6.1 Clarifying and Exploring Personal Values

In addition to ethics, morals, and cultural beliefs, an awareness and appropriate management of personal values plays an important role in the counseling relationship. Individual values are beliefs, mores, and attitudes that provide direction for everyday living and are a product of culture and context. From birth, we develop a unique value system through a complex interplay of family, societal, and cultural influences, which are further shaped by any unique circumstances we might experience individually. Taking after Urie Bronfenbrenner’s (1999) bioecological model, our values are also continually shaped by time as various world events continually alter the systems we inhabit. This immense diversity and variability in value-related influences mean that inevitably, one will encounter differences in personal values with their clients. These differences may manifest as relatively benign (i.e., A counselor’s preference for a private, secure life in the suburbs vs. a client’s preference for an active and social life in a large city), or they may be so salient and evocative of countertransference that they threaten to destabilize the counseling relationship if not managed appropriately (e.g., firmly held, opposed political views).

A counselor’s ability to clarify and understand their values is essential for ethical, competent, and effective practice. Values shape how individuals perceive the world, make decisions, and approach interpersonal interactions. In counseling, unchecked personal values can unconsciously influence the therapeutic process, potentially creating biases or conflicts that harm the client or impede their progress. By clarifying their values, counselors can identify areas where their personal beliefs might interfere with their professional obligations and take steps to prevent those beliefs from affecting the counseling relationship.

A clear understanding of personal values enables counselors to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical codes that emphasize respect for client autonomy. For example, counselors often work with clients whose values, lifestyles, or choices differ from their own. Counselors may unintentionally impose their beliefs without self-awareness, leading to value conflicts and diminishing the therapeutic alliance. By recognizing and setting aside their values, counselors create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their beliefs, choices, and goals.

Additionally, clarifying values allows counselors to identify potential areas for growth or additional training. For instance, a counselor who feels discomfort addressing issues such as substance use, gender identity, or religious differences can seek supervision or continuing education to address these limitations. This proactive approach enhances the counselor’s competence and ensures that the client receives unbiased and affirming care. When counselors are clear about their values, they can better uphold the ethical principle of beneficence, prioritizing the client’s well-being over their perspectives.