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Ethics In Group Counseling. Association for Specialists in Group Work(ASWG). Confidentiality. Needs to be emphasized in the screening process, the beginning of group development and throughout group development. Cannot be guaranteed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Documentation of group members
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Ethics In Group Counseling Association for Specialists in Group Work(ASWG)
Confidentiality • Needs to be emphasized in the screening process, the beginning of group development and throughout group development. • Cannot be guaranteed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! • Documentation of group members • Same exceptions as with any modality of counseling
Confidentiality • Privileged communication (doesn’t exist in group counseling) • Intra-agency communication
Informed Consent • The right to make an informed decision concerning treatment. • Necessitates proper screening to avoid misplacement. • Procedures for termination • Attendance • Coercion
Informed Consent • Counselor credentials • Group Norms • Group purpose • Behavioral expectations • Rights, Responsibilities, and Risks
Dual Relationships • Counselor should always try to avoid. • Sexual/Romantic involvement • Developing social relationships between group members should be discouraged.
Responsibility • Counselor responsibility to group versus individual- dual responsibility
Values • Counselor needs to be aware of his/her own biases and how they may interfere with his/her ability to be objective with group members. • Exposing versus imposing values • Possible need for referral if counselor cannot keep biases in check.
Competency • Group counselor training and experience • Group counselors do not provide services beyond the scope of their competency • Abandonment and referral
Diversity • Most groups will be made up of people from diverse cultural backgrounds. • Some would say multiculturalism is inherent in all group work. • The need to understand the different cultures of group members and how culture will affect participation in group. • Group counselors do not discriminate as to screening for group membership.
Ethical decision making model • Be proactive versus reactive (be prepared) • Decide upon the ethical issue at hand • Parties involved (including client/group) • Consult ethical guidelines • Consult policy procedure manual • Consult supervisor and other experts • Examine alternatives
Decision Making Model continued • Weigh consequences of choices • Decide upon the best choice • Follow-up on choice • Document!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!