Running head: ETHICS IN GROUPS

Ethics in Groups

ETHICS IN GROUPS Abstract This research paper addresses the hot topic of ethics in groups. Based on the topic, it highlights the broad understanding of the ethical issues in light of group therapy and counseling among others. In addition, the research paper contains the first person discussion of the leadership qualities and the approach to group therapy. The conclusion of the study is based on the findings of the issues that are discussed in the research

findings. The paper establishes that individual therapy as having historically been cited as an effective treatment measure with the group therapy being less considered. In addition, the group psychotherapy has a high level of evidence as far as the treatment of various problems is concerned. The paper has defined the constituents of the group work in addition to establishing ethical standards that are ethical through which there can be advancement of group therapist, counselors, psychotherapist, client and the profession. In relation to understanding group ethics, there has been an aspect of the professional practice through which the skills and knowledge is applied in facilitation of the group to enable a collection of people that are interdependent in mutual goals realization, which may be related to work or may be interpersonal. The major types of groups that have been identified include the counseling, psychoeducation and psychotherapy. The group process use in psychotherapy, counseling and in group therapy has been perceived to a powerful catalyst through which change and personal growth can be enhanced. Each of these groups is perceived to have unique purpose through which continuous need for conducting increasing group ethics in the modern world than ever. Its importance becomes not only limited to the clients safety but for the profession and therapist which unique ethical standards pertaining to the group therapy are instituted.

ETHICS IN GROUPS Ethics in Groups The therapeutic groups unique power which has been basically responsible for bringing about changes for members has increasingly been acknowledged of late in the

profession of mental health (Corey and Corey, 2006). Individual therapy has traditionally been perceived to be an effective type treatment with group therapy being the less considered option. Markus and King (2003) notes, group psychotherapy has been perceived to have a high level of evidence in the psychiatric and psychological problems treatment. In connection to the group work counseling continued establishment, the practitioners have identified the importance of developing a grounding that is solid in relation to the ethical issues that are common through which group treatment is likely to be the result. After the introduction of the primary organization with group work established ethical standards, the major ethical issues are based on two broad areas; that of the groups rights and the ethical issues falling under responsibilities of the group leader (Fallon, 2006). The importance of group leaders awareness is stressed by Bemak and Chung (2004) based on various impending dilemmas in the group work. The conflicts and challenges in the groups are highlighted by Bemak and Chang (2004) as natural phenomenon with the challenges being perceived to be forces that are negative and excellent reasons for the reluctance to conduct groups by the counselor. It is similarly held by Kraus, DeEsch and Geroski (2001) that although there is unique therapeutic power in the groups through which the clients can be in their transitional journey, there is also threatening potential of the groups through which there is a possibility of harm being produced to the members. Therefore, it will be important to define the constituents of the

ETHICS IN GROUPS group work in addition to establishing ethical standards that are ethical through which

there can be advancement of group therapist, counselors, psychotherapist, clients and the profession. As the foundations for the standards that are ethical are laid, establishing the boundaries of what the group work is made up of will be very essential. The group ethics term has been well-expressed by ASGW (2000) in which it has incorporated the various ways through which group working is enhanced to the counselors. Through group work, there is an aspect of the professional practice through which the skills and knowledge is applied in facilitation of the group to enable collection of people that are interdependent in mutual goals realization which may be related to work or may be interpersonal. As Corey and Corey (2006) notes, the group therapy etiology originates from its use on the basis of psychotherapy, although in the understanding of group therapy, a wider population is encompassed consisting of leaders and members of the group. Due to the continuous expansion in group variance, there has increasingly been the need to have ethical guidelines that are clear. Some groups have been perceived not be naturally therapeutic together with having characteristics that are unique. Four major types of groups have been identified by ASGW (2000), which are; counseling, psychoeducational, task and psychotherapy. Each of these groups is perceived to have unique purpose through which the group variances used today is demonstrated. Based on the fact that the groups are ranged into various types, group intervention setting and group member rights awareness has been perceived to be important. Those with a consideration of connecting with the therapy group are usually not aware of basic rights as members of the groups as well as their responsibilities. In connection to orientation,

ETHICS IN GROUPS screening as well as consent that is informed, there is the need for the group members to have an assurance of the appropriateness of the other members for the functioning at the group level. Screening is aimed at; (a) determining the compatibility of an individual for specific group and (b) determination by the person the compatibility of the goals set

under it. There is also the right of the group member to be aware of the groups purpose, a group format description, the group leaders qualification, the expenses and fees that have to be met when joining the group together with the knowledge of the circumstances through which there may be breaking of the confidentiality on the basis of reasons that are legal, professional or even legal before even becoming a member in the group (Corey, Williams and Moline, 1995). A further suggestion is held by Lasky and Riva (2006) that it would also be ethical if the limitations and values of the group are discussed as well as the psychological risks which participants in group may bring forth and ways through which these risks can be dealt with . The new and prospective members are basically prepared by the counselors through provision as much information as necessary on the proposed group. Through screening, orientation and procedures of informed consent, an appropriate match is provided between the individual and group through which there may be a likelihood of prevention of further complications. Basically, the major standards in relation to group therapy according to APA (2002) stated, When psychologist provide services to several persons in a group setting, they describe at the onset the roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality (p. 15). The support that is added to the relevance of acquiring consent; that is informed to the members of the groups at the beginning of the group therapy can

ETHICS IN GROUPS be seen in the ACA (2005) in which the members are informed by the group counselors whether they will participate on the basis of involuntary or voluntary.

