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Problem-Solving Case Studies
Grand Canyon University: PCN-404
Case Study 1: Kitchener and Anderson Models
, 2
There will be many times in the course of a counselor’s career when they will be faced
with an ethical dilemma. These ethical dilemmas can involve boundaries and
confidentiality. This makes it imperative that the counselor has the ability to make
ethical decisions and follows the ethical principles. “Several foundational principles are
the underpinnings of best ethical practice and are viewed as central to the process of
ethical decision making within the helping professions” (Davis, 2016). This case study
involves Selena, who was arrested for a DUI. This was her first DUI and first time in
treatment. Her family wants to be involved, as their beliefs are that things like this are to
be worked through together. The Kitchener and Anderson model fits for this case study.
“This model consists of the moral principles of autonomy (freedom of action and choice),
beneficence (doing good), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (fairness)”
(Davis, 2016). In Selena’s case, autonomy would help her to make better choices.
Beneficence is important in Selena’s case as it will be important to maintain
confidentiality, yet keeping her family involved in the process by informing them of the
process and how Selena is doing. Nonmaleficence is important as it is necessary to cause
no harm to the client. Finally, justice is important as the counselor will want to be fair
and consistent. This will create a therapeutic relationship with the client. Confidentiality
would be an ethical dilemma in this case. The counselor could keep the family involved
in the process by informing them of the process and how Selena is doing.
Case Study 2: Kitchener and Anderson Model
In this case study, the counselor comes into work one morning and finds a familiar name
on the schedule. The counselor realizes that it is her best friend’s brother. The secretary
Problem-Solving Case Studies
Grand Canyon University: PCN-404
Case Study 1: Kitchener and Anderson Models
, 2
There will be many times in the course of a counselor’s career when they will be faced
with an ethical dilemma. These ethical dilemmas can involve boundaries and
confidentiality. This makes it imperative that the counselor has the ability to make
ethical decisions and follows the ethical principles. “Several foundational principles are
the underpinnings of best ethical practice and are viewed as central to the process of
ethical decision making within the helping professions” (Davis, 2016). This case study
involves Selena, who was arrested for a DUI. This was her first DUI and first time in
treatment. Her family wants to be involved, as their beliefs are that things like this are to
be worked through together. The Kitchener and Anderson model fits for this case study.
“This model consists of the moral principles of autonomy (freedom of action and choice),
beneficence (doing good), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (fairness)”
(Davis, 2016). In Selena’s case, autonomy would help her to make better choices.
Beneficence is important in Selena’s case as it will be important to maintain
confidentiality, yet keeping her family involved in the process by informing them of the
process and how Selena is doing. Nonmaleficence is important as it is necessary to cause
no harm to the client. Finally, justice is important as the counselor will want to be fair
and consistent. This will create a therapeutic relationship with the client. Confidentiality
would be an ethical dilemma in this case. The counselor could keep the family involved
in the process by informing them of the process and how Selena is doing.
Case Study 2: Kitchener and Anderson Model
In this case study, the counselor comes into work one morning and finds a familiar name
on the schedule. The counselor realizes that it is her best friend’s brother. The secretary
