What must counselors do when changing from an evaluative role to a therapeutic role?

When counselors shift from an evaluative role to a therapeutic role, obtaining a new informed consent from the client is essential. This is because the nature of the relationship and the purpose of the interactions change significantly. In an evaluative role, the focus is often on assessment, measurement, or judgment regarding the client’s behaviors or performance, whereas in a therapeutic role, the emphasis is on providing support, guidance, and intervention for personal growth and healing.

The informed consent process ensures that the client understands the new dynamics of their interaction with the counselor, including the goals, methods, potential risks, and benefits of therapy. It empowers the client to actively participate in their treatment and make informed decisions about their care. Transparency during this transition helps build trust and acknowledges the ethical responsibility of the counselor to foster an environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of the client.

Options such as terminating the relationship or maintaining the same consent form do not appropriately address the ethical need for clarity in the counselor-client relationship when roles and functions change. Reassessing the client's goals could be a relevant step, but the primary obligation is to ensure informed consent reflects the new nature of the engagement.