Michael Jade I.

Wania, RGC, LPT

Republic Act No. 9258
+An act professionalizing the practice of guidance and
counseling and creating for this purpose a professional
regulatory board of guidance and counseling,
appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes
Republic Act No. 9258
+Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the
”Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004”
+Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a
policy of the Senate to promote the improvement,
advancement and protection of the guidance and
counseling services profession by undertaking and
instituting measures that will result in professional,
ethical, relevant, efficient, and effective guidance and
counseling services for the development and
enrichment of individuals and group lives.
 Republic Act No. 9258
Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
+a) Guidance and Counseling is a profession that involves the use of an integrated
approach to the development of a well-functioning individual primarily by
helping him/her potentials to the fullest and plan him/her to utilize his/her
potentials to the fullest and plan his/her future in accordance with his/her
abilities, interests and needs. It includes functions such as counseling subjects,
particularly subjects given in the licensure examinations, and other human
development services.
+b) A guidance counselor is a natural person who has been registered and issued
a valid Certificate of Registration and a valid Professional Identification Card by
the Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling and the
Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) in accordance with this Act and by
virtue of specialized training performs for a fee, salary or other forms of
compensation, the functions of guidance and counseling under Section 3 (a) of
this Act
 Republic Act No. 9258
ARTICLE IV PRACTICE OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

+Section 27. Prohibition Against the Practice of Guidance and

Counseling. - No person shall (a) engage in the practice of guidance
and counseling without a valid Certificate of Registration and the valid
Professional Identification Card or a special permit; (b) make
representations to the public or to third person as a licensed
Guidance Counselor during the time that the licensed has been
revoked or suspended, and, (c) allow anybody to use his/her license
as guidance counselor to enable such unqualified individual to
engage in the practice of guidance and counseling.
+Counseling is the process of providing
professional counsel to an individual through
the use of psychological procedures, particularly
in the collection of case history data, the use of
various personal interview techniques, and the
testing of interests and aptitudes.
+The term "counseling" refers to a type of
"talk therapy."
+Counseling is a process that is done on a
one-on-one basis. Counseling is a series of
one-on-one interactions with an individual
with the goal of assisting him in changing his
attitudes and behaviors.
+"Counseling is the application of mental health,
psychological, or human development principles,
through , , , or
systemic interventions, strategies that address
wellness, personal growth, or career development,
as well as pathology," the American Counselling
Association (ACA) Governing Council declared in
1997..
+Counseling is a process, organized in a series of steps,
which aims (deal with or adapt to)
. This involves
helping the individual to
and to
.
+"Counseling is a and
between two people in which procedures vary
depending on the nature of the student's need, but
there is always mutual participation by the counselor
and the student with the focus on self-clarification and
self-determination by the students," writes Wrenn
(1951).
+According to Pepinsky and Pepinsky, "Counseling
is a process involving an interaction between
a counselor and a client in a private setting,
worth the purpose of helping the client change
his/her behavior so that a satisfactory resolution
of needs may be obtained"
+Counseling is a process in which a distressed person invites and
allows another person to enter into a specific type of connection with
them.
+A person seeks such a relationship when they are confronted with a
'crisis in living' that they have been unable to overcome using their
normal resources, and which has led in their exclusion from some
aspect of full social involvement.
+The individual seeking counseling asks another person to offer him or
her with time and space that includes a number of characteristics that
are not frequently available in everyday life: permission to talk,
respect for difference, confidentiality, and affirmation.
 This is a In
place where a person can order to focus as totally as
share their story, where they possible on helping the client
will be encouraged to speak define and act on his or her
up about aspects of their personal beliefs and
aspirations, the counselor sets
experience that have
aside, as far as they are able,
previously been silenced, in their own perspective on the
their own time and in their issues brought up by the
own way, including the client and his or her
expression of feelings and immediate requirements.
emotions.
 .
Whatever is discussed is Honesty, integrity, caring,
must kept in private; the conviction in the worth and
counselor agrees not to value of individual beings,
share what they have learnt commitment to discussion
from the person with and collaboration, reflexivity,
anybody else in the person's interdependence of persons,
life. and a sense of the common
good are all essential
principles that the counselor
enacts.
 in primary and secondary schools,
colleges and universities, professional schools, healthcare and
social services, and government agencies.
in substance addiction treatment
programs, outpatient mental health clinics, nursing homes,
residential care facilities, social service institutions, family services,
correctional facilities, prisons, and juvenile detention centers, as
well as public and private hospitals.
at a mental health clinic, treatment
facility, psychiatric hospital, residential care facility, substance abuse
program, or other mental health context. assist clients in dealing
with stress, identifying coping processes, and teaching better, more
adaptive coping techniques
+Private practice, prisons, high schools, colleges, and universities,
social assistance facilities, career centers, employment agencies, and
government agencies are all common places for a

