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Group Counseling
In general, group counseling offers multiple relationships to assist an individual in growth and problem solving. In group therapy sessions, members are encouraged to discuss the issues that brought them into therapy openly and honestly. The counselor works to create an atmosphere of trust and acceptance that encourages members to support one another.
Objectives
Give overview of ACA Code of Ethics for group counseling Discuss the ethical implications of group counseling Discuss the rights of group members Discuss the psychological risks of groups Discuss the group leaders values Discuss specific case studies
Ethical Implications
Which code to follow? School counselors could possibly have a number of ethics documents with which they have agreed to comply. For example, a school counselor who is a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA), who is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), and who is licensed by his or her state counseling licensure board has agreed to abide by four separate sets of ethical standards. There are some variations in the different counseling ethical standards documents. Remley, T. & Huey, H. (2003). Ethical decision making and legal issues. In T.P. Remley, Jr., M.A. Hermann, & W. C. Huey (Eds.), Ethical & legal issues in school counseling (2nd ed., pp. 5-20). Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association.
Informed Consent
To encourage open and active participation from group members, it is the counselors responsibility to explain the clients rights. Before Purpose Format, procedures and ground rules Group appropriate for clients needs Limits of confidentiality The group process may or may not be congruent with the cultural beliefs and values of the group member
Reaction
Remain alert to ways in which your personal reactions might inhibit the group process, and monitor your countertransference. Avoid using the group as a place where you work through your personal problems.
Case Example #1
A high school counselor secures permission from his principal to conduct group counseling sessions one night a week in an Internet chat room for students whose parents are going through a divorce. The principal asks the counselor to provide her with professional guidelines for counseling in this manner and to demonstrate how the procedures the counselor has developed comply with the professional standards. The counselor replies that since Internet counseling is so new, standards have not yet been adopted, but he assures the principal he will conduct the group sessions in a professional manner.
Case Example #2
You are counseling a group of men that are addressing their sexuality. Some men in the group are openly gay and others are struggling with their identity. Rob, from the video you just watched, is one of the group members. He brings up reparative therapy as a solution. A heated discussion ensues. You personally believe that no one is born gay. What ethical implications can occur?
References
Corey, G., William, G.T., Moline, M.E. (1995). Ethical and legal issues in group counseling. Ethics & Behavior, 5(2), 161-183. Corey, G. (2000). Theory and practice of group counseling (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Cottone, R. & Tarvydas, V. (2003). Ethical and professional issues in counseling (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, pp. 332-342.
References (cont.)
Kocet, M., (2006). Ethical challenges in a complex world: Highlights of the 2005 ACA code of ethics, Journal of Counseling & Development, 84(2), 228-253. Remley, T.P., Jr., Hermann, M.A., & Huey, W. C. (Eds.). (2003). Ethical & legal issues in school counseling (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. Stein, R. (1990). Ethical issues in counseling. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books.