Topics in the Counselling Profession
Explore a variety of topics in the counselling therapy profession, including competencies, scope and standards of practice, code of ethics, and regulations in British Columbia, Canada.
Competencies for Counselling Therapists
FACT-BC, a society of professional associations that represent counsellors and therapists practicing throughout British Columbia, has defined counselling therapy in the following way: "The practice of counselling therapy assists people experiencing difficulties in relationships, or within themselves, and enhances their growth and well-being, by making use of relational, conversational, somatic, expressive, or educational methods and techniques informed by established counselling and psychotherapeutic theories, research, ethical standards, human diversity, and the range of human traditions."
A competency can be defined as the ability to perform a practice task with a specified level of proficiency. While professional competence evolves over the span of a career, there are certain entry-level competencies expected for counselling therapists practicing in the profession.
FACT-BC has defined what level of proficiency is expected in the competencies for entry-to-practice counselling therapists. For example, when presented with commonly occurring practice situations, they apply relevant competencies in a manner consistent with generally accepted standards in the profession, independently, and within a reasonable timeframe. They select and apply competencies in an informed manner, anticipating what outcomes to expect in a given situation, and responding appropriately. They recognize unusual, difficult to resolve and complex situations, and take appropriate steps to address them based on ethics and standards of practice; this includes seeking consultation or supervision, reviewing research literature, and referring the client.
Furthermore, FACT-BC has created a competency profile with 125 competencies (an integrated set of abilities) organized under functional headings within four practice areas:
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Foundations (Human functioning, Theoretical Frameworks, Mental health, Awareness of Self, Diversity)
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Communication and Relationships (Communication, Relationships, Collaborative Practice and Referral)
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Professionalism (Legal and Regulatory Compliance, Ethics, Self-Care and Safety, Reflective Practice, Records, Business Practices, Third Party Support, Reports to Third Parties, Supervision, Collegial Consultation)
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Counselling Therapy Process (Orientation, Assessment, Therapeutic Relationship, Therapeutic Process, Closure)
If you're interested in learning more, please visit the following FACT-BC website pages:
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Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile for Counselling Therapists
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Regulation in BC
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Regulation Across Canada
Ethics in Counselling Therapy
Volition Vocational follows ethical principles adapted from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). These expectations are based on the following fundamental principles:
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Beneficence: Being proactive in promoting the client’s best interests.
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Fidelity: Honouring commitments to clients and maintaining integrity in counselling relationship.
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Nonmaleficence: Not willfully harming clients and refraining from actions that risk harm.
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Autonomy: Respecting the rights of clients to self-determination.
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Justice: Respecting the dignity and just treatment of all persons.
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Societal Interest: Respecting the need to be responsible to society.
We also follow the fundamental ethical principles of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists (ACCT) of Canada. These principles are very similar and include the following:
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Responsible Caring: Being proactive in promoting the client’s best interests.
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Integrity: Honouring commitments to clients and maintaining integrity in the counselling relationship.
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Do No Harm: Refraining from actions that risk harm.
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Independence: Respecting the rights of clients to self-determination.
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Fairness: Respecting the dignity and just treatment of all persons.
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Social Responsibility: Respecting the need to be responsible to society.
Code of Ethics:
We follow the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapist's code of ethics for Registered Therapeutic Counsellors:
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To protect the welfare of my clients and make reasonable efforts to ensure my services are used appropriately.
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To treat all clients with respect and unconditional acceptance.
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To consistently complete a comprehensive assessment at the beginning of the counselling relationship.
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To never exploit a clients trust and to avoid dual relationships.
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To report the sexual or physical abuse of a child to the authorities.
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To avoid overtly or suggested sexual contact with clients and former clients.
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To terminate counselling services when appropriate or requested by the client(s).
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To respect the right of clients to autonomy.
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To provide a private and safe setting for counselling.
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To request payment for service, only after consent for service has been given.
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To ensure proper self-care.
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To maintain healthy boundaries with clients.
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To obtain assistance and refer clients when appropriate.
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To clearly disclose confidentiality limitations, facts about services offered and financial policies.
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To be aware of and comply with all laws and legislation within the counsellor’s relevant jurisdiction for the delivery of counselling services, including but not limited to Provincial Health Act, Privacy Information Protection Act and laws applicable to providing electronic services.
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To maintain client confidentiality, except where there is written consent, danger to self or others or as required by law.
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To carefully assess, develop a safety plan, and document the potential suicidal or homicidal behaviour by a client.
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To maintain accurate and adequate session and financial records.
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To continue to grow and develop as a professional counsellor.
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To avoid conflicts of interest.
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To avoid giving or receiving gifts of substantial value.
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To be aware of the influence my public statements may have.
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To deal appropriately with the unethical behaviour of another counsellor.
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To accept that I cannot realistically expect to succeed with every client.
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To promote my services professionally and accurately.
