Reference no: EM133381763

Counselors have many ethical and legal obligations put in place to assist both the client and the professional. As a substance abuse counselor, it is my responsibility to utilize the tools and laws put in place to improve the counseling experience. When counseling individuals experiencing addiction confidentiality and mandatory reporting can be sensitive matters. It is critical to be educated on all ethical and legal requirements to protect my professional identity as a counselor. Working with individuals experiencing addiction can be challenging and the more equip the counselor is the better they will perform in this role. "A code of ethics provides general principles to guide and direct professional behavior" (Toriello & Benshoff, 2003, p. 84). The code of ethics is put in place as a guide to protect professionals. In my future role, it is imperative to identify when there is a need to report, refer, or consult to better serve clients. Counselors are faced with difficult situations and the more knowledgeable they are on the codes of ethics put in place the better they can educate their clients on the laws and responsibilities. According to Toriello & Benshoff (2003), "Some of the ethical dilemmas encountered in a complex environment are irresolvable when relying solely on a code" (p.85). Even with the code of ethics put in place, counselors have to always act in the best interest of their clients and protect their professional identity.