National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What should a counselor do ethically when a former client refers others to them as an expert?

1. Accept the referral without comment

2. Inform the former client and referred individuals of their expertise limitations

3. Promote their services broadly

4. Encourage the former client to stop the referrals

The correct answer is: Inform the former client and referred individuals of their expertise limitations

The best approach for a counselor when a former client refers others as an expert is to inform both the former client and the referred individuals of their expertise limitations. This is essential for maintaining ethical standards in counseling practice. Counselors have a responsibility to provide accurate information about their qualifications and areas of expertise. By acknowledging their limitations, they help to manage expectations and ensure that those seeking help understand what to anticipate from the counseling relationship. This way, the counselor protects the welfare of potential clients and maintains professional integrity, avoiding any misrepresentation that could arise from unchecked referrals. Communication about limitations also reflects an ethical stance that prioritizes client welfare above personal gain or the desire for referrals. This practice fosters trust and transparency, essential components in a counseling relationship. In contrast, simply accepting the referral without comment could lead to ethical dilemmas if the referrals are expecting a higher level of expertise than the counselor can provide. Promoting services broadly may misrepresent the counselor’s qualifications or lead to conflicts with professional ethics if it creates an expectation of expertise beyond what is substantiated. Lastly, discouraging the former client from making referrals could harm the counselor-client relationship and diminish the trust established during their time together.