Participation is also another ethical dilemma in which the dilemmas that are more specific will include issues related to indirect participation, the right of the members to leave the group, in addition to participation that is mandatory to various activities that takes place during the period of the group work. As Glass (1998) notes, the outlook facing an increasing number of therapist involve treatments which are not there in accordance to their will or whose refusal to participate is as a result of various reasons. The endeavor of the counselor is aimed at ensuring that there is informed consent for the members even if it is based on their involuntary basis (ASGW, 2000). The autonomy respect for the individual is perceived to be essential as there is emergence of cohesiveness between the members of the group. Through the group leaders, the members rights are protected against intimidation, physical threats, and undue pressure from the peers and coercion in a reasonable manner (ASGW, 1989). The groups are basically aimed at helping the member in establishing their own answers and not through pressuring them into acting according to appropriate perception of the group. There may be an onset of a coercive feeling by the member in which information that is private and damaging may be disclosed if there is no protection. The reducing coercion likelihood in a group therapy is perceived to be significant to the rights of participation in addition to allowing the therapeutic agent to work the magic within the group. In relation to privileged and confidentiality communication, ensuring that there is confidentiality in group therapy has been perceived to be the group counseling most challenging aspect (Lasky and Riva, 2006). The steps that have to be taken by the group

ETHICS IN GROUPS

counselor are aimed at protection of the members through definition of the confidentiality and limitation that are potential to maintenance of group work. Although it is the duty of the therapist in creation of an atmosphere that is positive through which there is maintenance of the confidentiality, this results from the laws and jurisdiction through which their region are governed. Through communication that is privileged, there is legal concept which ensues to the client that the disclosure of the information to the relation that is therapeutic will not in the legal proceeding be exposed by the therapist. However, the privileged communication concept availed to the relationship at the individual level is not perceived to be applicable to group therapy based on the fact that the acting of the other members will on the basis of third party. Through the group counselor, there may be the exemption from testifying, which may be obligated to the third party (Corey et al. 1995). The beneficial communication has not at the first place been aimed at protection of the communication that is made within groups, and it is also important to note that it does not unfortunately apply the work groups. In addition, a study by Pomerantz, (2004) postulates that the group communication clients falls under the privilege of the therapist. Glass (1998) notes that the group leaders action, responsibilities and attitude are where the various ethical issues that surround the group work originate from, and do not come from the group. The group ability of reacting to the group incidents that are conflicting or challenging is one of the group leadership most important aspect. To enable the group leaders in responding to the group members in a way that is ethical, the guidelines of ethics as specified by APA, ACA and ASGW will have to be complied too. As the modern group therapy continue to be characterized with intense sensitivity in ethical issues, the importance of training leaders that are competent has been perceived to

ETHICS IN GROUPS be a characteristic that is essential in the graduate programs of counseling. The importance of group leaders training has been strongly emphasized with the following particular competence in skills being stressed on: the group opening and closing ability, modeling behaviors that is appropriate for the members in the group, incorporation of a self disclosure that is appropriate to the group, receiving and giving feedback, assistance of the members in attribution of their experience with meaning together , with assisting the members in integration and application of their learning. Also the core competencies of the group should be outlined, the practice scope and nature, the group members

assessment together with their living and working social systems, the group intervention planning, the group intervention, co-leadership and leadership implementation, and practices that are competent in diverse ways (ASGW, 2000). The need for these standards increased awareness is supported by Markus and King (2003) in a study in which only the pre-doctoral psychology are not routinely perceived to provide group psychotherapy sufficient for training. The importance of training group leaders that are of high quality through group work listing as an important content area of the curriculum has been strongly stressed. There is in addition the need for provision of participation option in group activity during the training in which self-understanding is promoted in addition to increasing the interpersonal skills and self analysis (Barlow, 2008). A great deal of power is usually enhanced by the group leaders and there is need for ensuring that their own values are not forced on the groups. In this area, the ethical concern includes the leaders using their group in advancing the agendas that are personal to them in addition to meeting their own needs at the group members expense (Corey et al. 1995). Awareness is usually developed by the group counselors in their own needs

