| Confidentiality in Group therapy | |
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Over the past several decades the advancement of group modalities in the mental health profession, has brought about several potentially challenging ethical and legal scenarios that pertain specifically to confidentiality, privileged communication and privacy in group work. The inherent power of therapeutic groups to bring about personal change for members has seen increasing recognition in recent years in the mental health profession (Corey and Corey, 2006). Historically however, individual therapy was viewed as the most effective form of treatment, and group therapy was a less crystallised alternative (Glass, 1998). Markus and King
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1996). Paradise and Kirby (1990) explained that “the group counsellor may be exempt from testifying but any third party may be obligated to testify” (p 115). This can be seen in the incidence of Cox versus the State (1993). Cox allegedly murdered two victims in a drunken black out and had no recollection of the event. However, four years later he joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where he disclosed to members his dreams of a crime. He believed he had committed the
Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects when working with clientele. Our text defines confidentiality as, “rooted in a client’s right to privacy, is at the core of effective therapy. “(Corey et al. 2014). Anna Martin describes confidentiality in a little more detail by stating that, “patient confidentiality means maintaining private information about a client, and ensuring that no unauthorized person has access to this” (2017).As an individual working within a helping profession, one of the main goals to hold should be to keep clients protected and have their best interest in mind. Although keeping a client’s information confidential is often in the best interest for the client’s safety, this is not always the case. Certain instances may arise where it is essential to break confidentiality. Throughout this paper, we will look deeper into different situations where breaking or keeping confidentiality is necessary. Specifically, we will consider confidentiality principles as a counselor.
To ensure confidentiality and to protect the client’s personal information the interview between the client and I was conducted in a private room at Catholic Charities. Before conducting the interview I addressed confidentiality and assure the client that our conversation will remain confidential with the exceptions of child abuse, and if the client makes a serious threat to harm himself or another person. I explained confidentiality to the client verbally and visually. I handed the client a consent form and gave him a few minutes to read through it and sign. After he read the confidentiality form the client stated he had no further questions in regards to the consent form and he signed the form. A copy of the consent form
Confidentiality in layman’s terms means you do not disclose the information given to you. However, as a counselor there are times when you must disclose client information. Our textbook talks about a “Duty to warn” this when a counselor feels that a client is at risk of hurting themselves or others, and is obligated to warn the proper individuals (pg 96). This is one instance when breaking the confidentiality agreement between counselor and client is acceptable. So there are instances when it is okay to break the confidentiality agreement. Another example of a time when it is acceptable to disclose confidential information is stated in the American Counseling Association “When consulting with colleagues, counselors do not disclose confidential
This paper will study through some of the diverse ethical issues that can arise within group therapy sessions, such as conflict and confidentiality. While discussing the ethical issues within group counseling we will take note of how these ethical issues may differ and compare to the ethical issues of those within individual counseling sessions. This paper will also discuss reasons why a therapist might choose to lead a group therapy session over individual counseling and vice versa. Throughout this paper you will be accurately informed of the ethical issues surrounding group therapy and individual counseling. As someone just starting
There are several ethical dilemmas that the mental health professionals that are working as a team will face including “ensuring that the client has given informed consent, maintaining client confidentiality, and involving professionals, paraprofessionals, and family in appropriate coordinated processes that benefit the client” (Paproski & Haverkamp, 2000, p.96).
