Ethical Issues In Group Therapy

Ethics within groups is a contentious topic that has continued to elicit mixed reactions from different stakeholders. All the major ethical issues related to individual counseling are also applicable in group therapy, but these issues might be more complex in group therapy because of significant differences that exist between the two modalities. Counselors and other professionals dealing with groups must thus be aware of the different ethical issues that might affect the manner in which they dispense their duties. Some of the issues that might warrant consideration include those related to competence, confidentiality, informed consent, beneficence as well as screening of group members. Noteworthy, in the group counseling sessions, the counselor must strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and trust that encourages the members to support each other and share their concerns with ease. Counselors to the extent possible must also select members whose goals and needs are compatible with the group’s goals. In addition, therapists must take reasonable precautions for protecting clients from emotional, psychological or physical trauma. This paper provides the reasons why therapists would choose group therapy …show more content…
One of the ethical issues surrounding group therapy is the issue of competence. Cates, Gunderson, & Keim (2012) rightly point out that in order to dispense services in an ethical manner; the group leaders must demonstrate high levels of competence. This competence typically comes from adequate training, qualification, experience and multicultural competence. They should also take the necessary steps to develop competency in the domains of self-awareness as well as the awareness and appreciation of others worldviews (Pope & Vetter,