Ethics in Group Counseling
Jessica Whipkey
Liberty University

Abstract

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
Family therapists must be able to distinguish between their own values and those of the family, and refrain from promoting their own value systems.” (Amato, 2000)
Corey (2014) described some ethical issues within the group setting as making sure the group leader has quality training. As many references stated Corey (2014) also noted that confidentiality is an important issue within the group. Continuing with the values that each group should uphold, utilization of what techniques to use in the sessions, and ethical issues in-group membership.
Ethics in individual counseling Dufrene (2011) conducted a study on current and emerging ethical issues in individual counseling situations. Their study was based off of three research questions: What di experts believe are the most important ethical issues currently facing the counseling profession, what do experts believe are the most important emerging ethical issues that the counseling profession will need to address during the next five years, and do experts identify social justice concerns as important current and emerging ethical issues. Dufrene (2011) used the Delphi technique that uses written responses rather than bringing all the experts together for a discussion. This technique reduces potential bias because the participants and separate and unknown to each other. The twenty-two participants believed that the top four current ethical issues were ensuring that counselors practice ethically/abide by