After reading the case involving an Augusta State University graduate student refusing to counsel homosexual clients, I agree with decision that the court made. According to the ACA code of ethics (2014) section, A.4.b., counselors should be aware of and avoid imposing their own values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. As a counseling in training Jennifer Keeton should have been familiar with the code of ethics and she should have known what was expected from her. Just like that case in the article by Hermann and Barbara (2006), Bruff vs North Mississippi Health Services, Inc., where a counselor who requested not to counsel a lesbian client on relationship issues because homosexuality conflicted with the counselor's religious beliefs. Ms. Bruff also should of been aware of what was expected of her as a counselor. Because of a client's diversity such as race, sexual preference or religious preference, the counselor should respect the client. Counselors are not suppose to judge their clients because of their different views or preferences they may have, counselors are suppose to provide an environment where no matter what a client's beliefs or …show more content…
Bruff, she will willing to counsel homosexual clients, but would not counsel them when it related to relationship problems. She felt that she should not have to counsel certain clients when it did not go by her faith. She felt that she could give the clients to the other counselors in the office and that is not fair. Because of her beliefs, should not be a reason to transfer the clients to other counselors, that could be more harmful for the client, to make a client feel ashame of who they are (Hermann & Barbara, 2006). Counselors must be aware of the code of ethics, and should not make a client feel like their beliefs or sexual preference is less important because the counselor views are not the same. Counselors should be willing to listen and not pass judgment and give that client the most effective