Types of Groups
two parents and their children
What is a nuclear family?
Counselors must inform clients that they cant guarantee confidentiality when it comes to the other group members.
Confidentiality
a code that states counselors clearly define who is considered the "client" and discuss limitations and expectations of confidentiality, and seek agreement and document in writing such agreement w/ all involved parties
What is B.4.b.? (ACA, 2014)
the potential for imposition of counselor values, competence, consent, client welfare, confidentiality, and competing interest
What are the ethical challenges when working with families?
New members can join at any time
Open Group
two individuals who are married, engaged, cohabitating, or otherwise closely associated romantically or sexually
What is a couple?
Group counselor is to not have a personal or social relationship with any of the members.
Dual Relationships
a code that states counselors clarifies at the outset which person or persons are clients and the nature of the relationship the counselor will have with each involved person
What is A.8.? (ACA, 2014)
an individual who is hesitant to participate in the process of counseling
What is a resistant family member?
All members join at the same time
Closed Group
significant caretakers and siblings that a person grows up with, or the first social group a person belongs to, which is often a person's biological family or an adoptive family.
What is the family of origin?
Scapegoating members (object of groups frustration), pressure, misuse of confrontation, & injury resulting from group exercise
Client Welfare
a code that states counselors obtain consent from the client due to role changes and explains the client's right to refuse services
What is A.6.d.? (ACA, 2014)
information that one family member with the counselor has shared but has withheld from other family members
What is a family secret?
Ideally, there would be a mutually agreed upon time between the therapist and member if they choose not to participate. The member should also not be subjected to pressure from anyone.
Freedom to exit group
a family that extends beyond the nuclear, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who live nearby or under one household
What is a extended family?
Group leader has to be aware of how their cultural background, attitudes & values can influence work with a group.
Counselor Values
a code that states counselors obtain the clients consent in enlisting supportive networks as positive resources in the lives of the clients
What is A.1.d.? (ACA, 2014)
counselors work with both separated or divorced parents as they try to raise their children
What is co-parenting counseling?
To provide maximal therapeutic gains, careful consideration of group membership is essential.
Screening
a family not made up of one mother, father and child or children
What is a non-traditional family?
Core knowledge & Skill knowledge
Competence
a code that states MFTs are aware of their influential positions with respect to clients, and avoid exploiting the trust and dependency of such persons
What is A.1.3? (AAMFT, 2015)
the legal counterpart to the ethic of confidentiality
What is a privileged communication?
It becomes an ethical issue if members are forming cliques and gossiping about others in the group or if they are talking about matters that are better left to talk about in session.
Socializing among members