Texas LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Jurisprudence Exam

Can a licensee exert undue influence in promoting activities, services, or products for which the licensee has personal and/or business interest?

1. Yes, as long as it benefits the client

2. NO

3. Only if approved by the client

4. Yes, if disclosed to the regulatory authority

The correct answer is: NO

The correct answer is that a licensee cannot exert undue influence in promoting activities, services, or products for which they have a personal and/or business interest. This principle is rooted in the ethical obligations of counselors to maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and to prioritize the welfare of their clients above personal benefits. Undue influence implies manipulation or coercion, which violates the fundamental ethical standards that govern counseling practice. Counselors are expected to provide services that are in the best interests of their clients, free from conflicts of interest that might compromise their professional judgment or the client's well-being. The importance of this standard cannot be overstated, as it helps to foster trust and ensures that clients are making informed decisions that are not unduly swayed by the counselor's interests. In this context, any suggestion that undue influence could be acceptable under certain conditions, like benefiting the client or requiring approval, undermines the core tenet of the counselor's role as an advocate for the client's best interests, further reinforcing why such actions are deemed unethical.