Essay on Ethical Issues: Group and Community Work

Part 1. Ethical Issues in Group Work

The task is: “The ethical considerations in creating group therapy environments are specific and often challenge the human services practitioner in unique ways. Every group evolves under the influence of the group’s members, the group’s goals, as well as the orientation of the group facilitator. What do you consider to be the ethical considerations that should be assessed before beginning group sessions with clients? How might you work to mitigate the impact of certain components of this process in order to ensure a successful group experience for each of your clients? What ethical consideration should the human services practitioner personally consider as the group process begins? How might you work to address such issues in order to more fully contribute to the success of the group?”

There is a variety of ethical consideration that that should be assessed before beginning group sessions. They vary depending on the kind of therapy that is needed.

There are various ethical issues related to the therapy in groups, such as: providing informed consent, screening and selecting group members, and preparing members for a meaningful group, confidentiality of information discussed in the process of therapy, k\leadership aspects, psychological risks, termination of group members.

Competent therapists should understand their ethical guidance, competencies, and limitations and recognize the kinds of groups they are competent to lead. It should be done in accordance with guidelines of The American Group Psychotherapy Association. Ethical practitioners familiarize themselves with referral resources and refrain from working with client populations that need special assistance beyond their level of competence.

In order to be a successful and efficient group therapist, the knowledge of human services specialists should be expanded through constant education and professional development,

Regarding the ethical considerations of the group therapy, in order for the therapy to be successful, the following information will be announced to participants before the start of the session: a variety of topics regarding the group therapy, including therapists’ qualifications, techniques, the rights and obligations of group members, and the risks and benefits of participating in the group, the principle of confidentiality (that information shared during the group session is confidential); another principle – a freedom to leave (each participant has a right to leave the group any moment); some alternatives to group treatment will be indicated; policies regarding appointments, fees, and insurance.