Question

Should a counselor remain value-objective about controversial issues presented by a client (such as abortion, suicide, adultery, drug use, domestic violence, child abuse, etc.)? Some counselors might argue that they should not express their values or criticize their clients for these behaviors, while others would say that expressing moral judgment is appropriate.

Answer 1

A counselor or a therapist must abide by the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association. The client and the therapist come together to help the client cope and adapt better in his environment. An issue like adultery is very subjective in its morality. There is no right or wrong. If a person is running after sex, that is his vice which he is not able to exert self-control on. If his reason for adultery is unsatisfying sex, I would counsel him to speak to his wife about it instead of looking it elsewhere. However, rubbing off moral judgment on the client is inappropriate. There is a way to do it and it must follow within the guidelines.