Ethics in Group Counseling

3653 Words15 Pages
Ethics in Group Counseling Jeanetta Elia Liberty University HCSO 511 Dr. Margo Farwell March 6, 2014 Abstract This paper is a compilation of research that identifies the ethical boundaries and guidelines for a standard of group counseling. Biblical standards are integrated throughout. This student author also seeks to provide a professional identity standard that the counselor must uphold when working with groups. Comparisons are made between group counseling and individual counseling, what is consistent between both types of counseling and what is different. Some issues unique to group therapy are discussed. The research is obtained from a variety of resources, including The Bible, empirical journal articles, textbooks, and websites. Ethics in Group Counseling In individual counseling, a therapist meets one on one with an individual. The focus is on the needs and concern of that one individual. In group counseling, a therapist works with a group of individuals who have been pre-selected through a screening process. Generally these individuals have little to no connection to one another other than the similarities regarding the reason for which they are seeking treatment (Tomasulo, 2010). Barlow (2008) quotes Soukhanov stating that “group therapy is ‘a form of psychotherapy that involves sessions guided by a therapist and attended by several clients or patients who confront their personal problems together. The interaction among clients is considered to be an integral part of the therapeutic process” (pp. 240). The purpose of this paper is to identify ethical standards in group counseling. It will seek to determine how they are the same and how they differ from individual counseling and what the benefits of group counseling are compared to individual counseling. Identity and Ethical Boundaries While there are many professional organizations that
Open Document