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Discuss and explore the implications of the BACP Code of Ethics

Many boundary issues exist within counselling and contary to popular belief, there is no mandatory requirement to report suspected child abuse in England and Wales, therefore, ''a therapist has a choice in whether or not to report suspected child abuse, assuming that they are not required to do so by their terms and conditions of employment, or by their own professional code of practice.''(Jenkins 1997 p.134.) Jenkins explains, that the counsellors, ''position is more complex. In effect, they will have to exercise their professional judgement in deciding whether or not to report child abuse. (Jenkins 1997) The responsibility is placed upon the counsellor.

Disclosing information in respect of terrorism is a statutory requirement in the United Kingdom, ''Under s.18 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 it is an offence not to pass on information likely to prevent an act of terrorism, or lead to the arrest of another person connected with such acts.''(Jenkins 1997) Such statutory duties to disclose information are rare; there is a large imposition of values. Using email, Internet chat or video conferencing, strong evidence could be obtained, increasing both the risks to clients and level of the counsellor's power.

In relation to Health and Safety and The Misuse of Drugs Laws, contracts should include guidelines especially where this would have an adverse effect upon counseling. There is also a need to ensure that any physical contact between the client and counsellor is not exploitive, sexual exploitation is possible over a network. Clients ought to be aware of the counsellor's right to refer and of their right to terminate the relatinship at any given time.

Ideally, client and counsellor contracts remain central to the relationship; they are working documents; updated and modified as and when appropriate. The use of contracting is beneficial for both the client and the counsellor. Whilst there may be preference to the use of written words; there is no reason why contracts may not be verbal. The only downside to verbal contracts is that it's difficult to prove what was agreed.

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