When I began graduate school, I had a basic understanding of ethics: do no harm, maintain confidentiality, and respect

clients. However, I quickly realized that ethical and legal responsibilities in counseling are far more complex and nuanced.

From my first ethics course, I was introduced to the ACA. The Code of Ethics has become a foundational guide, not only for

my role as a counselor but also for my personal growth in this profession. At first, the ethical standards felt overwhelming.

With so many principles to follow—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity—I worried about

whether I would always know what to do in difficult situations. What helped me was learning how to apply ethical

decision-making model. It provided a structured approach to analyzing dilemmas, considering potential consequences,

consulting with supervisors and making informed decisions that protect both the client and me as a counselor.

          As I progressed through the program and entered into practicum and internship, ethical concerns became real and

immediate. I faced decisions involving mandated reporting, informed consent, boundaries, dual relationships, and managing

confidentiality in settings where multiple professionals were involved. For example, working in a substance abuse program

for adolescents meant that I often had to explain the limits of confidentiality in clear, developmentally appropriate

language—not only to clients, but to their parents or guardians as well. Learning to navigate these conversations with

transparency and compassion was a significant area of growth for me.

         One of the most important lessons I learned is that being ethical doesn’t always mean having the “perfect” answer—it

means being thoughtful, consulting with supervisors, understanding legal requirements, and always acting in the client’s

best interest. I learned to document thoroughly, to ask questions when in doubt, and to stay updated on state laws and

agency policies related to minors, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. These were not just academic exercises—

they became essential to my clinical work. I also became more confident in setting and maintaining boundaries, particularly

around social media, dual relationships, and self-disclosure. In the beginning, I felt unsure about how to assert these

boundaries with clients or staff members in a treatment setting. Over time, I learned that boundaries are not just protective

—they model healthy behavior and preserve the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. I realized that ethical practice is

not a set of restrictions; it is a commitment to professionalism, respect, and accountability.

       Supervision was crucial to my ethical development. I learned how to bring up concerns without fear of judgment and

how to think critically about gray areas. My supervisor helped me explore my values and biases and how these might

impact ethical decision-making. I learned that ethical practice involves ongoing reflection on my power as a counselor, my

cultural assumptions, and my reactions. Looking back, my understanding of ethics and the law has grown from theory to

lived practice. I now approach my work with greater confidence, clarity, and care. I understand that ethical counseling is not

just about avoiding mistakes; it's about building trust, protecting client welfare, and upholding the standards of our

profession.  As I move forward in this field, I know that ethical and legal issues will continue to arise, and I am committed to

remaining vigilant, informed, and humble. I have developed the tools, mindset, and support systems to face these challenges

with integrity, and that is one of the most meaningful ways I’ve grown as a counselor.