The Importance of Ethical Codes in Guidance and Counseling Profession

— Professional school counselors are trained to modify, help and structure students' behaviour in relation with the social norms and values of society. The codes of ethics and the policies of counseling of a professional counselor must have an impact on the execution of any problems that arises in their professional field or workplace. It is certain/ true that everybody is born with emotions, attitudes, likes and dislikes in the world based on our judgments and standards. Use and misuse of the codes of ethics in Sierra Leone maybe different from that of other countries in the world as we differ in color, race and culture. When we take into account the codes of ethics, the client's interest must be put first above all else. Counseling as a helping profession and a therapeutic relationship is now gaining popularity and taking active part in the society and the world at large. Professional counselors in most parts of the world do not have age limit though there are limitation on experiences. In the local context, professional counselors are guided by professional code of ethics and policies. These code of ethics help to clarify areas of crossover of school counselor and social workers but there are some similarities as both are using the prescribed guidelines. Counseling is generally an area of offering professional help to resolve personal or psychological problems of an individual. Counseling is a profession and humanistic in nature and in character. The rigorous and professional training in guidance and counseling helps the individual to ensure the holistic development of the child. The main aim of the counseling process is to help the child to adjust well in life. Therefore it is imperative that the counselor possesses certain qualities, attributes and moral/ ethics to empower him /her to carry out the gigantic task. Counseling by its very nature is a relationship between a person with a psychological problem and a person who is trained, qualified, and knowledgeable and has the expertise to provide the required solutions. The counselor and client relationship usually involves a degree of intimacy that usually does not exist in other professional relationships.