CAAP 6637 Group Counselling & Process Skills
Code of Ethics, Fundamental Principles, and Practice Guidelines
Information on this page is an expect that I authored for the developemnt of our group proposal
Beyond the Binary: Promoting Acceptance and Resilience of Gender Nonconformity
Used with permission from Greg Provost and Kate LaRocque
As future psychologists in the province of Alberta, we will be following the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (4th ed.; Canadian Psychological Association [CPA], 2017). In addition, leaders will adhere to the fundamental principles outlined in the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA, 2007) Code of Ethics. Finally, leaders will acknowledge the best practice guidelines outlined by the Association for Specialists in Group Work (Thomas & Pender, 2007) to ensure that ethical practice unique to group counselling is maintained (Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2011).
The process of informed consent will be woven through verbal interactions with members and through written ‘foundational consent forms’ that will be utilized in the first two sessions (one for session 1 and one for session 2). Finally, a separate document will be used to complement the consent forms, elaborating on unique issues relevant to group counselling. Please see Appendix F for the Informed Consent documents.
Group leaders will adhere to the Principles of ethical practice outlined in the CPA Code of Ethics (2017), relying on the Principles and Standards to guide clinical practice and decision making.
Principle I
Respect for the Dignity of Persons
Great importance is placed on the members’ “inherent worth, non-discrimination, [and] moral rights,” and “distributive, social and natural justice, generally should be given the highest weight, except in circumstances in which there is a clear and imminent danger of bodily harm to someone” (CPA, 2017, p. 4).
Principle II
Responsible Caring
Practicing with responsible care requires leaders to maintain the competence to act in the group members’ best interests, proving the maximum benefit while at the same time restricting risk to potential infliction of harm (CPA, 2017).
Principle III
Integrity in Relationships
Leaders must act in ways to demonstrate integrity within all relationships. Psychologists are expected to demonstrate the highest integrity in all of their relationships. Knowing that Principle I and II must have the highest priority, which may require subordination of Principle III when leaders are required to intervene openly and honestly to protect members from harm (CPA, 2017).
Principle IV
Responsibility
to Society
Leaders will practice in such a way to respect the rights and ensure the safety and welfare of individual members and the group as a whole. In addition, leaders will look to find ways to influence change, finding ways to benefit society while preserving the dignity of persons, responsible caring, and integrity in relationships. When this is “not possible, the dignity, well-being and best interests of persons and peoples, and integrity in relationships should not be sacrificed to a vision of the greater good of society” (CPA, 2017, p. 4).
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Beneficence
Promote and take actions that are in the best interest of group members and promote good; act to prevent harm and promote wellness (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Fidelity
Ensuring commitment is held to maintain the integrity within the group; maintain loyalty within relationship; leaders need to keep their promises; abide by the law and ethical codes; encourage trust; be transparent; expose areas of competency and admit areas of incompetence (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Nonmaleficence
Ensuring actions do not wilfully cause harm either emotionally or physically; diligently avoid actions or words that could be interpreted or perceived as harm; never subject members to unnecessary risk of harm (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Autonomy
Honour members’ rights to determination which requires leaders to respect members’ decisions they make to direct their own lives; never use coercion or manipulation to convince members to alter their decisions (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Beneficence
Promote and take actions that are in the best interest of group members and promote good; act to prevent harm and promote wellness (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Fidelity
Ensuring commitment is held to maintain the integrity within the group; maintain loyalty within relationship; leaders need to keep their promises; abide by the law and ethical codes; encourage trust; be transparent; expose areas of competency and admit areas of incompetence (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Nonmaleficence
Ensuring actions do not wilfully cause harm either emotionally or physically; diligently avoid actions or words that could be interpreted or perceived as harm; never subject members to unnecessary risk of harm (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Autonomy
Honour members’ rights to determination which requires leaders to respect members’ decisions they make to direct their own lives; never use coercion or manipulation to convince members to alter their decisions (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Autonomy
Honour members’ rights to determination which requires leaders to respect members’ decisions they make to direct their own lives; never use coercion or manipulation to convince members to alter their decisions (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Beneficence
Uphold the dignity for members and advocate for equal opportunities for nonconforming individuals through fair practice that is equal to all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, ability, etc. (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Fidelity
Ensure practice upholds respect within society (CCPA, 2007).
FUNDEMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The fundamental principles outlined in the CCPA Code of Ethics (2007) will be integrated into practice and service with group members, other professionals, and society.
