Ethics in Group Counseling vs. Individual Therapy: Who’s up for Group?
Annette Taft
HSCO
December 6, 2015

Abstract This research paper will explore the professional code of ethics that a counselor should designate to the group or individual in order to conduct an affective session. Ethics are specific guidelines that help a professional operate with educational, cultural and scientific value applied to a particular setting. In this paper will also explore the ethical issues that can influence group therapy, individual counseling, and the reasons why one setting may be beneficial then the other.

Key words: Ethics, Professional,

In this busy robust world counseling has become the norm. People have become to use counseling as a way of settling disputes, talking out their own issues, or just support for a friend. Nevertheless, it transitions into the lives of society today, helping people to live functioning lives in this topsy-turvy world. Making a decision of whether to choose group counseling or individual therapy has become often a hard decision. Group counseling and individual counseling are both functional ways of therapy although the ethical practices may be different. This research paper will explore the professional code of ethics that a counselor should designate to the group or individual in order to conduct an affective session. Ethics are specific guidelines that help a professional operate with educational, cultural and scientific value applied to a particular setting. In this paper will also explore the ethical issues that can influence group therapy, individual counseling, and the reasons why one setting may be beneficial then the other.
History of Counseling
The United States begin its counseling history in 1890 where over a period of time 3 models were introduced the first was called Career counseling or (“vocational guidance”), according to Pope (2000) society was at a transition. The first model of counseling was designed by a social worker named Parsons which was influenced by John Adams of Boston. The model gave people educational guidance that were losing their jobs to growing technology of farming equipment and veterans returning home from World War I. The counseling model also helped young people that were employed or unemployed to gain and keep successful employment in the evolving economy around them. Parsons Model gave three broad factors: 1.) know yourself, 2.) know how to succeed and conditions of various work places, 3.) use true reasoning (Pope 2000). Parsons model contributed a positive start to counseling by collecting data and applying logic and common sense using ethical practices. Counseling of today is achieved the same way by educating, in areas of mental health and or health and wellness. These areas are indeed vital to improving the way of life.
Ethics
In order to begin to understand ethics you must first be able to recognize what a Professional consist of and practice in ethics and why do they use ethics. According to Ponton and Duba (2005) a professional isn’t grown by merits for a badge, it is through growth of society with the classic ways of health, order and meaning. In coordination to society needs are meet when men and woman are placed and entrusted to publicly promise (or profess) to act for the good of the public. Ponton and Duba (2005) state that “today, society protects itself with police officers, security specialists, and even computer scientists. From accountants to zoologists, society calls on professionals to promise to act/profess because it needs to be able to trust them to help meet societal needs.
The ACA code of Ethics provides a clear and precise plan of behaviors that are used by counselors who are called to serve in capacity. Although its capacity is ever-changing it is a contribution that continues to evolve between counseling professionals and society. (Ponton and Duba, 2005). The function of ethical standards is to ensure the safety of the public served, to provide guidelines for the counselor, and to uphold the quality of the profession. Although a code of ethics may differ depending on whether its group counseling or individual. Being an effective counselor includes having knowledge of and the ability to integrate a code of ethics into one's professional practice (Kocet, 2006). Group Counseling Group therapy has become very popular in many cities because it gives relatively strangers a chance to come together and support in different psychosocial group settings. Group therapy can accommodate an array of disorders, illnesses, and social issues. Group therapy can be beneficial in many ways versus individual therapy. One of the ways that group therapy is beneficial is that it help achieve therapeutic change.

Biblical Integration
Ethics are also exercised in Christian ministry instead of seeking help through a professional which leaves out the spirituality treatment. According to Eliason, Lepore, Holmes (2013) an overwhelming number of Americans recognize the close link between spiritual faith, religious values and mental health, and would prefer to seek assistance from a mental health professional who recognizes and can integrate spiritual values into the course of treatment. Counselors that can integrate spiritual wellbeing into the practice can be beneficial with the understanding that there still has to be ethical standards. Eliason et. al (2013) suggest that the ethical standards and credentialing of clergy and lay professionals who practice pastoral counseling should be consistent with the ethical standards of counselors in the secular population.