, like child counselors, provide mental health

services to children and adolescents under the age of 18. Child
psychologists diagnose and treat mental diseases, assess children for
social, emotional, and intellectual issues, and do research on child
development issues in addition to providing therapeutic treatments.
is a type of counseling that focuses on improving
family connections and is used to resolve conflict or concerns within
the family unit. It is based on the idea that there are several persons
involved in the conflict or family troubles, and that they must all be
included in order to find an effective solution.
 can be found in a variety of
places for someone with a forensic counseling experience. Those at a
correctional facility or institution where offenders are kept are among
the most popular
serve in a variety of settings, including families,
individual and family services, and state and municipal government
assist soldiers and their families with a wide
range of adjustment and psychological concerns, including
depression, anxiety, generalized stress, battle stress, and post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
+The most typical place for a is in a college
or university's athletic department. Sports counseling is one of the
fastest growing areas of counselling and psychology, according to the
American Psychological Association.
+1.Ability to communicate
Communication abilities will be crucial in your client
relationships. Patients should be able to trust you to listen and
deliver professional advice as a result of your communication.

+2.Patience
As a counselor, patience will become a valuable asset. As a
counselor, you must have the patience to guide people
through their difficulties so that they can achieve a healthy
lifestyle
+3. Confidence
Counselors must have faith in the services they give and the methods
they use to assist clients. Knowing everything there is to know does
not imply certainty. It does, however, imply knowing how to assist your
clients and arriving at each session with a strategy and confidence in
your knowledge.

+4.Observant
Your talents of observation, on the other hand, can assist you in filling
in the blanks and identifying ways to further assist your clients.
Learning to read body language, such as indicators of substance
addiction and signals of domestic abuse, can give you significant
information about your client
+5.Ability to Listen
Knowing how to sit and genuinely listen to what your client has to say
can assist you and the client build trust and understanding. The
patient will feel at ease and will be able to express their feelings,
thoughts, and experiences. As a listener, you can obtain information
that can assist you better understand your customer.

+6.Trust
As a counselor, you must demonstrate your dedication to assisting
your client by employing effective listening skills, establishing a
friendly environment, and displaying your commitment to them.
Demonstrating your regard for essential ideals like confidentiality and
demonstrating that they are important to you can also assist to
develop trust.
+7.Respectful
You should also work on demonstrating to your clientele that you value
them as individuals.

8.Acceptance
You must also show an open and receptive approach toward your
customers as a counsellor. Accept them as they are and demonstrate
that we wish to assist them in their recovery

+9. Non-judgmental
If the client feels judged, it might be difficult for us to make progress
together as a counsellor and client.
+10.Self-aware
You must also be mindful of your own challenges as a counselor.

11.Recognizing and appreciating differences

They will most likely come from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and
socioeconomic backgrounds. Gender expression and identification, as
well as sexuality, will be brought to your attention. You must be
accepting of this difference as a counselor.

