A counsellor's behaviour and actions are governed by an ethical framework, which is a collection of norms or principles. The European Counseling Association (EAC) has outlined its core principles, which include honesty, empathy, respect, and the ability to recognise and balance the advantages and disadvantages of one's situation. Ethical frameworks can guide counsellors on how to handle potential ethical issues. Moral values in counselling and the law are comparable to the right to be informed by legislation on liberty and freedom of expression in health, education, and the workplace. It may be helpful to look at some of the areas where law and counselling ethics coexist to understand how the two systems fit together. According to the Data Protection and Cybersecurity Bill of Rights, therapists must make sure client data is stored securely. When working as a counsellor, getting liability insurance is crucial to take into account. Counselling and psychotherapy are not yet subject to any legally binding regulations in the UK. It is optional to join a professional organisation and abide by its code of ethics. To understand how the legal and ethical systems coexist, it may be helpful to look at some of the areas where the two systems overlap. This is because the relationship between counselling and the law presents several difficulties for the profession. The counselling agreement's details, such as time restrictions and any financial components, will also be included in the contract. Typically, the client signs a formal contract when therapy first begins, and the client and therapist must take the necessary time to make sure the client fully comprehends and is satisfied with the terms of the agreement. When working as a counsellor, getting liability insurance is crucial to take into account. A legally binding counselling rule does not yet exist. Moral values in counselling and the law are of the same importance when it comes to the right to be informed via laws about liberty and freedom of expression in health, education, and the workplace and to support the management of race, gender, and class. Unlike counselling, which has its roots in relationships and evolved, placing a strong emphasis on humanistic ideals, the law is by necessity linear, rational, and explicit, but counselling is by nature heterogeneous and imprecise due to its evolutionary development. Because of this, the relationship between counselling and the law presents a difficult situation for the profession. To understand how the two systems of ethics and law interact, it may be helpful to look at some of the areas where law and counselling ethics overlap. Designed to shield people from discrimination, the Equality Act (2010) is a piece of legislation. Age, handicap, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation are all grounds for discrimination (Legislation.co.uk, 2010). According to the BACP ethical framework, the legal principle of equality and the ethical ideal of respect are intimately related. The framework emphasises conformity to anti-discriminatory law: Respect: "We will... try to show equality, value diversity, and make sure all clients are included." Additionally, "We shall carefully analyse the law regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive for a higher level than the legal minimum." (BACP, 2018, p. 20) There is widespread understanding of the therapist's ethical need to maintain the client confidentiality, but the client must be made aware of any ethical or legal restrictions on confidentiality. People can decide for themselves what information they want to disclose. The therapist must follow any legal requirements for confidentiality. As follows: Client disclosures of information about drug trafficking or money laundering must be reported to the police. If a client divulges information about a terrorist attack, the therapist is required to alert the authorities of the information without informing the patient. A therapist is required to turn over client notes in situations when a judge or coroner has issued a legal order requiring the release of the client's notes. Keeping client notes factual and succinct is typically regarded as best practice. Privacy Protection Act (2018). This includes the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has an impact on how we handle client data. The purpose of this legislation is to protect client data and ensure that it is only retained as necessary and justifiable, thus therapists must become familiar with it (Legislation.co.uk, 2018). Clients receive all the necessary information regarding how we handle their information, as well as any potential confidentiality breaches, in a clear contract. A description of the counselling arrangement, including time restrictions and any financial components, will also be included in the contract. At the start of therapy, the client typically signs a formal contract, and the two of them must take the time to make sure the client fully understands and is satisfied with the terms. agreement's conditions. A crucial factor to take into account when working as a counsellor is purchasing liability insurance. If you face legal action, insurance may be able to protect your finances. For those working in private practice, personal liability insurance is essential. It's a good idea to check if your employer's insurance covers you if you work in an organisational setting. Insurance shows professionalism and protection even though litigation is uncommon. In the UK, counselling and psychotherapy are not yet subject to any legally binding regulations. An ethical code and membership in a professional organisation are optional. The designations "Counsellor" and "Advisor.”
