Groups Counseling and Ethics

EDCO 711

Ethical Dilemmas

The below are taken from the following text: Brown, N. W. (2018). Psychoeducational groups: Process & practice (4th ed.). New York: Routledge. ISBN: 9781138049390, p. 174.

Presented are four group situations that can present ethical dilemmas. Read these and choose one to answer the discussion prompt:

1. The group for adolescents had met for four sessions when the group leader brought in a new member. During the introduction, the leader revealed that the new member was depressed because of his father had moved out. The group leader obtained this information during the screening process, and had suggested that the client disclose this to the group. The client said that he would think about it, and matters were left there. He did not give the group leader his decision before entering the group.

2. Five counseling interns who were working at the same mental health agency went to lunch at a restaurant, and began discussing some cases they had that were presenting difficulties. They were careful to not use names of clients, but did give some of the clients’ personal information to help clarify the difficulties they were having. One intern leading a group of young adults being treated for alcohol abuse, described a group member as being extremely resistant. Another intern contributed a possible reason for the resistance, as she knew the person’s concerns from the intake interview.

3. The leader of an adult group comprised of court mandated males tried hard to encourage group interaction and participation, but members continued to resist. One member in particular was sullenly silent during sessions, even when he was invited to provide input. His behavior was brought to the group’s attention during the current session and members expressed concern and displeasure with his behavior. He finally stood up and angrily said that he was leaving the group. The group leader proposed that he stay and try to work things out with the other group members, but he left the room. The leader reported the event to the court.

4. The group leader had personally benefited from the empty chair technique demonstrated in one of his graduate counseling classes, and decided to use it in his group.