What must counselors ensure when bartering services?

When bartering services, counselors must prioritize the ethical requirement to avoid exploitation and ensure that any agreement is clearly documented. This is crucial for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting both the counselor and the client.

By ensuring that no exploitation occurs, counselors protect clients from potential harm that could arise from an imbalanced power dynamic. This principle lies at the heart of the ethical practice of counseling, reinforcing the need for respect and integrity in the client-counselor relationship.

Additionally, clear documentation of the bartering agreement helps establish transparency and mutual understanding of the terms, which can prevent misunderstandings and disputes in the future. This record serves as a formal acknowledgment of the agreed-upon services exchanged, which contributes to upholding ethics in practice.

While receiving appropriate compensation is important, it is not the sole focus of ethical bartering. The emphasis is more on ensuring ethical practices that protect clients and maintain professional standards. Thus, both ensuring that no exploitation occurs and documenting the agreement are essential for ethical bartering, making the choice that encompasses both of these responsibilities the correct answer.