DISCIPLINE AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES Under Art.
Under Art. IV PRACTICE OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING of RA 9258 specify the
right of a counselor
Rights, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities of Counselors and Ethical and Unethical
Behaviors Among Counselors Section 28. Right to Privilege Communication for Guidance Counselor. –
Counselor do have the rights as stated in Republic Act 9258 or popularly known as the A certified guidance counselor who is allowed to practice guidance and counseling in
Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004. accordance with this Act, without the consent of the client, be examined as to any
communication or information which has been acquired while attending to such client. The
RA 9258, more popularly known as the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004, is a law
protection accorded herein shall also extend to the records and secretary or clerk of a
crafted and designed to professionalize the practice of guidance and counseling in the
license guidance counselor, who may not be examined concerning any fact, the
Philippines.
knowledge of which has been acquired in such capacity.
The law also entails the creation of a Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and
Section 28. Right to Privilege Communication for Guidance Counselor. –
Counseling who will then be mandated by this very law to formulate the necessary
rules and regulations that will implement the provisions contained within, in Any evidence obtained in violation of this provision shall be inadmissible for any
coordination with the accredited professional organization. The interim accredited purpose and any proceeding.
professional organization happens to be the PGCA or the Philippine Guidance and
Responsibilities of a Counselor
Counseling Association, Inc.
Assess patients through detailed conversations, interviews, and observations to
This law basically states that “No person shall engage in the practice of guidance and
determine the appropriate testing or examination.
counseling without a valid Certificate of Registration and a valid Professional
Diagnose patient’s mental and emotional disorders.
Identification Card or a Special Permit” and that “no corporation, partnership,
Create effective treatment plans that include counseling, medication, or other
association or entity shall operate a guidance and counseling office, center/clinic,
services.
testing center, rehabilitation center, or otherwise engage in the practice of guidance
Work with patients and develop goals.
and counseling without first securing a permit from the Board. The permit shall be
Regularly discuss the treatment plan with the patient to identify faults or room for
issued only after it has satisfied the Board that such establishment is properly staffed
improvement.
by duly Registered and Licensed Guidance Counselors.”
Educate appropriate coping mechanisms to help patients through tough situations.
What then are the requirements for one to be able to apply for a license under this law? Record the patient’s progress and change their treatment plan when needed.
Be a citizen of the Philippines, or a foreigner whose country has reciprocity with Accountability
the Philippines for the practice of guidance and counseling.
1. Counselor towards its Client/s
Not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude
Be a holder of either a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling or in other Confidentiality
allied disciplines, a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from an
institution in the Philippines or abroad, or a Ph.D. or Ed.D in Guidance and It is the counselors’ responsibility that the client has the confidence in that/everything
Counseling or Counseling Psychology. in the counseling relationship is built on a foundation of trust that their personal or any
other disclosed information is protected from inappropriate disclosure to others.
Privacy UNETHICAL BEHAVIORS OF COUNSELORS
At all times the counselor must make sure that the counselling relationship is protected 1. Use of different psychotherapeutic methods without your permission.
against uncontracted or inappropriate observation, including interference or intrusion by 2. Act unprofessionally
others.
3. Do anything other than practice therapy
2. Counselor towards other profession
4. Lack Confidence
• Counselor shall become knowledgeable about colleagues and develop positive working
5. Share Confidential information
relationships and communication systems.
• Be respectful of differing approaches to counseling services as well as the traditions and
practices of other professional groups.
• Work to develop and strengthen relations with interdisciplinary colleagues.
ETHICAL AND UNETHICAL BEHAVIORS OF COUNSELORS
Ethics - A system of moral principles or values; the rules or standards governing the conduct of
members of a profession; accepted principles of right or wrong; and establishes the means of doing
what is right , fair and honest.
1. RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF THE CLIENT
Guidance counsellors honour and promote the fundamental rights, moral and cultural values,
dignity and worth of clients. They respect clients’ rights to privacy, confidentiality, self-
determination and autonomy, consistent with the law. As far as possible, they ensure that the
client understands and consents to whatever professional action they propose.
2. RESPONSIBILITY
Guidance counsellors are aware of their professional responsibility to act in a trustworthy,
reputable and accountable manner towards clients, colleagues and the community in which
they work and live. They avoid doing harm, take responsibility for their professional actions,
and adopt a systematic approach to resolving ethical dilemmas.
3. INTEGRITY
Guidance counsellors seek to promote integrity in their practice. They represent themselves
accurately and treat others with honesty, straightforwardness and fairness. They deal actively
with conflicts of interest, avoid exploiting others, and are alert to inappropriate behaviour on
the part of colleagues.
