Ch. 3 Groups: Process & Practice

Ethical Issues

These pertain to the standards that govern the conduct of professional members.

Legal Issues

These define the minimum standards society will tolerate which are enforced by the rule of law at local, state or federal level.

Clinical Issues

Involve using your professional judgement to act in accordance with ethical & legal mandates.

Cultural Issues

These are factors such as a person's ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, values, or other ethical differences that affect the way we understand and intervene with clients problems.

What are the 10 Major Ethical Issues in Group Counseling?

1. Leader values

2. Screening & orientation of group members

3. Informed consent

4. Voluntary & involuntary group membership

5. Group leader preparation & behaviors

6. Confidentiality

7. Dual or multiple relationships

8. Diversity & multiculturalism

9. Record keeping

10. Billing

What are some examples of involuntary membership in groups?

Court ordered, state mental health hospitals, or other mental health facilities

What are the 5 Psychological Risks for Members as outlined by Corey et al?

1. Misuse of power

2. Self-disclosure

3. Maintaining confidentiality

4. Scapegoating

5. Confrontation

In groups, confidentiality ________ be guaranteed.

cannot

In what 5 scenarios can confidentiality in a group be broken?

1. Clients are likely to do serious harm to themselves, others, and/or physical property.

2. Abuse of children of elderly is suspected.

3. Ordered by a court to provide information.

4. They are supervisees in a supervisory relationship.

5. Client gives specific written permission.

Social Justice

"Based on the idea that society gives individuals & groups fair treatment and an equal share of benefits, resources, & opportunities" (Chung & Bemak, 2012, p.26)

Techniques used unethically are:

1. Using techniques that are unfamiliar.

2. Using techniques to enhance power.

3. Using techniques whose sole purpose is to create intensity because of the leader's need for intensity.

4. Using techniques to pressure members even when they have expressed a desire to not participate in an exercise.

What 5 questions should you ask yourself to asses your competence when working with groups?

1. What kinds of clients am I capable of dealing with?

2. What are my areas of expertise?

3. What techniques do I handle well?

4. When should I consult another professional about a client?

5. When should I refer a client to someone else?

3 Types of Experiences Group Leaders should experience:

1. Personal psychotherapy

2. Self-exploration groups

3. group supervision

Informed consent

A process of presenting basic information about group treatment to individuals to enable them to make rational decisions about whether to enter and how to participate in groups.