Review the Ethical Situations document. Choose three issues in the document. Use the NOSHE standards or standards specific to your interest area. Identify which standards would address the following situations and what action you might take.
1. Your co worker refuses to work with a client who is a cross dresser.

When representing a counseling firm or corporation one should use non-discriminatory methods. If an individual approaches a client with a preconceived set of values that are overwhelmingly different from that of the client then it could cause more harm than good and therefore it should be taken into consideration. The APA Code of Ethics has set certain standards that are in place in order to shield not only the client but the therapist from such situations. For starters let me name those standards then I will explain how they connect.

1.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts

(a) Psychologists refrain from initiating an activity when they know or should know that there is a substantial likelihood that their personal problems will prevent them from performing their work related activities in a competent manner.

(b) When psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their performing work related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate their work-related duties.

According to 2.06 my co-worker has obviously recognized a personal conflict. However, simply refusing to work with the client seems to be against the ethic code. With this in mind, I would suggest that my co-worker take the matter to a supervisor and discuss the issue. By doing this they would be acting in a professional manner and possibly finding a solution to the issue at hand. The fact is, there is a huge rise in the Gay, Lesbian, Cross dressing, Bisexual Community and psychologists need to become familiar with this culture and learn to adjust to the situations that arise. At the very least, Counseling centers need to have faculty available that are familiar to work with these clients who can and will provide expert care.

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