ETHICS IN GROUPS and values as well as the potential impact that they usually cause to the probable intervention (ASGW, 1989). In relation to this, there exist a real difference between

exposure and imposing of ones values (Brabender, 2006), As self values are imposed by the group leader, it is usually a show of disrespect for the integrity of the members although at times, it is perceived to be appropriate in exposing the values in case there is conflict to the members values based on the fact that they are usually not evitable in addition to being the psychotherapy pervasive part (Corey et al. 1995). My leadership qualities are numerous; however is it discipline that enables me to work toward my vision or goals as a leader. Unquestionably my leadership is marked by other characteristics such as patience, honestly, strength, sensitivity, objectivity, trustworthiness, caring, openness and, confidence (Jacobs, Masson and Harvill, 2009.) I am usually able to direct my actions as well as those of the group or team towards the goal. My leadership is also marked by actions, which has been guided by my daily quest toward my vision in a trend through which I am also able to inspire others. The strength in me to be a great leader is guided by integrity, dedication, creativity, fairness and assertiveness. My effort to excellent leadership is basically motivated by the fact that I have a clear vision through which I am well aware of where I am going. In addition, I believe that I now have a better understanding of what success feels like and based on this, I now have a laid out strategy through which l am able to achieve that success. However as a potential leader, I clearly understand that having a vision is simply not enough and that I must also have experience. According to Jacobs et al. 2009, Effective leaders have spent considerable time talking to all kinds with all kinds of people, not just those like themselves. The broader the leaders range of life experiences, the greater the

ETHICS IN GROUPS chances for understanding the diverse members of a group (p. 25). The ability of the leaders in developing a perspective that is multicultural is one

10

ethical issue that is most pressing; surrounding group work based on which there is need of development of a perspective that is multicultural. As society face changes toward a population that is more diverse, there is the need for the group intervention meeting these challenging needs in addition to being the responsibility of the leaders making it happen. According to my understanding of group therapy, there seem to be a self awareness component that is diverse in addition to intervention strategies that are diversity appropriate. The ASGW (1998) principles, reminds me that basically, there is for certain a place which can be considered as the group workers starting point through which there can be increased awareness and skills in facilitation of the groups with membership representing the societal diversity. In relation to this, I see the importance of therapist having a dire need for becoming group leaders that are diversity competent. In addition, if there has to be effectiveness of the group therapist in the population, training will be critical to enhance cultural competence (Bemak and Chung, 2004). As the group therapist strive to emerge aware of their personal biases, it will be important that they build on the standards through which there will be a foundation (Corey et al. 1995). To the therapists that are offering group therapy as well as individual to the same person, the risk of confidentiality breach and informed consent is high based on the fact that remembering the information that was shared may be difficult. Before entering a counseling relationship that is dual it is important to be aware of the precursors. In dual relationship situations where the therapist provides both individual and group therapy to a patient it can increase the risk of confidentiality breach and informed consent is high based on the

ETHICS IN GROUPS fact that the therapist may experience some difficulty remembering which environment the patient disclosed which information (Glass, 1998). Conclusion The group process use in psychotherapy, counseling and in group therapy has

11

been perceived to be a powerful catalyst through which change and personal growth can be enhanced. Similarly, there can be a likelihood of misusing this power if the performance is done without ethical standards application. Based on the ethical standards that are established by ACA, APA and ASGW, group members rights are promoted as well as their responsibilities. It is also clear that there are some challenging situations arising from the group counseling which will result in therapeutic energy and are perceived to be the commonly avoided rich moments. Such challenges should be capitalized on by the group counselors in addition to harnessing the distinctive power which has potential of being provided by the group process (Kraus et al. 2001).

ETHICS IN GROUPS References American Counseling Association. (2005). Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical Principles of Psychologist and Code of Conduct. Washington, D.C.: Author. Association for Specialist in Group Work. (1989). Ethical Guidelines for Group Counselors. Alexandria, VA: Author. Association for Specialist in Group Work. (1998). Principles of Diversity Competent Group Workers. Alexandria, VA: Author. Association for Specialist in Group Work. (2000). Professional Standards for the Training of Group Workers. Alexandria, VA: Author.

12

Barlow, S. H. (2008). Group psychotherapy specialty practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39(2). 240-244 Bemak, F., Chung, R. (2004). Teaching multicultural group counseling: Perspectives for new era, The Journal for Specialist in Group Work, 29, 31-34. Brabender, V. (2006). The ethical group psychotherapist. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 56(4), 395-414. Corey, M., & Corey, G. (2006). Groups: Process and practice (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Learning, Inc. Corey, G., Williams, G., & Moline, M. (1995). Ethics and legal issues in groups counseling. Ethics & Behavior, 5(2), 161-183. Fallon, A. (2006). Informed consent in the practice of group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 56(4), 431-453.

ETHICS IN GROUPS

13

Glass, T. (1998). Ethical issues in group therapy. In R. M. Anderson, T.L. Needles, & h. V. Halls (EDS.), Avoiding Ethical Misconduct in Psychology Specialty Areas (pp. 95-126). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. Jacobs, E. E., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2009). Group counseling: Strategies & skills (6th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. ISBN-10: 0495505587 Kraus, K., DeEsch, J., & Geroski, A. (2001). Stop avoiding challenging situations in group counseling. The Journal for Specialist in Group Work, 26, 31-47. Lasky, G. B., Riva, M. T. (2006). Confidentiality and privileged communication in group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 56(4), 455-476. Markus, H., & King, D. (2003). A survey of group psychotherapy training during predoctoral psychology internship. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34 (2), 203-209. Pomerantz, A. M. (2004). Discussing distinct aspects of psychotherapy at different points in time. Ethics and Behavior, 15(14), 351-360