All GACPC members are responsible to be familiar with this Code and its application  to everyday conduct, counseling practice, and in the resolution of ethical dilemmas. Members should endeavour to adhere to the underlying principles and values of this Code, as well as to the relevant laws, regulations, and policies which are applicable to the Christian Counseling profession.

Ethical dilemmas may arise in Counseling practice. The Christian Counselor is responsible to correctly apply the pertinent Code item as a guiding principle for decision-making. In such matters, the Christian Counselor should prayerfully utilize an accepted Ethical Decision-making Model approach.

The following basic steps aid in the approaches to Ethical Decision-making:

• Identification of ethically relevant issues and facts, including pertinent items from this Code.

• Identification of which of the six ethical foundations (above) are applicable in the given situation.

• Development of various courses of Analyses of likely short-term, ongoing, and long-term risks and benefits of each course of action on the individual(s) / group(s) involved or likely to be affected (e.g. client, client’s family, employees, employing institution, students, research participants, colleagues, the profession, society, self).

• Choice of course of action after conscientious application of existing  principles, values and standards. (This may involve consultation with colleagues, Ethics Committee, etc)

• Action, with a commitment to assume responsibility for the consequences of the action.

• Evaluation of the results of the course of action.

• Assuming responsibility for the consequences of the action includes correction of negative consequences, if any, or re-engagement in the decision-making process if the ethical issue is not resolved.

This Code is not a static document but will need revisions over time because of the continuing development of ethical knowledge and the emergence of consensus on challenging ethical issues.