Performance Learning Outcome #2

Artifacts 

• COUN6101 Ethics and Professional Identity – Ethical Case Analysis Part I 
• COUN6101 Ethics and Professional Identity – Ethical Case Analysis Part III 

Reflection & Analysis 

Just  like any job or career, there are always ethical concerns/ethical  responsibilities that should always be considered when working with  other individuals. This artifact of assignments helped me realize the importance of ethical responsibility as a mental performance consultant. In this assignment, we were provided with a case study that presented ethical issues where I had to become aware of, learn how to properly address it, and follow our ethical guidelines as  mental performance consultants (AASP and APA ethical codes). I was able to learn and find the significance in applying the 10-step ethical-decision making model (Welfel,  2012) when an ethical issue arises. This assignment helped me  familiarize myself with ethical issues, how to manage them, and ways to  increase my ethical responsibility as a mental performance consultant. I am now more aware of important ethical topics such as confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, professional responsibility, competence, human differences, consultations and referrals, and third-party requests for services. Knowing where to turn, or what decision  to make depending on the ethical issue that arises is important when  making critical/effective decisions in our field. Throughout these artifacts, I have also learned that through the ethical decision-making process, seeking consultation from a mentor or supervisor is crucial when considering the actions to take in the situation. The different ethical codes of ethics regarding AASP (Association for Applied Sport Psychology) and APA (American Psychological Association) differ depending  on the situation that arises. These are codes we as mental performance  consultants can go to help us guide an ethical concern or issue. It does  not necessarily give us the answer to the specific situation but provides us with insight to make the most effective ethical decision.  

Before the creation of these artifacts, I was not aware of how many ethical dilemmas can come from consulting with athletes. These artifacts were the steppingstones for me to realize how I carry myself, how I communicate with athletes, where I communicate with athletes, and what I can and cannot share. Before these artifacts, I just believed you could speak with any athlete (did not realize the importance of parental consent), and there was not a process for how you set up meetings. However, it is crucial to be clear on your boundaries, competencies, confidentiality and privacy policies, so that everyone in the relationship feels safe  and secure (but also covering your basis for legal purposes).  

To improve upon the initial submission of this assignment, I was able to gather all information and feedback from my professor and classmates (peer reviews occurred during this assignment) and get more clear on specific ethical codes. An important ethical issue that I learned and received more clarity on was the topic of confidentiality and privacy. This ethical code can be found in AASP ethics code 19 where it describes how to keep the confidentiality of the client's information and maintain his or her privacy. It is also acknowledged that the information may  only be released if the individual has given explicit consent (AASP,  2024).