Final answer:
Yes, counselors must obtain consent before recording, observing, or sharing session materials. This aligns with ethical standards of informed consent and preserves participant's privacy and dignity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that counselors must obtain consent before recording a session with a client, observing a session with a client, or showing a recorded session to an outside party is true. This is in accordance with ethical standards which prioritize informed consent, confidentiality, and participants' privacy and dignity. Furthermore, in the context of research, participants should be fully informed about the purpose and use of the research and be given the option to review and correct any outputs in which they are involved. This ethical approach ensures that individuals are making a knowledgeable and voluntary decision to participate, which is a foundational element in counseling, clinical psychology, and research domains.