Which ethical principle focuses on being impartial and fair?

The ethical principle that focuses on being impartial and fair is justice. This principle emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals equitably and ensuring that everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities. In counseling, justice requires practitioners to be aware of biases and to advocate for the rights of all clients, fostering an environment where fairness prevails.

In practice, this principle guides counselors in making decisions that do not favor one client over another and in addressing societal inequalities that may affect their clients. Upholding justice helps to cultivate trust in the therapeutic relationship, as clients can feel confident that they are being treated with fairness and respect.

The other ethical principles, while important in their own rights, emphasize different aspects of counseling practice. Fidelity pertains to loyalty and maintaining trust in client relationships. Beneficence deals with the obligation to promote good and act in the best interests of clients, while nonmaleficence focuses on the principle of "do no harm." Each of these principles is crucial for effective ethical practice, but justice specifically addresses issues of fairness and impartiality.