Beneficence
Promote and take actions that are in the best interest of group members and promote good; act to prevent harm and promote wellness (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Fidelity
Ensuring commitment is held to maintain the integrity within the group; maintain loyalty within relationship; leaders need to keep their promises; abide by the law and ethical codes; encourage trust; be transparent; expose areas of competency and admit areas of incompetence (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
Nonmaleficence
Ensuring actions do not wilfully cause harm either emotionally or physically; diligently avoid actions or words that could be interpreted or perceived as harm; never subject members to unnecessary risk of harm (CCPA, 2007; Corey & Corey, 1998; Kitchener, 1984; McBride, 2014).
ETHICAL ISSUES IN GROUP PROCESS
As identified by the CPA (2017) Code of Ethics, Corey et al., (2018), and McBride (2014), group counselling and processing opens the doors for unique ethical issues:
Screening and pre-group meetings
Use careful screening processes to ensure appropriate members are accepted and those who are not a good fit are referred to alternative resources. Screening is conducted to ensure all members’ safety and protected from potential harm. This includes protection for members who are accepted into the group and for those potential members who who are declined (Corey et al., 2018; McBride, 2014).
Informed consent
Leaders will ensure that informed consent is an ongoing process, not a single event (CPA, 2017; McBride, 2014). Members will be informed of risks and benefits of participation, alternatives available, how privacy and confidentiality are honoured, their rights, and steps to take if they are unhappy with leaders’ service (CPA, 2017; McBride, 2014).
Dual relationships
Leaders must do their best to ensure they do not enter into dual relationships (e.g.., agreeing to see a group member for individual counselling). Lines can become blurred lines when professional boundaries with members are not maintained or through taking on blended roles. Leaders can prevent dual relationships by practicing clear and careful boundaries that are consistent yet flexible. Breaches in boundaries and blended roles always increase clinical risks to clients that could potentially inflict harm (CPA, 2017; McBride, 2014; Truscott & Crook, 2013).
Confidentiality
As outlined in McBride (2014) and the CPA (2017) Code of Ethics, leaders have an ethical duty to maintain confidentiality at all times, with the exception of “situations that involve a threat of serious physical harm or a child in need of protection” (Truscott & Crook, 2013, p. 32). In these situations, “the client’s right to confidentiality takes precedence over our professional obligation to correct or offset harm” (Truscott & Crook, 2013, p. 32).
Competence
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Competence involves knowing what is happening within the group dynamic by keeping a finger on the pulse of the group and the ability to read when stages are complete and when to move to the next one. In addition, leaders must present with competence and training that is specific to group counselling and process skills (CPA, 2017; Corey et al., 2018; McBride, 2014; Truscott & Crook, 2013).
Supervision and consultation
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Seek consultation to discuss concerns with trusted professional peers, ensuring that the identities of parties are protected (CPA, 2017; Corey et al., 2018; McBride, 2014; Truscott & Crook, 2013)
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Coleaders should be diligent, making debriefing after sessions a priority (Corey et al., 2018; McBride, 2014).
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Leaders will consult when necessary, ensuring that confidentiality and members’ privacy are maintained (CPA, 2017; Corey et al., 2018; McBride, 2014; Truscott & Crook, 2013).
Members’ rights.
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Rights—clarify that members have the right to say no, yes, pass, stop, or goodbye both in group and in their personal lives (McBride, 2014).
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Right to choice of what to say and how much to share (McBride, 2014).
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Right to privacy: leaders will protect members’ privacy within the limits of the law and the CPA Code of Ethics (2017) as it pertains to ensuring the safety of others (McBride, 2014).
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Right for members to share as much as they feel comfortable (McBride, 2014).
Self-awareness
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Leaders must ensure that they engage in regular reflective practice to expand their understanding and awareness of self. Leaders are also encouraged to participate in their own individual therapeutic work to deepen such awareness and prevent potential countertransference that could inflict harm (CPA, 2017; Corey et al., 2018; McBride, 2014; Truscott & Crook, 2013).
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Leaders must uphold the moral principles and values in personal life and clinical practice. Leaders must ensure they have well-defined values that are clearly exposed, and should clarify how these values could influence the group goals and selection of interventions (CPA, 2017; Corey et al., 2007 as cited in McBride, 2014; Truscott & Crook, 2013).
Self-Care
Maintaining self-care is critical for leaders to ensure ethical practice and avoid potential infliction of harm resulting from impaired judgment (CPA, 2017; McBride, 2014). Leaders will engage in regular self-care to manage stress and burnout and prevent development of complicating conditions issues such as addictions (CAP, 2017; McBride, 2014).
