Bernard et al (p 508) postulated that therapists should discuss with potential group members the problem of protecting clients’ confidentiality from one another, since confidentiality in group settings can be neither guaranteed nor enforced in most states. Bernard et al (p.481) postulated that special attention needs to be paid to encourage confidentiality in group and the protection of each member’s anonymity. The limits of confidentiality in group therapy, relative to individual therapy, must be carefully discussed. Therefore the group leader taking the initiative to release more information about the group is unethical. The leader should be enforcing the client’s right to confidentiality although they are in a group setting instead of compounding …show more content…
We are all aware that group counseling is a little different from the regularly counseling but that does not mean that some of the same principles does not still apply and informed consent is one of them. Members in group therapy still have the right to be properly informed and their consent is still needed. I don’t know how the group leader came to the conclusion that informed consent is not possible but this view might have negative consequences for the group and for the leader as well. Informed consent cover or take in a wide range of issues. Bernard et al (p. 509) stipulated that informed consent for group therapy may include a discussion of the potential risks and benefits of group therapy and other treatment options, group expectations regarding physical touch, punctuality, fees, gifts, and leader self–disclosure, boundary crossings/violations and stuff like that. The best course of action as it related to informed consent would be to ensure that the members of the group are properly informed whether at the start of therapy or in a continuous course throughout the group …show more content…
I am aware that there are different types of groups and so there may be different way of doing things. However it doesn’t make sense to me because I think the entire session will be built around the goals. Bernard et al noted (p 459) that the better informed that clients are about the objectives and processes of the group, the smoother will be their entry into the group, and the more likely that they will attend, work, and remain. The more informed that colleagues are regarding the objectives and processes of the group, the more likely the referrals will be appropriate and the more likely the group will operate smoothly without internal or external interference or disruption. The goals helps you to know what techniques/procedures you will use. He was right not to discuss the procedure because it wouldn’t make sense without the goals. Again that is why planning is important because if you had preparation then those goals would have been discussed with the group and the group would know what they will be working on. This is all a part of informing the group
The expectation in the practitioner/client relationship is that any information disclosed will not be shared with others. Confidentiality is emphasized to provide the client with a safe haven in which to share traumatic events or embarrassing personal information about themselves (Krase, 2013). Disclosing this type of sensitive information...
Group counseling is a viable new option emerging in the school setting. It can be effective and cost-effective for the schooling system by addressing a larger number of students and can be used to address a multitude of topics that children often face. One benefit of group counseling in the school setting is that it teaches children important socializing skills with their peers, as students often learn best from each other (Pérusse, 2009). It provides support, assists with emotional and problem-solving skills, and empowers children to be help each other as well as receive help from their peers (Thompson, 2012). The group setting may be perceived as less threatening, it helps bridge the gap in trust for children by providing a safe environment in which children can connect with others, and it allows for interactions that builds on social skills and the development of empathy for others (Thompson, 2012).
select one of the In-Class Activities at the end of chapter on ethical and legal issues in group counseling and discuss the ethical/legal issue that applies to a group counseling situation and discuss with empirical support how you would handle that situation.
Group therapy is a setting among other antisocial personalities. This style allows the patient a different type of incentive to improve some of their disorders.
While sharing and caring provide the basis for support groups, there's one benefit from group therapy that patients can't overlook. Simply put, it's the building of trust in others to help when help is needed. While caught in the cycle of addiction, trust is not easily given. In fact, many people dealing with addiction are paranoid. The lost of trust in the people around them promotes a lonely existence. There's great benefit in knowing patients can find relief by discovering they can trust someone other than counselors and family.
While the group therapy sessions are supposed to bring the patients problems out in the open
Looking for new and more effective ways to treat the issues of their clients, counselors and therapists may often begin to consider leading a group therapy session. Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist either treats or provides psychoeducational skills to a small, carefully planned target group of individuals in an effort to ameliorate the issues and dysfunctions of each individual in that particular group of patients together (Scheidlinger, 2004). In this group, therapists often utilize some of the psychotherapy theories such as Gestalt, transactional analysis, psychotherapy or psychodrama which they often use to treat clients individually.
