ABSTRACT
According to Kitchener (1984), there are fi ve core moral principles that serve as the foundation for ethical codes and ethical decision-making processes. These include:
Autonomy : The client’s independence and their right to chose Nonmalefi cence : The counselor’s obligation to do no harm Benefi cence : The counselor’s obligation to help the client, to be of benefi t to the
client (goes beyond doing no harm) Justice : Treating clients the same under the same conditions Fidelity : The counselor’s loyalty, faithfulness, and trustworthiness in support
of their clients
These principles serve as the foundation for professionals making decisions about clients’ care and treatment. State laws also infl uence these decision-making processes. The relationship between state laws and professional codes of ethics is also complex.
