I consider informed consent, involuntary membership, and freedom to withdraw from the group as the most pressing ethical issues when dealing with groups. Informed consent involves presenting the necessary information regarding the group processes and allowing group members to make a personal determination of whether to participate or not. The information given to group members includes the therapist's qualifications, techniques that will be used during the study, and the benefits and risks of engaging in the group activities. Informed consent is a continuous process that goes on throughout the entire group lifecycle (Chapter 3: Ethical and legal issues in group counseling). An informed consent offers participants autonomy, enhances collaboration, and minimizes the risk of exploitation and harm. I consider informed consent a pressing issue since, as a therapist, I have the obligation of disclosing all the information regarding the study to the participants. This can be a difficult task since some aspects of the group might have a negative effect on the respondents. Disclosing such information to participants before the beginning of the group operations may lead to the unwillingness of some members to participate. However, since it is an ethical obligation, leaders should not hide such information from the members.
At the beginning of the group sessions, leaders should offer clear guidance to the participants regarding their withdrawal from the group. This involves explaining the policies regarding attendance and commitment to group sessions. It is also necessary for the leader to discuss the risks involved when members decide to leave the group prematurely. While members have a right to withdraw from the group at any time they wish, it is necessary to inform the group leader and members before making the final decision (Chapter 3: Ethical and legal issues in group counseling). I consider voluntary withdrawal from the group a pressing issue since the participants have a right to withdraw at their own will. However, when one member leaves the group, he/ she might influence the decision for other members to withdraw. When many of the members leave the group, they may jeopardize its operations and prevent the achievement of the set objectives. Therefore, leaders must communicate the withdrawal protocol to the members and ensure that a member's decision to leave does not influence other individuals in the group.
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Involuntary membership is another issue that I consider stressing when working with groups. This happens when individuals are forced to participate in group activities. Individuals are reluctant to join groups due to misinformation, stereotypes regarding therapy, and lack of trust in leaders and the process. In such occurrences, leaders are mandated with the role of informing members of the nature of the group, its goals, procedures that need to be used, member's rights, limitations to confidentiality, and how they will actively participate in group activities (Chapter 3: Ethical and legal issues in group counseling). I believe that leading involuntary members is a tasking issue since individuals do not do it out of their own will. As such, members are likely to be demotivated and disengaged in group activities. Amid these challenges, leaders must inform the group members of the group objectives and their rights and ensure they sign an informed consent. Communicating the benefits of group participation to involuntary members could increase their voluntary participation. When individuals are unwilling to participate in groups, leaders need to offer insight that encourages their engagement. Besides, members are encouraged to commit themselves to group activities and verbalize their doubts regarding the group. Also, leaders should emphasize the need for members to be open-minded and communicate to enhance the group's functioning. When leaders enforce these ethical responsibilities, they are likely to lead high performing groups that are likely to achieve the set objectives.
Reference
Chapter 3: Ethical and legal issues in group counseling.