Group therapy for me was a very new concept. My understanding towards group therapy was that every one share their concern issues and goup members discuss about that issue and get different perspectives about how to deal with that issue by building cohession and trust among the members. According to zander (1968) a group is a collection of individuals who have relation to one another that make them interdependent to some significant degree. , Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time.Generally, the counselling group has a speific focus, which may be educational, vocational, social or
Confidentiality implies any data that is held around a specific individual is favoured and private. It is the obligation of all health care providers to verify that this data is open just to those approved to have admittance to it… Information around an individual ought to regularly just be shared on a need-to-know premise. All data held inside of my department is secret to the hospital in general. Confidential data about people can be examined with other social nurture bona fide reasons, for example, for one specialist to hand over toward the end of their day of work to another who has quite recently gone ahead obligation or when one health care provider needs to cover the work of their partner whilst they are on leave. General exchange around
18). Challenge Myths and Misconceptions- about what group is and what occurs. Convey Information- Explain Confidentiality, stages of the group developmental stages that are oriented with groups (David, 1995, p. 21). Explain procedures and obtain informed consent. Screening – using a group selection questionnaire. During the beginning phase of group therapy, issues arise around topics such as orientation, beginners’ anxiety, and the role of the leader. The purpose of the group is articulated, working conditions of the group are established, members are introduced, a positive tone is set for the group, and group work begins (David, 1995, p. 22). This phase may last from 10 minutes to a number of months. In a revolving group, this orientation will happen each time a new member joins the group (David, 1995, p.
Equity is being fair and impartial in dealing with people in anything. Example of equity is as a manager you need to be fair to all workers in your dealings as to work schedules.
Therapy is a relationship that works in part because of clearly defined rights and responsibilities held by both the client and the therapist. This understanding helps to create the safety to take risks and the support to become empowered to change. As a client in psychotherapy, you have certain rights that are important for you to know about because this is your therapy and the main goal is your well being. There are also certain limitations to those rights that you should be aware of. Also, l incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs and goals.
Confidentiality, privileged communication, and the duty to protect are important aspects of the social work world. All of these things, that I have found, coincide with our state laws and code of ethics main points. It is likely that they may have some discrepancies, but in the end, they follow the same central rule. Confidentiality, privileged communications and duty to protect is a huge aspect of being a social worker and when need to make sure that we are following the laws so that we do not get in trouble or a malpractice case filed.
Group counseling not only allows for members to learn from their therapist, it also allows for them to learn from personal experiences of other members and to gain insights and ideas on the issues they are confronting. Group counseling also helps in improving social skills among the members as they are able to interact freely in and out of the group. This way members can be more confident and open to interactions during the sessions. Group therapy influences growth and change to those involved. Also, it increases their self-awareness and enables them to gain sustenance from each other. Group counseling is also favorable to the therapist as they are able to gain faster and more efficient results for their members by counseling them simultaneously rather than one at a time. Jacobs, Mason, Harvill and Schimmel (2012) describe group counseling
he 12 step program will be a guiding light for Julie on the road to recovery. Built by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob this program is easily the most wide spread way of helping people beat a certain addiction, like heroin abuse. By admitting she is powerless over heroin Julie will conquer the first step. As she continues on she will meet gracious people in the rooms of Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. She will get to share past negative experiences with fellow members, and will help her to become more experienced in her recovery. “The core philosophy of AA/NA emphasizes personal accountability, abstinence, humility, honesty, powerlessness over addiction and connection with a higher power (CRC Health Group 2015).” Most of all this can be used along with other types of treatment. Group therapy will offer Julie some much needed support. This is a group of around 5-8 people with trained counselors talking about steps or ways to certain concerns, and helps with gaining certain positive reinforcement tools. Each member’s gets to express one’s self as well as convers ate back and forth with other members about certain group discussions. Let’s say one day the discussion is on suicidal thoughts because Julie decided to speak up and relive herself of inner demons, therefore expressing this with fellow members helps to get different perspectives on how to handle the situation.
Group Therapy [60 minutes in length] focused our discussion on Social Interaction. Clients discussed the benefits of social interaction in terms of support, love acceptance, self-esteem to name a few and how it relates to mental health. Clients participated in secret code activity which aided in increasing awareness of benefits from social interaction.
My assessment is that although Jack has many strong attributes, there are some areas that would benefit addressing. Although he has a close relationship with his parents, it would be therapeutic if Jack and his family went to group therapy, as this could possibly help with resentment stemming from childhood. Jack also needs to address his lack of communication skills. He needs to continue working with his psychiatrist on how to address this area, and hopefully will eventually allow Jack to talk with friends, and family when he needs support. He needs to continue with sobriety, which has been positive thus far. Continue attending AA meetings when craving alcohol, so he does not fall back into old routines. I feels Jack is on the right track