Client Communication and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real AFC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Client Communication and Ethics flashcards as text
During a counseling session, a client becomes visibly upset and says they feel judged about their spending habits. What is the most appropriate counselor response?
Answer: Acknowledge their feelings and reaffirm the non-judgmental nature of the counseling relationship
Acknowledging emotions and reaffirming the non-judgmental counseling environment builds trust and demonstrates active listening.
A financial counselor discovers that a client's spouse has been hiding a significant gambling debt. What ethical obligation does the counselor have?
Answer: Maintain confidentiality while encouraging the client to disclose to their spouse
Counselors must maintain client confidentiality while using motivational techniques to encourage honest communication between spouses.
Which communication technique involves restating a client's words in the counselor's own language to confirm understanding?
Answer: Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing restates the client's message in the counselor's own words to demonstrate understanding and give the client an opportunity to correct any misinterpretation.
According to AFCPE ethical standards, what must a financial counselor do when a client's situation requires expertise beyond their scope of practice?
Answer: Refer the client to an appropriate qualified professional
AFCPE standards require counselors to recognize the boundaries of their competence and refer clients to qualified professionals when situations exceed their expertise.
A former client contacts a financial counselor asking them to serve as a personal reference for a mortgage application. What is the ethical response?
Answer: Decline and explain the professional boundary concern
Serving as a personal reference creates a dual relationship that blurs professional boundaries, which is prohibited under AFCPE ethical standards.
What is the primary purpose of informed consent in the financial counseling relationship?
Answer: To ensure the client understands the counseling process, fees, confidentiality limits, and their rights
Informed consent ensures clients fully understand what counseling involves, including the process, costs, confidentiality boundaries, and their rights before services begin.