What is the primary focus when identifying key issues in an EDM?

The primary focus when identifying key issues in an Ethical Decision-Making Model (EDM) is on core ethical principles. These principles serve as the foundational guidelines that inform the decision-making process in counseling scenarios. Core ethical principles, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, help counselors assess the situation by providing a framework for evaluating the moral implications of their actions.

In practice, applying these core ethical principles allows counselors to consider the welfare of the client, the potential consequences of various actions, and the rights of all parties involved. This emphasis on ethical principles ensures that the decision-making process is grounded in professionalism and integrity, ultimately guiding counselors toward making choices that promote the best outcomes for their clients.

Other factors, such as personal biases, community standards, and legal precedents may play a role in the overall context of the decision-making process, but they do not serve as the main focus when critically examining the ethical dimensions of a situation. Instead, the ethical principles create a solid foundation from which to navigate potential conflicts and arrive at a moral resolution.