Navigating Ethical Concerns in Student Counseling Sessions

Q: Navigating Ethical Concerns in Student Counseling Sessions

Hello, netizen： (1) Based on your description, logically you should not accept his request. <br>From your own reasoning, it seems that you, being wise, would arrive at the same conclusion. <br>(2) According to your account, this approach makes you feel hurt, which clearly poses a

My concerns?

Hello, Doctor: I am currently studying at a university and I have some psychological concerns.
I have been visiting the student counseling center to talk with the director.
Two days ago, he suddenly approached me enthusiastically and used a confrontational interviewing technique, persistently probing for details that made me very uncomfortable, especially focusing on subtle differences in my wording to challenge me.
I felt very uneasy, but I did not confront him directly.
What was even more disturbing was that he candidly told me that this was a new interviewing technique he had learned, and he wanted to try it out on me to see how it worked, so he could use it on other students in the future.
I was holding back my emotions, but inside I was screaming, "I am a person! Not a guinea pig, nor your guinea pig, your experimental subject or material! I have feelings too!" He also mentioned wanting to conduct an empty chair therapy session, asking me to imagine a teacher I despise.
I told him that a few years ago, a counselor had asked me to do this, but I couldn't go through with it.
He responded, "That's because you didn't have an opponent." He insisted on doing a two-chair therapy session where he would play the role of that teacher and we would switch roles.
I immediately said, "I don't want to do this." Yet, he continued on his own path.
Throughout the entire session, I felt no respect whatsoever.
People say, "One's heart is the same as another's," but what I saw was a counselor who, despite his professional background, was arrogant and did not treat me as a person.
He does not have a background in psychology; he only holds a doctorate in special education and has undergone short-term workshop training at the Changhua University of Education's community counseling center.
Furthermore, he mentioned wanting to conduct an experiment to observe the interviewing techniques of a psychiatrist, and he had already arranged for that psychiatrist to talk to me while he observed.
He even told me, "Actually, I don't care what you discuss with the doctor; I just want to see his interviewing skills and abilities." Should I accept his request? Does his approach have ethical and moral flaws? Additionally, if he wants to conduct empty chair and two-chair therapy with me, how should I respond?

u, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/11/27

Dr. Zhang Hongjun reply Psychiatry

Hello, netizen: (1) Based on your description, logically you should not accept his request.
From your own reasoning, it seems that you, being wise, would arrive at the same conclusion.
(2) According to your account, this approach makes you feel hurt, which clearly poses a risk of violating professional ethical standards.
(3) Based on your description and reasoning, you possess sufficient capability to address the issues you are facing.

Dear student, Dr.
Yuan-Sun Chou from the Adult Psychiatry Department: Your feelings are understandable.
Essentially, during the process of psychological counseling or therapy, you have the right to decide whether to continue or not.
If needed, you can reach out further, and I will do my best to refer you to an appropriate counselor.
Additionally, I apologize for the delayed response to your inquiry due to my vacation.

Dr.
Hong-Jun Chang 91-12-03

Reply Date: 2002/11/27

More Info

Navigating ethical concerns in student counseling sessions is a critical issue that requires careful consideration of both the counselor's professional responsibilities and the student's rights and feelings. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort and unease during your counseling sessions with the director of the student counseling center. This situation raises several ethical concerns that are worth discussing.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that a counselor's primary responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive environment for their clients. This includes respecting the client's autonomy and emotional boundaries. From your account, it appears that the counselor is employing techniques that make you feel uncomfortable, such as pressuring you for details and using experimental methods without your consent. This approach can be seen as a violation of ethical standards in counseling, which emphasize the importance of informed consent and the client's right to refuse certain interventions.

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in counseling and therapy. It means that clients should be fully aware of the methods being used, the goals of the therapy, and any potential risks involved. The counselor's admission that he is using you as a subject for his new techniques without your explicit consent raises significant ethical concerns. It is not appropriate for a counselor to treat a client as a mere subject for experimentation, especially when the client has expressed discomfort with the proposed methods.

