When considering extending counseling boundaries, what should counselors prioritize according to ethical standards?

When counselors consider extending counseling boundaries, prioritizing the risks and benefits of the relationship aligns with ethical standards because it emphasizes the importance of client welfare and informed decision-making.

Counselors have a primary obligation to ensure that any actions taken, including boundary extensions, do not harm the client and enhance their therapeutic experience. Assessing the risks involves recognizing potential negative consequences that could arise from boundary changes, such as issues of dual relationships or conflicts of interest. On the other hand, evaluating the benefits is about understanding how the relationship can be advantageous for the client, potentially increasing their comfort and promoting trust in the therapeutic process.

This approach reflects the ethical standards encapsulated in the ACA Code of Ethics, which prioritizes client welfare and the need for informed consent. By focusing on the risks and benefits, counselors can make guiding decisions that are grounded in ethical practice, considering the long-term health of the therapeutic relationship rather than personal considerations or external opinions, such as peer reviews or personal gratification.