National Counselor Exam (NCE)

Which scenario exemplifies a violation of the "scope of practice" ethical standard?

1. A counselor refers a client to another specialist

2. A counselor uses EMDR with a client who insists on this method of treatment

3. A counselor provides general mental health information

4. A counselor shares success stories from past clients

The correct answer is: A counselor uses EMDR with a client who insists on this method of treatment

The scenario involving a counselor using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with a client who insists on this method of treatment exemplifies a violation of the "scope of practice" ethical standard because it indicates that the counselor may not be appropriately trained or credentialed to use that specific therapeutic technique. Ethical guidelines define a professional's scope of practice based on their education, training, and experience. If a counselor employs a therapeutic method that they have not been adequately trained in, they may be exposing the client to risks without the necessary skills to manage potential side effects or challenges associated with the treatment. In this case, even though the client expresses a desire for EMDR, it is the responsibility of the counselor to ensure they possess the requisite qualifications and expertise to implement the treatment safely and effectively. Other scenarios, such as making referrals to specialists, providing general mental health information, or sharing success stories, do not inherently involve actions beyond ethical or professional training, as they either fall within general counseling practice or support client care without imposing specific therapeutic interventions that the counselor may not be qualified to perform.