The authors investigated the relationship between religious and spiritual values and moral commitment in marriage to further inform marriage and family counselors about the nature of committed relationships. Using a qualitative research design, they examined individuals' perceptions of moral commitment in their marriage and how their religious and…

The authors present a model for creating spiritual and religious safe zones in school counseling programs that implements the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling's (ASERVIC; 2009) "Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling" in a school setting. The authors frame the model within the…

This extensive literature review examining the influence of K. S. Kitchener's (1984) introduction of principle ethics on counseling and psychology ethics notes the ultimate practicality of principle ethics. The authors maintain that although a strong influence of principle ethics in the area of counselor education emerges through the review, there…

This exploratory study examined the assumption that the level of moral reasoning (Defining Issues Test; J. R. Rest, 1986) used in solving hypothetical and authentic dilemmas is similar for substance abuse counselors (N = 188). The statistical analyses used were paired-sample t tests, Pearson product-moment correlation, and simultaneous multiple…

In this article, the importance of conducting a religious and spiritual assessment in counseling is considered. Some essential dimensions of religion and spirituality to assess are described. The authors recommend assessment questions that can be asked during clinical interviews or included on written intake questionnaires. They also briefly…

Discusses the concept of guilt, its usefulness in society, and the times when it can be distorted and nonfunctional. Examines ways to diagnose guilt in clients and ways to treat this issue in counseling or therapy sessions. (BH)

Shows the nature of psychotherapy as a moral enterprise through an examination of two views of theory, i.e., they either contain moral values or require them as assumptions necessary for practice. Briefly discusses implications for the teaching and presentation of forms of psychotherapy. (BH)

Discusses the concept of sacredness in counseling, and the usefulness for counselors to see life, human beings, and their clients as sacred. (BH)

Over the past several decades, increased attention has been given to ethics in the preparation of counselors and psychologists. With that increase comes a number of voices calling for exposure to and integration of not only moral philosophy but other areas of philosophy to enhance understanding and provide a foundation for counseling practice. The…

No field of endeavor which touches human lives can afford to leave its philosophical presuppositions unexamined. The psychologically whole counselor lives his values as well as reflects on them. This article discusses this ongoing process of forming values as it relates to counseling. (Author/HMV)

Introduces a special journal issue in which contributors reflect on how their work was influenced by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg who died in 1987. Provides a short biography of Kohlberg, his education, and his interest in morality and moral judgment. (NB)

Presents a survey of published and private opinions of mental health professionals revealing a previously hidden consensus concerning certain values that enhance mental health: Freedom, Love, Identity, Truth, Universals, Symptom Management, and Work. There was disagreement about the effect of many other values on mental health. (Author/BH)

Reviews literature on the relationship between moral reasoning and several dimensions of religion. Studies are arranged by the religious dimension assessed (including beliefs, affiliation, and intrinsic-extrinsic orientation) and summarized in a chart at the close of the article. (JAC)

The author suggests that Kohlberg stresses that being autonomous does not mean being responsible to no transpersonal standard in morality. (Author)

The profession's ethics standards require counselors to self-monitor their professional actions and take responsibility for misconduct. However, the professional literature has focused on preventing misconduct and on response to serious violations and has offered little guidance regarding the minor infractions that all professionals are vulnerable…