When are counselors discouraged from using a certain technique?

Counselors are discouraged from using a certain technique when evidence suggests it could cause harm. This principle aligns with the ethical responsibility of counselors to prioritize the well-being and safety of their clients. In the ACA Code of Ethics, the emphasis on "do no harm" underscores the necessity for counselors to carefully assess the potential risks associated with any therapeutic technique.

If research or evidence indicates that a technique may lead to negative outcomes or exacerbate a client’s issues, counselors are obliged to refrain from using it. This ensures that their practice remains informed, client-centered, and in accordance with the best practices established within the field of mental health.

In contrast, being unfamiliar with a technique, its popularity among clients, or a counselor’s personal testing of the technique does not inherently indicate a risk of harm. These factors may suggest additional consideration in terms of training or expertise, but they do not equate to a direct threat to client safety or well-being like potential harm does.