1. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
The Difference Between Law and Ethics
Ethics are constantly in revision and reflect a set of standards and principles of behavior for practitioners. There may be no criminal penalty for breaking an ethical code but a person may be sanctioned by his or her professional organization.
Laws usually carry a criminal penalty and are sanctioned by the entire community and court system in order to govern behavior.
Some acts can be both unethical and illegal simultaneously.
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2. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Primary Values at the Core of Ethics
Nonmalfeasance: Do no harm.
Autonomy: Giving a group member the right to make decisions and not let the group decide for him or her.
Beneficence: Actively promoting group members’ mental health.
Justice: Treating group members equally and fairly.
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3. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Primary Values at the Core of Ethics
Faithfulness and Fidelity: Loyalty to the group and not being deceptive.
Dignity: All members are treated with respect and dignity.
Care and Compassion: Maintaining boundaries but being compassionate and caring at the same time.
Professional Performance: Demonstrating competence and knowledge.
Accountability: Accepting responsibility for one’s work.
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4. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Guidelines for Group Leaders
The group leader provides services that are in accordance with respect for the dignity, uniqueness, rights and autonomy of each group member.
The group leader does everything he or she can to safeguard group members’ confidentiality.
The group leader acts to protect group members and the public from group leaders who are incompetent or unethical.
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5. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Professional Standards for Group Leaders
It is the responsibility of the group leader to maintain competence by maintaining skills and knowledge.
It is the responsibility of the group leader to contribute to the ongoing development and knowledge of the field.
It is the responsibility of the group leader to inform other group leaders when they are committing ethical violations and alert the proper authorities of these acts.
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6. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
An Ethical Decision Making Model
Identify the problem.
Identify which ethical principles or standards might be involved.
Identify all the concerns associated with each.
Identify all the possible decision options
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7. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
An Ethical Decision Making Model
Identify all the consequences surrounding that choice.
Identify the best plan of action.
Consult with peers and other professionals.
Act on your choice after going through this entire process.
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8. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Issues in Groups
Group leaders have less control in groups then in individual counseling.
Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Peer pressure and coercion might play a role in outcomes.
Group members receive less individual attention.
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9. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Issues in Groups
There might be multiple relationships within the group (e.g. the group leader is also doing individual therapy with some group members or some members might have contact outside the group).
Not all group leaders have the proper training or have not been trained to deal with all the issues that might come up in group.
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10. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Issues in Groups
Intake Interviews: This involves screening for group suitability as well as informing potential members about the purpose of the group.
Informed Consent: Usually a written form that describes the group and its goals and clarifies the process, procedures, rights and responsibilities for members.
Termination: Providing the proper closure so that group progress can be maintained.
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11. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Issues in School Groups
The school counselor:
Is loyal to the student and treats him or her with respect and dignity.
Is focused on the total needs of the student.
Informs the student of the goals, purpose, techniques and rules of counseling and informs the student of confidentiality.
Does not impose the counselor’s own beliefs and values upon the student.
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12. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Issues in School Groups
The school counselor:
Is responsible for keeping up with the laws relating to students.
Avoids dual relationships.
Makes appropriate referrals.
Protects confidentiality of the student including student records.
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13. Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues in Groups
Ethical Issues in School Groups
The school counselor:
Informs the appropriate authorities when a student is in imminent danger to himself or herself or others.
Screens potential group members for appropriateness for the group.
Respects the rights and responsibilities of the parents.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”