One objective is to utilize the most powerful tool at psychotherapy’s disposal; the group experience. By one individual sharing their experience within the group, the other members are able to identify their similar experiences and work toward their own growth. Group therapy also increases self-awareness of clients in order for them to think introspectively in order to make a change in behaviors, increases social comfort, allowing exploration of new behaviors, provide and obtain support, develop communication skills, and promote interactions with others using truth and
Is informed consent always necessary for randomized, controlled trials? The following sentences are different scenarios that answer the question. Informed consent should not be waived unless the treatment is offered inside and outside the trial. Treatment should not involve more than minimal risk compared to alternatives. Genuine clinic must value the treatments the same. No reasonable person should have a preference for one treatment or another (Truog et al. 1999).
For my group experiential activity, I chose to attend an open self-help group, Narcotics Anonymous, which is a support group that focuses on the healing and recovery process of people with addiction. The Narcotics Anonymous group was a very informal, open group in which members could come and go at their own free will and were not coerced to disclose any information that he or she did not feel comfortable sharing with the larger group. In addition, new members were welcome to attend. The group was comprised of approximately 19 group members and one group leader. I found it interesting that there were also children of recovering addicts present at the meeting because I was not aware that children could attend these meetings. Nonetheless, I found it very compelling to witness so many families present with their families because it showed that there was still a sense of social support present despite turmoil that the addiction may have caused. The purpose of the group was to engage in the recovery process with other group members but also to adhere to the group’s mission of providing an environment of recovery to those individuals who are still suffering with his or her addiction. The purpose of the group was clearly stated by the group leader during his introductory speech about welcoming new members who would like to share in the recovery process with other group members. Just from observing, there appeared to be a group leader, referred to as the “chairperson,” who provided a brief overview of the group and voluntarily asked members to participate with the reading of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of the Narcotics Anonymous program. In addition, the group leader facilitated the flow of the group members’ conversations and ...
...confidential information is shared without their permission, this situation can be detrimental to the client. The client may stop treatment or be passive-aggressive towards the therapist by being late of cancelling appointments with the clinician.
Corey, Corey, and Corey (2010) describe the main focus of task groups, to be the application of group dynamic principles and processes to improve, practice, and foster the accomplishment of identified work goals. In a task group setting, the members usually work together to complete a specific goal. Corey, Corey, and Corey (2010) describe task group leade...
In conclusion, obtaining informed consent is a vital part of respect for the patient and safeguarding of self-determination. The consent to participate in research or treatment should be informed, comprehensible, and free of coercion. There is not a clear black and white answer because no matter what is done to assure informed consent there is always a moment of doubt on the end of the patient as to whether what is going to take place is fully understood and their true wishes honored.
Group therapy has become a popular form of therapy lately; it used to be used more as a last option, but now group therapy is often the first or better choice for some clients. Group therapy can be helpful in an assortment of ways. Group counseling has provided constructive results, Corey, Corey, & Callanan (2011) explain some factors that have helped “such as skilled leaders, appropriately referred group members, and defined goals” (p.480). There are many different types of group therapy. I think practitioners should know not only how too effectively handle group therapy if they are doing group work, but if group is the right choice for everyone involved. As with other forms of therapy there are ethical concerns when it comes to group work as well, but there are distinctive ethical issues when it comes to group.
Especially, when it comes to physical and emotional responsibility. In our sessions, I felt as though the group leaders provided an enormous sense of emotional support. I felt as though the environment was stable and conducive to learning. The setting at first was somewhat tense, but this was acceptable considering that many of us were unfamiliar with the group therapy process. I myself had never undergone a group therapy session, whatsoever. I did, however, appreciate the fact that the environment was quite fair and impartial. The leaders were very nonjudgmental and affirmative in their responses when it came to each and every person’s comments and feedback. Everyone was engaged and actively participated. The group was not hostile and everyone participated in the conversations as well as the exercises chosen. I also felt as though everyone was emotionally tied in. Meaning that if someone was dealing with a personal issue or their emotions were all over the place then the group was susceptible to that individuals needs. For example, we experienced group member who had experienced the loss of a friend. Immediately, each group member became involved and concerned. We were immediately concerned with whether or not she was taking time to grieve or if she was simply doing enough to take time out for herself. In all, the environment over the course of each therapy session displayed a great sense of empathy, concern and support. Another session, in particular, that truly stands out to me in terms of support was when we were asked to share our life experiences and dreams. I can recall stating that I was going to school in order to finally do something for myself. I had completed my bachelor’s degree at the age of 40 and had plans to continue education until I complete my PhD. What was so different was the fact that they understood. They understood, I was trying