Walking a tightrope: A balancing act by school counsellors
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Authors
Pizzini, Nigel
Gremillion, Helen
Newman, T.
Shaw, Kristi Lee
Gremillion, Helen
Newman, T.
Shaw, Kristi Lee
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Date
2021
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Type
Journal Article
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
New Zealand
New Zealand secondary schools
secondary schools
secondary students
students
school counselling
counselling
ethic of care
harm reduction
communities of practice
disclosure
New Zealand secondary schools
secondary schools
secondary students
students
school counselling
counselling
ethic of care
harm reduction
communities of practice
disclosure
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Pizzini, N., Gremillion, H., & Newman, T. (2021). Walking a tightrope: A balancing act by school counsellors. New Zealand Journal of Counselling, 41(1), 45-58.
Abstract
When clients report harm or abuse to a counsellor and the threshold of “imminent harm” is not met, the counsellor faces potentially competing ethical imperatives. While reporting or informing others can bring safety, it can also harm relationships, including the therapeutic alliance. Focussing on the context of school counselling, this article makes a case for the relative autonomy of counsellors if they wish to consult with other professionals to help clarify their ethical, moral, and legal obligations. We argue that counsellors need not inform clients that such consultation has occurred. In addition, this article explores language that preserves the therapeutic relationship and advocates for a collaborative response to harm reduction that wherever possible prioritises client choice and agency around matters of disclosure.
Publisher
New Zealand Association of Counsellors
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New Zealand Association of Counsellors
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