The Trauma-Informed Ethical Decision-Making Model: An Integrative Framework

Abstract

The prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and recent increase in stress during the COVID-19 crisis necessitates the practice of trauma-informed care in counseling. When addressing ethical concerns that emerge during counseling, attention to the principles of trauma-informed care is of critical importance. The purpose of this conceptual piece is to propose a Trauma-informed Ethical Decision-making Model that integrates trauma-informed standards (SAMHSA, 2014), with the proposed Principles of Trauma-informed Practice, and Kitchener and Anderson’s (2011) ethical decision-making model. This Trauma-informed Ethical Decision-making Model may provide counselors, particularly counselors-in-training, with a framework for addressing ethical concerns with client survivors of trauma. The framework may also provide counselor educators with a framework to support the development of curriculum regarding trauma-informed practice and ethical decision-making.