PAPER ID:IJIM/V. 10 (1)/23-31/4

AUTHOR: Gunarathne D.T.

TITLE :ESSENTIAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND SKILLS FOR EFFECTIVE COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

ABSTRACT: This article examines the core ethical principles and professional skills essential for effective practice in counselling psychology across both traditional and digital environments. Practitioners of mental health services face further difficulties when they switch to online platforms: protecting client privacy, handling legal obligations, and adjusting to fast changing technologies—all while respecting basic ethical principles. Grounded in well-known ethical standards like autonomy, beneficence, justice, and integrity, this study investigates how these values could be maintained and used in several therapeutic environments. To properly negotiate difficult therapeutic settings, counsellors also must acquire ethical decision-making, cultural competency, and self-awareness—critical skills. Through an analysis of the changing dynamics of contemporary counselling techniques—especially in the digital sphere—the research seeks to offer thorough recommendations supporting morally sound, skill-based, and culturally sensitive therapy. The results aim to improve the quality and availability of psychological assistance so that professionals may react properly to the evolving context of mental health care.

Keywords : Counselling Psychology, Ethical Principles, Digital Counselling, Professional Competencies, Mental                      Health Services

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