Ethical Issues and Legal Issues

¶ … ethical issues and legal issues in-group counseling, I must first admit that I was worried and concerned. In counseling, well actually in all aspects of life ethical issues are such sensitive areas and are often interpreted in numerous ways by various groups of people. I agree with the need to do a self-assessment as stated by Rapin. Routinely a "self check" is necessary to make sure that ones values, beliefs and theoretical orientation and how these impact upon the group, particularly when working with a diverse and multicultural population are perceived by oneself and others (Rapin, 1998, a:3). We have to make sure that not to lose sight of our purpose. We cannot let our own views skew what the group is working on. The only area that I do not agree with completely is the area of confidentiality. Firstly, I must state that I believe that confidentiality is very important, however there are certain areas that can be harmful to group members. We all know that primarily confidentiality is in place so that what occurs in a group sessions stay in a group session and to respect the lives of the group. However, there are instances where group members may have personal issues that can affect another member of the group or the therapeutic milieu. This is my area of concern; although regardless I respect and uphold confidentiality in every aspect I still have concerns over some aspects of it.

Another cite discusses the importance of diversity knowledge and understanding. This I agree is also a very important aspect for any worker to acknowledge, practice, and uphold. It is very necessary that Diversity-skilled group workers exhibit awareness of any possible negative emotional reactions toward Indigenous Peoples, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos/Latinas, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgender persons and persons with physical, mental/emotional, and/or learning disabilities that they may hold. They are willing to contrast in a nonjudgmental manner their own beliefs and attitudes with those of Indigenous Peoples, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos/Latinas, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgender persons and persons with physical, mental/emotional, and/or learning disabilities who are group members (Haley-Banez, Brown, & Molina, 1998, Section II).However the only aspect that I disagree with is that in some parts of the writing it often feels as if diversity is seen like an overwhelming task to surmount. Diversity should not be viewed in this manner. We are all different and there should be a global respect for those differences. These differences should not be viewed as an obstacle yet just as a state of being.