1. Ethics in Group Work n Ethical considerations begin with recommendation that each group leader becomes aware of his / her own personal biases and subtle unethical behaviors n Ethical behavior requires a high level of consciousness both personally and professionally

2. Ethics in Group Work n Questions to consider – What am I doing? – Why am I doing it?

3. Ethical Codes n The rules professional members must adhere to in their practices – Examples: American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association n Not following these codes may result in: – Being expelled from the organization – Loss of license – Vulnerability to malpractice suits

4. Ethical Guidelines n Suggestions aimed at increasing ethical and professional behavior – Example: Association for Specialists in Group Work Best Practice Guidelines

5. Ethical Issues in Group Work n Three steps to assure ethical and legal practice (Gumaer & Forrest, 1995): – Be knowledgeable of the ethical codes; – Use critical thinking skills and professional standards of practice in considering ethical situations; – Demonstrate an interest in ethical group practice through supervision and striving for competence

6. Ethical Considerations n Areas in which ethical considerations may arise: – Involuntary membership – Informed consent – Freedom to withdraw from a group – Psychological risks to members – Confidentiality and privileged communication – Uses and abuses of group techniques – Leader’s values

7. Ethical Considerations (cont.) n Areas in which ethical considerations may arise (continued): – Multicultural awareness – Dual relationships – Responsibility – Counselor competence

8. Ethical Principles for Group Leaders n Reflect on personal identity - needs, behavior styles, roles and functions in the group; n Know what type of group you’re designing - be able to state the purpose and client characteristics; n Use screening method to determine suitable and unsuitable applicants; n Ask group members undergoing psychotherapy to consult therapist before becoming involved in the group;

9. Ethical Principles for Group Leaders (cont.) n Inform members of expectations and encourage them to develop a contract to assist them in obtaining their personal goals; n Inform members of techniques to be used, exercises, and ground rules; n Don’t undertake a project beyond the scope of your skills / training; make your qualifications available to members in writing; n State the focus of the group clearly;

10. Ethical Principles for Group Leaders (cont.) n Protect members’ rights to self-determination, particularly concerning self-disclosure and participation in activities; n Know and be able to articulate rationale for using group exercises; n Relate practice to theory - stay grounded in diverse theoretical orientations in your personal style; n Know the dangers of meeting your needs at the expense of members’ needs;

11. Ethical Principles for Group Leaders (cont.) n Inform members of the psychological risks before and during participation; n Emphasize the importance of confidentiality to members before and during group as well as upon termination of the group; n Be open with members about your values when appropriate but avoid imposing them on members; respect others’ cultural backgrounds and values;

12. Ethical Principles for Group Leaders (cont.) n Watch for symptoms of psychological debilitation; offer referral resources; n Encourage members to discuss their experiences in the group; assist members in evaluating their progress in meeting goals; n Assist members in applying what they are learning to their daily lives; n Schedule follow-up sessions; n Develop a method of evaluation;

13. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning n Professional context and regulatory requirements – Know, understand, apply relevant codes of ethics and standards of good practice; n Scope of practice and conceptual framework – Define the scope of practice related to core and specialization competencies; – Be aware of personal strengths and weaknesses; – Articulate framework to guide practice and rationale for techniques used;

14. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning (cont.) n Assessment – Self - actively assess knowledge and skills – Ecological n Community needs n Agency / organization resources n Sponsoring organization mission n Staff competency n Attitudes regarding group work n Professional training levels of potential group leaders n Client attitudes toward group work n Multicultural and diversity considerations

15. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning (cont.) n Program development and evaluation – Identify type of group to be offered – Concisely state the group purpose and goals – Set fees consistent with organizational fee schedule; give consideration to financial status of group members; – Choose appropriate techniques and leadership style; – Have an evaluation plan; – Take current professional guidelines into consideration when using technology;

16. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning (cont.) n Resources – Coordinate resources needed and to be used (e.g., funding, facilitators, space, marketing, etc.) n Professional disclosure statement – Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality – Theoretical orientation – Nature, purpose and goals of the group – Group services available – Role / responsibility of group members – Leader’s qualifications to lead group

17. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning (cont.) n Group and member preparation – Screen prospective members if appropriate – Facilitate informed consent (oral and written) – Obtain appropriate consent forms for work with minors and other dependent group members – Define confidentiality and its limits - inform participants whether legal privilege applies to group discussions

18. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning (cont.) n Professional development – Remain current and increase knowledge and skills through professional development, professional supervision, and continuing education – Seek consultation supervision for ethical concerns – Seek appropriate professional assistance for personal problems or conflicts – Seek consultation / supervision when working with a group for which all knowledge and skill competencies have not been achieved – Keep abreast of group research and development

19. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Planning (cont.) n Trends and technological changes – Be aware of and responsive to technological changes n Mental health delivery systems n Legislative and insurance industry reforms n Shifting population demographics and client needs n Technological advances in the Internet and other communication and delivery systems

20. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Performing n Self-knowledge – Awareness of strengths/weaknesses and their impact on the group n Group competencies – Basic knowledge of groups and principles of group dynamics; able to perform core group competencies

21. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Performing (cont.) n Group plan adaptation – Apply and modify knowledge, skills, techniques according to the group type, group stage, and unique needs of various cultural and ethnic groups – Monitor group’s progress toward group goals – Clearly define and maintain ethical, professional, and social relationship boundaries with members n Therapeutic conditions and dynamics – Implement appropriate models of group development, process observation, therapeutic conditions

22. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Performing (cont.) n Meaning – Assist members in generating meaning n Collaboration – Assist members in developing individual goals – Respect members as co-equal partners in the group experience n Evaluation – Formal and informal – Between sessions and at conclusion of group

23. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Performing (cont.) n Diversity – Practice with sensitivity to client differences including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, sexuality, psychological maturity, socioeconomic status, family history, physical characteristics or limitations, geographic location; – Seek information regarding these cultural issues both by interaction with participants and by using outside resources

24. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Performing (cont.) n Ethical surveillance – Employ appropriate ethical decision-making model

25. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Group Processing n Processing schedule – Process workings of the group with self, group members, supervisors or other colleagues as appropriate n Reflective practice – Synthesize theory and practice – Practice and incorporate learning outcomes – Attend to session dynamics of members and their interactions – Attend to relationship between session dynamics and leader values, cognition, and affect

26. ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: Best Practice in Group Processing (cont.) n Evaluation and follow-up – Evaluate process and outcomes n Utilize results for on-going planning, improvements or revisions, and/or to contribute to professional research literature – Conduct follow-up contact with group members n Consultation and training with other organizations – Provide as needed and appropriate