Non-maleficence in counseling ethics refers to avoiding harm to clients. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Non-maleficence means avoiding harm in the counseling relationship. It’s the obligation to not inflict harm through actions or neglect, and to minimize any potential harm that could arise from treatment, assessment, or interactions. In practice, this includes respecting boundaries, protecting confidentiality, using evidence-based interventions, and avoiding coercive or exploitative practices. If a chosen approach could cause unnecessary distress or retraumatization, a counselor should seek safer alternatives or additional safeguards to reduce risk. This principle sits alongside beneficence (promoting the client’s well-being), but non-maleficence specifically centers on avoiding harm. Therefore, the statement is true.