The aim of this course is to enable prospective psychological counselors to develop a comprehensive understanding of ethical principles, professional values, and legal responsibilities that guide professional practice. Throughout the course, students are expected to develop knowledge, awareness, and sensitivity regarding key issues in counseling and guidance services, including confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, competence, multiple relationships, record keeping, referral procedures, crisis situations, working with children and adolescents, ethical decision-making in school settings, and professional responsibility. The course aims not only to familiarize students with ethical codes and standards but also to foster their ability to engage in ethical reasoning when faced with complex and ambiguous professional situations. In this regard, students are expected to identify ethical dilemmas, evaluate them within the framework of relevant professional standards and legal regulations, and make decisions that prioritize the welfare of clients and students while reflecting a rights-based, culturally sensitive, and professionally responsible approach. Furthermore, the course seeks to contribute to the development of students’ professional identity by supporting them in becoming ethically responsible practitioners who have internalized ethical sensitivity, recognize the legal boundaries of their profession, demonstrate accountability, and respect human dignity and the rights of clients and students.

Professional ethics, ethical theories, and ethical decision-making models; ethical principles and standards in counseling and guidance; professional competence and responsibilities; client rights, informed consent, and confidentiality; limits of confidentiality and exceptional circumstances; record keeping and data security; professional boundaries and multiple relationships; ethical issues in technology-assisted counseling practices; cultural diversity and ethical sensitivity; ethical principles in working with children, adolescents, and individuals with special needs; ethical and legal obligations in crisis, neglect, abuse, and risk situations; ethical issues in school counseling practices; national legislation and legal regulations related to counseling services; case analyses for examining and resolving ethical dilemmas; and issues related to professional identity, accountability, and lifelong ethical responsibility.