduction goals and progress in a way that supports ethical practice and client confidentiality?
- What are the potential ethical challenges of providing harm reduction services, such as needle exchanges or medication-assisted treatment, in communities with significant stigma around substance use?
- How can counselors advocate for systemic changes to support harm reduction while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical integrity?
- What steps can counselors take to manage their own biases or discomfort around harm reduction approaches to ensure that they provide nonjudgmental and effective care?