How should LPCCs address conflicts of interest?

• A. Ignore the conflict to maintain the therapeutic relationship
• B. Disclose conflicts to clients and possibly end the relationship
• C. Discuss the conflict with a supervisor but not the client
• D. Resolve the conflict through mediation without client involvement

Answer: (B)

The appropriate way for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) to address conflicts of interest is to disclose these conflicts to clients and, when necessary, consider ending the therapeutic relationship. This approach is rooted in the ethical principle of transparency, which is vital in maintaining professional integrity and trust within the therapeutic alliance.

When a conflict of interest arises, LPCCs must recognize that it can potentially impact the client's treatment and well-being. By bringing the conflict into the open, counselors allow clients to understand the situation fully, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care. This might include continuing the relationship with the understanding of the conflict or choosing to end it if the client believes their interests could be compromised.

Moreover, transparency in addressing conflicts not only reinforces the counselor's ethical responsibilities but also empowers clients by giving them a voice in their therapeutic journey. It demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and prioritizes the client's best interests, which is fundamental in the counseling profession.

The other options do not align with these ethical standards. Ignoring the conflict undermines trust, discussing it only with a supervisor fails to prioritize the client's right to know, and resolving it without client involvement could leave the client feeling alienated and disempowered. Therefore, full disclosure