12.Empathetic
While maintaining limits is crucial, show your clients that you care about
their predicament by expressing sympathy and empathy. Demonstrate
your commitment to assisting them in overcoming their difficulties so
that they can achieve a healthier position.
+Counselors play a key role in developing individuals and
shaping communities. In their role, counselors are often
responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships,
monitoring clients’ well-being, and working with different
cultural values and confidential information.
+The American Counseling Association (ACA) understands this
and has a code of ethics, updated every 10 years, to help
counselors navigate the challenging and sensitive aspects of
their roles.
What Is the Purpose for the ACA Code of Ethics?
+Ethics codes provide professional standards for counselors with
the purpose of protecting the dignity and well-being of clients.
+The main reasons for the code of ethics include informing
professional counselors and counselors-in-training of their
ethical guidelines, professional obligations, and responsibilities
to their clients.
+This helps counselors decide an appropriate plan of action for
their clients and provides the ethical standards by which
complaints and inquiries can be made regarding ACA members.
 The Counseling Relationship (Section A)
The purpose of Section A is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on the
counseling relationship such as client welfare, informed consent, and
managing multiple relationships.
Counselors must:
+Work hard to create and sustain a relationship with their clients based on
trust.
+Obtain informed consent from clients entering a counseling relationship.
+Respect a client’s confidentiality and privacy.
+Explain to clients what the counseling relationship entails (which could
include fees, group work, and termination).
+Be cognizant of client’s culture, values, and beliefs.
 Confidentiality and Privacy (Section B)
The purpose of Section B is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on the
importance of trust, boundaries, and confidential interactions.
Counselors must:
+Communicate the concept of confidentiality with their clients on an
ongoing basis and do so in a culturally sensitive way.
+Inform clients about the limitations of confidentiality regarding what
situations information must be disclosed (e.g., to protect clients or others
from harm).
+Discuss if and how information may be shared with others.
+Understand legal and ethical issues involved in working with clients who
cannot provide informed consent (such as minors or clients with
impairment).
+Maintain and store records in an approved way.
 Professional Responsibility (Section C)
The purpose of Section C is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on
respecting the practice of counseling.
Counselors must:
+Adhere to the ACA Code of Ethics.
+Practice within one’s boundaries of competence.
+Participate in associations that help improve the profession.
+Practice counseling based on scientific foundations.
+Be mindful when advertising and talking with the media.
+Engage in self-care activities so they can work at their highest
capacity.
Relationships with Colleagues,
Employees, and Employers (Section D)
The purpose of Section D is to provide ethical guidelines that focus
on developing working relationships with those within and outside
of the counseling field.
Counselors must:
+Develop relationships with colleagues from other disciplines and
be respectful of those who have different theoretical
approaches.
+Provide consultation services within areas of competence.
+Provide appropriate consultation referrals when requested or
necessary.
Evaluation, Assessment, and
Interpretation (Section E)
The purpose of Section E is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on how
to ethically use formal and informal assessments to guide treatment plans
and intervention selection.
Counselors must:
+Understand the use of assessments as an important part of information
gathering and to assist in conducting clients’ treatment and evaluation.
+Use educational, mental health, forensic, and career assessments
(among others) on which they are trained and have had comprehensive
supervised experience administering and interpreting.
+Diagnose clients and interpret assessments accurately and in a culturally
sensitive manner.
Supervision, Training, and Teaching
(Section F)
The purpose of Section F is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on how to develop
relationships with supervisees, students, and trainees in ways that support ethical boundaries
in a learning environment.
Counseling supervisors must:
+ Be trained in supervision methods and techniques before they offer supervision services.
+ Be responsible for monitoring supervisees’ clients’ welfare and supervisees’ performance
and development through a variety of supervision modalities, such as regular meetings
and live supervision.
+ Inform supervisees of their clients’ rights and inform clients with information regarding the
supervision process and its limitation on confidentiality.
+ Be aware of and address the role of multiculturalism and diversity in the supervisory
relationship.
+ Endorse supervisees that they deem qualified and sufficiently able to perform duties in the
areas of certification, licensure, employment, or completion of an academic of training
program.
Counselor educators must:
+Be knowledgeable regarding the ethical, legal, and everyday aspects of the
profession including how diversity impacts groups and individuals.
+Inform students of their ethical responsibilities and standards as professionals
and as students.
+Provide ongoing feedback, evaluation, and act as gatekeepers to the profession.
+Promote the use of techniques, procedures, and modalities that are grounded
in theory and have scientific foundations.
+Develop clear policies and provide direct assistance regarding field placement.
Counseling students must:
+Be aware of their responsibility to follow the ACA Code of Ethics and applicable
laws.
+Understand the implications of taking a break from counseling others when
impaired.
+Disclose their status as supervisees before beginning counseling others.
Research and Publication (Section G)
The purpose of Section G is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on how to
ethically conduct human subjects research and publish and/or present results.
Counselors must:
+Conduct research that is aligned with ethical principles, federal and state
laws, host institutional regulations, and scientific standards of governing
research.
+Adhere to confidentiality in their research.
+Be responsible for participants’ welfare throughout the research process.
+Inform individuals of their rights as a research participant through
informed consent.
+Plan, conduct, and report research accurately.
 Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social
Media (Section H)
The purpose of Section H is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on how to ethically use
technology and social media within the field of counseling.
Counselors must:
+ Be knowledgeable about the laws governing distance counseling and social media.
+ Only utilize distance counseling after gaining competence through training and
supervised experience in this specialty area.
+ Inform clients about the limits of confidentiality and potential Internet interruptions due
to the nature of technology.
+ Understand the benefits and drawbacks related to distance counseling
+ Utilize a professional presence if they choose to use social media platforms
+ Avoid disclosing confidential information through social media.
+ Utilize informed consent to explain the boundaries of social media.
 Resolving Ethical Issues (Section I)
+The purpose of Section I is to provide ethical guidelines that focus on how to
address and resolve ethical issues with other counselors.
+Counselors must:
+Behave in an ethical and legal manner and recognize when there is a
conflict between ethics codes and laws.
+Utilize and document an ethical decision-making process when faced with
an ethical dilemma.
+Hold other counselors to similar standards of professional conduct.
+Resolve ethical dilemmas with direct and open communication to all
parties involved.
+Seek consultation when necessary.
+Become familiar with the ACA Policy of Procedures for Processing
Complains of Ethical Violations and use it as a reference.