, PYC4809 EXAMINATION PORTFOLIO - DUE DATE: 12 OCTOBER 2026
Introduction
Counselling involves much more than providing advice or helping clients deal with
emotional difficulties. It is a professional process in which practitioners have responsibilities
towards the people they assist. Because clients may reveal deeply personal experiences,
counsellors must work within ethical principles that protect their dignity, autonomy, privacy
and wellbeing. Informed consent and confidentiality are particularly important because they
establish clear boundaries between the counsellor and client and help create a relationship
based on trust (Corey, 2021). Counselling practice is also influenced by different theoretical
approaches that explain human behaviour and guide therapeutic intervention. Rational
Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, focuses on the influence of
beliefs on emotional and behavioural responses (Ellis, 1962). Person-Centred Therapy,
associated with Carl Rogers, places greater emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the
client's ability to develop through an accepting and supportive environment (Rogers, 1957).
These approaches also need to be considered within culturally diverse societies, where clients
may have different values, traditions, languages and understandings of personal and social
problems.
Question 1: Discuss the ethical issues in counselling practice with reference to the right to
informed consent and the dimensions of confidentiality
1.1 The right to informed consent
Informed consent means that clients should have enough relevant information about
counselling to make their own decision about whether they want to participate. It is closely
connected to the principle of autonomy because individuals should have control over
decisions concerning their own lives and personal wellbeing (Corey, 2021). Consent is
therefore more than obtaining a client's signature on a document. The client needs to
understand what they are agreeing to.
Introduction
Counselling involves much more than providing advice or helping clients deal with
emotional difficulties. It is a professional process in which practitioners have responsibilities
towards the people they assist. Because clients may reveal deeply personal experiences,
counsellors must work within ethical principles that protect their dignity, autonomy, privacy
and wellbeing. Informed consent and confidentiality are particularly important because they
establish clear boundaries between the counsellor and client and help create a relationship
based on trust (Corey, 2021). Counselling practice is also influenced by different theoretical
approaches that explain human behaviour and guide therapeutic intervention. Rational
Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, focuses on the influence of
beliefs on emotional and behavioural responses (Ellis, 1962). Person-Centred Therapy,
associated with Carl Rogers, places greater emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the
client's ability to develop through an accepting and supportive environment (Rogers, 1957).
These approaches also need to be considered within culturally diverse societies, where clients
may have different values, traditions, languages and understandings of personal and social
problems.
Question 1: Discuss the ethical issues in counselling practice with reference to the right to
informed consent and the dimensions of confidentiality
1.1 The right to informed consent
Informed consent means that clients should have enough relevant information about
counselling to make their own decision about whether they want to participate. It is closely
connected to the principle of autonomy because individuals should have control over
decisions concerning their own lives and personal wellbeing (Corey, 2021). Consent is
therefore more than obtaining a client's signature on a document. The client needs to
understand what they are agreeing to.
