In an ethical dilemma counselors should consult the ethical principles when ethics codes do not clearly prohibit or mandate an action.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only after supervisor approval
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

When a counseling ethics code doesn’t clearly prohibit or mandate a course of action, counselors should turn to the ethical principles for guidance and make a decision that protects the client's welfare and upholds professional values. The ethical principles—beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice, fidelity, and truthfulness—provide universal standards that extend beyond specific rules, helping to resolve ambiguity and justify actions in ethically responsible ways. They help ensure the client’s well-being, rights, and dignity while maintaining the integrity of the profession, even when the code is silent. Consulting with supervisors or colleagues can be a useful part of that process, but the core expectation is to apply these principles to guide the decision. Relying solely on a supervisor or avoiding consultation altogether would not align with how ethical decision-making is intended to function, and claiming you should never consult misses the practical use of guiding principles in ambiguity.