Running Head: PORTFOLIO COMPETENCY #1

Portfolio Competency #1:

Ethics, Multicultural Competence, and Wellness
Mickinzie Lopez
Bastyr University

PORTFOLIO COMPETENCY #1
Abstract

The microskills hierarchy model presented in Essentials of Intentional Interviewing presents

a pyramidal structure designed to illustrate the basic skills required for mastering the art of
effective counseling (Ivey, Ivey, & Zalaquett, 2012). The foundation of the pyramid rests on
three competencies: Ethics, Multicultural Competence, and Wellness. For the purpose of this
paper, I will be focusing on the ethics microskill.

PORTFOLIO COMPETENCY #1
Portfolio Competency #1:
Ethics, Multicultural Competence, and Wellness

Ethical counseling is defined as observing and following professional standards, and

practicing ethically in order to provide responsible client treatment that serves to protect
and uphold the interest of the client (Ivey, et al., 2012). Components of this particular topic
include competence, confidentiality, informed consent, power, and social justice.
The purpose of mastering this micrsoskill is to build a foundation for trust between
counselor and client. As a future dietitian, my role as a nutrition counselor assumes the
responsibility of upholding the components encompassed by ethical behavior. I will be
expected to practice within the limits of my education and understand when it is
appropriate to refer my client to another professional. For example, if my client shows signs
of deep psychological concerns, I may recommend that he or she speak with an experienced
therapist in order to resolve underlying issues regarding his or her relationship with food.
Other responsibilities I will uphold as a dietetic counselor include keeping personal client
health information confidential and obtaining informed consent from patients. As a student,
I am expected to adhere to these policies in all instances of counseling and may provide my
supervisors name and contact information as a source of further professional assurance to
the client. Additionally, in keeping in line with ethical professionalism, I should always
recognize the boundaries of the relationship in regards to power balance and avoid dual
relationships in most instances of counseling in order to avoid conflicts of interest. Doing so
will maintain a professional and comfortable environment for both the counselor and client,
and any concerns regarding power imbalance should be stated and discussed rather than
avoided. Lastly, as a counselor I will undeniably face issues of social injustice, especially in
the areas of food security and community nutrition. I have the opportunity as a dietitian to
work with clients facing these issues both in the interview, and out in the community.

PORTFOLIO COMPETENCY #1

Dietitians have many roles and opportunities for providing social change, such as educating
adolescents in educational institutions, working at local WIC centers and homeless shelters,
and acting as board members on a multitude of food and social-service counsels. Overall,
dietitians have a responsibility to improve the health and nutritional status of our
population.
As a current student in a didactic program of dietetics, I will continue to develop
these skills over the course of my education and throughout my career. My current
strengths include understanding the importance of ethical counseling and recognizing the
evolving boundaries of my roles from student to dietitian. With practice and experience, I
expect to develop each of the microskills so that my communication with clients is
seamlessly effective and respectful in ways that allow me to build a trusting relationship
that is capable of influencing lifestyle change.

PORTFOLIO COMPETENCY #1
Works Cited
Ivey, A., Ivey, M., & Zalaquett, C. (2012). Essentials of Intentional Interviewing: Counseling in
a Multicultural World. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.