Group Couseling Ethics

Group Ethics

Jerry T. Brooks

Liberty University

Abstract

This research paper will examine and delve into the thoughts and conclusions of a number of authors of empirical research articles, and course readings on group ethics. It will survey a variety of ethical issues exclusive to group therapy, coupled with how these concerns measure up to those from individual therapy. Terms such as cohesiveness, confidentiality, dual relationships, competency, forming, storming, norming, preforming, dissolution, democratic, autocratic, and diversity will be discussed throughout this research paper. There are numerous ethical issues, which may arise throughout the various stages of the group process that will also be addressed. Starting with the beginning stage, the working stage, and then the closing stage. Group therapists must abide by essential ethical standards in each of the listed stages and maintain these virtuously moral codes throughout the group’s development. Finally one will examine why a therapist would prefer group therapy more than individual therapy. With a contrasting view on why a therapist would prefer individual therapy over group therapy.

Keywords: cohesiveness, confidentiality, dual relationships, competency, diversity, ethics, group ethics, autocratic, democratic, dissolution, preforming, norming, storming, forming

Group Ethics

One begins learning about ethics from a young age, although at the time they don’t realize they are. With each interaction one has throughout their life they gain some sort of ethical decision making ability. It is seen with our peer groups, family groups, sports groups, and religious groups. These ethics are emergent and dynamic, they are influential and formed by our convictions and experiences in the world. One acquires, internalizes, and examines their ethics in historic, partisan, and cultural perspectives. In research done by Kreitler, Stenmark, Rodarte, & DuMond (2014) more productive ethical decision...