The Ethics of Spirit-Centered Counseling

Abstract

At present, no ethical standards exist for Spirit-centered counselors. This article is an initial delineation of these standards. Professional ethical standards are reviewed, and specific guidelines identified. Attention is given to value ethics as “nonobligatory ideals to which professionals aspire” and to principle ethics as a set of obligations and a method that focuses on moral issues with the goal of solving a particular dilemma or set of dilemmas and establishing a framework to guide future ethical thinking and behavior. Standards for Christian counseling ethics as identified by Sanders (1997) and the AACC are compared and contrasted with professional counseling ethics as postulated by professional counseling organizations. Finally, using 1 Corinthians 13 & 14, as well as Galatians 6, specific ethical attitudes and actions that should govern Spirit-centered counseling activities are described.