VALUES AND THE

HELPING
RELATIONSHIP
CHAPTER 3
THIS WEEK -
• Read Chapter 3 in our text
• Email any questions to Dr. Wolf.
• Read this PowerPoint presentation
• This ppt is not a replacement for the text.

• Read the codes of ethics of the AACC, ACA, and NBCC. The links are
found in our class syllabus. Note and list the discrepancies between these
codes by the due date listed in the class syllabus. Do you recognize any
values in these codes?
PERSONAL VALUES VS. PROFESSIONAL
IDENTITY
• We all bring our personalities, histories, values, and deeply held beliefs into the counseling
profession. When used correctly, they aid us in our profession. When ill used, they can harm those
we try to help. This chapter focuses on the issue of values and biases inside of the counseling
room.
• Having values and biases is not a problem. It is the denial that we have them or the belief that they
do not belong in the counseling room that is the problem. It seems that for some mental health
professionals, values are synonymous with traditional beliefs so we are being asked to leave these
beliefs at the counseling room door. I would argue that all counselors operate under a belief
system – only some don’t recognize it.
• While our text offers important guidance and information, note that Christian counselors will
strongly disagree with some of the conclusions presented in this chapter.
CONTINUED

Our closely held beliefs serve as a lens from which we view events. Our view of life, then,
guides our thought process and ultimately our decisions. These views emphasize the
importance of the individual to understand himself, his thoughts, emotions, conclusions, and
so forth, and to understand and articulate personal assumptions about the meaning of life.
What was once termed life-view is now more commonly referred to as worldview. Given the
impact of worldviews on the individual, it is reasonable to conclude that worldviews also
direct professional assumptions. A professional worldview is not and should not be detached
from a personal worldview; rather, it is those basic personal presuppositions found in one's
most basic beliefs that govern professional theory and activity.
WORLDVIEW DEFINED

Harvard professor, A. Nicholi defines worldview as follows:

It influences how we perceive ourselves, how we relate to others, how we adjust to
adversity, and what we understand to be our purpose. Our worldview helps determine our
values, our ethics, and our capacity for happiness. It helps us understand where we come
from, our heritage; who we are, our identity; why we exist on this planet, our purpose; what
drives us, our motivation; and where we are going, our destiny.
Worldviews are influential in how problems are conceptualized and determine how those problems
will be treated. How student counselors explain or interpret what they see is dependent upon what
they believe about the world in which they live--it depends upon their worldview. However, counseling
problems are often complex and unclear, and where information is ambiguous--one's worldview
provides interpretation. For Toffler (1971) "Every person carries in his head a mental model of the
world --a subjective representation of external reality" (p. 151).

In the counseling room, these mental maps, or worldviews, guide the choice of skills that are used,
influence the feelings that are reflected, and choose the issues that are pursued as well as those that
are ignored. 

Worldviews make some theories of change more attractive than others. Questions concerning how
problems begin and how they are resolved depend largely on personal assumptions. Thus,
worldviews are like compasses by which counselors navigate making the exploration of these views
vital for the student counselor.
THUS YOUR CHRIST-CENTERED
PERSONAL WORLDVIEW SHOULD
ALSO BE YOUR PROFESSIONAL
WORLDVIEW
IMPOSING VS. EXPOSING
• A wise professor once told me that as a Christian counselor, I should carefully expose
those under my care to Christian thought. What we do not want to do is to demand that all
people share our beliefs or to withhold treatment from those who see life differently.
• Imposing one’s views onto a client violates the basic principle of our code of ethics: do
no harm. Imposing is to remove freedom of choice, to manipulate someone who is
vulnerable into agreeing with the counselor in order to receive help.
• Exposing is to offer a biblical way of looking at a situation or a solution to a problem
without demanding that the person accept that view.
• A good rule is to expose, not impose.
WHAT TO DO WHEN VALUES CONFLICT
• ACA insist that all counselors should be willing to counsel those with whom they have
strong conflicting values. Thankfully, Texas counselors are not bound by ACA’s ethics.
• Not all value conflicts need to be grounds for referral. Many of our clients will hold
views that we disagree with but we can typically work around them. I would go so far as
to say that being uncomfortable with your client’s views is not reason enough to refer
them.
• The goal is to be aware of your own values and how they impact you so when you bump
up against your client’s values, you can identify the issue and make a decision about how
to proceed.
HANCOCK QUOTE
• “When there is a conflict between a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs and the needs of that
client, without question the client’s needs must come first.” (Hancock, pg 74)
• I agree with this statement for several reasons.
1. The client is often vulnerable and so must be protected.
2. Being a professional means to place the client above yourself.
3. Christ models this very thing.

• Let me be clear – I am not suggesting that you adopt the values or even agree with them, only
that your decisions on how to proceed must place the client’s wellbeing above your own
discomfort.
VALUE DISCRIMINATION
The class text argues that referring due to value conflicts is unethical, citing that “the
counseling process is not about your personal values; it is about the values and needs of
your clients.” That counseling is not about us is absolutely true. It is about a hurting person
who is coming to us for help. However, I disagree that we leave our values at the counseling
room door. Consider this: we have an opportunity to share Christ’s love and compassion
with people who may not have ever set foot inside of a church. I encourage each of you to
not violate your closely held beliefs but to be wise and gentle in how we present them.
Remember that Jesus allowed people to refuse Him. Maybe we should do the same.
COMMON AREAS OF CONFLICT

• Issues surrounding sexuality • Adultery

• Abortion • Cheating/Stealing
• Divorce • Lying
• Drugs and Alcohol Use • Divorce
• Illegal activity • Independence vs. strong family ties
• Assisted suicide
INFORMED CONSENT
The text states that counselor training programs should be clear what is expected of student
counselors, meaning that their values may need to be set aside.
Perhaps a better way to think about informed consent would be between the client and
counselor. Informed consent is often associated with a document signed during the intake
session. In that situation, it is a formal informed consent. In other words, the client is being
informed of what counseling is and is not, their rights, and rules that govern professional
counseling. There is also an informal informed consent. This is when we gain the consent of our
clients as we make suggestions, or ask them to participate in a technique. When they indicate a
willingness, they have consented. When they are hesitant, we must allow them to refuse without
fear of upsetting us. This concept has strong implications for working with conflicting values.
WHEN TO REFER?
• There is a time to refer clients to someone who is better equipped to help them.
Discussing your concerns with your supervisor is an important starting place. Remember
that conflicting values may not be the insurmountable obstacle that you think it is.
• Let me encourage you to never compromise your Christian beliefs. With that said, sitting
with people who have a non-biblical worldview is often the opportunity to model the
unfailing love of Christ.
• When values are so conflictual that working towards an acceptable goal is impossible,
then referral is the right choice.