Moreover, the use of techniques such as "empty chair" or "two-chair" therapy should be approached with caution and sensitivity. These methods can be powerful tools for self-exploration and emotional processing, but they require the client's willingness and readiness to engage in such exercises. If you have already communicated your reluctance to participate in these techniques, the counselor should respect your wishes and explore alternative methods that align with your comfort level.

In response to your situation, here are several steps you can take:
1. Communicate Your Feelings: If you feel safe doing so, consider expressing your discomfort directly to the counselor. You can explain that you do not appreciate being pressured for details or being treated as a subject for experimentation. A professional counselor should be open to feedback and willing to adjust their approach based on your needs.

2. Seek a Second Opinion: If the situation does not improve or if you continue to feel uncomfortable, consider seeking counseling from another professional. Many universities have multiple counselors available, and you have the right to choose someone with whom you feel more at ease.

3. Document Your Experiences: Keep a record of your sessions, including specific instances where you felt uncomfortable or disrespected. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to file a complaint or seek further assistance from the university's counseling services or administration.

4. Consult University Policies: Familiarize yourself with your university's policies regarding counseling services and ethical standards. Most institutions have guidelines in place to protect students' rights and ensure ethical practices in counseling.

5. Consider Reporting the Behavior: If you believe the counselor's actions are unethical or harmful, you may want to report the behavior to the counseling center's administration or to a relevant oversight body within the university. It is crucial for educational institutions to maintain high ethical standards in their counseling services.

In conclusion, your feelings of discomfort and unease are valid, and it is essential to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Ethical counseling should always be client-centered, respectful, and transparent. You have the right to advocate for yourself and seek the support you need in a manner that feels safe and comfortable. Remember, you are not just a subject for experimentation; you are a person deserving of respect and care in your counseling journey.

Similar Q&A

Navigating the Challenges of Counseling: Finding Personal Strengths

Hello, Doctor: Thank you for your previous response, which has given me a lot to think about. However, I feel like I'm constantly caught in contradictions and would like to ask for your guidance again. Thank you. I really want to develop my own abilities and be able to sup...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I recall that you have asked similar questions a couple of times. In our society, there are many professionals. When we encounter something we do not understand, we naturally seek advice from experts, and we have certain expectations from them. When a car breaks down, we t...

Finding Inner Peace as a School Counselor: Navigating Emotional Challenges

As a school counselor, I often feel a sense of guilt when I encounter children from extremely complicated family backgrounds. At times, I experience feelings of hopelessness, especially when faced with unmotivated and pessimistic parents, leading me to question whether I am truly...

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry
Dear Sir/Madam, The current social environment often places high expectations on those who work diligently, leading to increased stress that can activate the sympathetic nervous system. Since the sympathetic nervous system affects most organs in the body, any feelings of anxiety...

Struggling to Graduate: Navigating Mental Health and Academic Challenges

Recently, I've been troubled by interpersonal relationships and academic pressures. The interpersonal aspect has extended into my emotional life. As a third-year master's student, I am nearing the maximum four-year limit for my program, yet I still struggle with experim...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, it seems that your interpersonal relationships are indeed quite challenging. However, since relationships are built on continuous interactions, it is difficult to pinpoint whether the issue lies with us or with others. You mentioned mostly unpleasant outcomes; perhaps it w...

Navigating Friendship Dilemmas: Understanding Emotional Exhaustion and Self-Care

My mind is filled with conflicting thoughts, and I feel like I'm always engaging in people-pleasing behaviors. When someone sends me a message asking for research papers, I feel pressured to help them complete their request. If I say I can't, they might respond with, &q...

Dr. Chen Yuying reply Psychiatry
Hello Sine: You can choose to change or choose to remain the same. Change comes with its own advantages and disadvantages; for example, you may no longer be as popular as before, and classmates who only wanted to take advantage of you may drift away, but you can gain more persona...