What does the term "ethical dilemmas" refer to for a counselor in Maryland?

The term "ethical dilemmas" for a counselor in Maryland refers to situations where competing values create conflict. This encompasses circumstances in which a counselor may face differing ethical principles or obligations that make it challenging to determine the best course of action. In such scenarios, the counselor must navigate the tension between their professional responsibilities, the needs of their clients, and the ethical guidelines governing their practice. This concept is fundamental in the field of counseling, as professionals are often confronted with complex issues that require careful consideration of various ethical standards and values.

In contrast, instances of client noncompliance primarily relate to the client’s actions and behaviors, not the ethical conflicts faced by the counselor. Cases of financial misconduct deal specifically with unethical financial behaviors rather than broader ethical disputes. The management of personal biases is also an important aspect of counseling but does not specifically encompass the conflicts rooted in competing values that define ethical dilemmas. Therefore, the core of ethical dilemmas is best captured by the presence of conflicting values and the resulting challenges for the counselor in making ethically sound decisions.