Which ethical principle can be described as maintaining trust with clients?

The ethical principle that focuses on maintaining trust with clients is fidelity. This principle emphasizes the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments within the counselor-client relationship. Fidelity requires counselors to be reliable and to uphold the trust that clients place in them. When counselors are faithful to their duties, maintain confidentiality, and honor the agreements made with clients, they create a safe and supportive environment that fosters open communication and effective therapeutic work.

In contrast, autonomy refers to respecting a client's right to make their own choices and decisions. Beneficence pertains to the counselor's responsibility to act in a way that benefits the client and promotes their well-being. Justice relates to fairness and equality in the provision of services. While all these principles are essential in the counseling profession, fidelity specifically addresses the need to build and sustain trust, which is foundational for effective counseling relationships.