ezhumalia et al ., 2014 ). reference list american association H e a l t h M e d i c a l

Student Response #1

APA Fomat

2 paragraphs

5-6 Sentences each parapraph

2 references

DIRECTIONS: Respond to at least two of your colleagues by suggesting strategies to address the legal and ethical considerations your colleagues discussed. Support your responses with evidence-based literature.

Confidentiality is one of the foundational aspects of psychotherapy. Ethically and legally, confidentiality can differ from group and individual therapy. In individual therapy, a relationship is built between the therapist and the patient. A collaborative process that focuses on establishing a one – on – one connection. The therapist’s end goal is to improve the client’s quality life in any shape or form. In many therapy sessions, the client can reveal embarrassing, sometimes personally damaging information (McClanahan, 2014). Although damaging information is revealed, to what extent should that information remain confidential. It the duty of the therapist to respect and keep information exchanged, confidential. It is the reasonable expectation that arises by implication understood by both parties (Sommers, Feldman, Knowlton, 2008). Group or family therapists are responsible for informing all individuals participating in the need for confidentiality, potential consequences of breaching privacy and that legal privilege do not apply to group/family discussion unless provided by state statute (McClanahan, 2014). Group and individual therapy differ in that the provider is not dedicated to the individual client nor functions exclusively as the client’s advocate. Advocacy is promoted as a group entity, which means confidentiality is arbitrary.

These differences in approaches would impact the therapeutic approach for clients in group and family therapy. According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, therapists should be upfront with the family from the start of treatment to inform them of their right to confidentiality. It is imperative to let the group know that a therapist cannot disclose information to other individuals at the initial session. The therapist should also disclose that they can assure confidentiality within the law’s constraints but cannot promise that other group members maintain confidentiality (Ezhumalia et al., 2014).

Reference List

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (2011) AAMFT code of ethics. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatr…

McClanahan, K. (2014). Legal and Ethical Considerations for Group and Family Therapy Discussion Essay Samples. Can confidentiality be maintained in group therapy? The National Psychologist. Retrieved from:

https://nationalpsychologist.com/2014/07/can-confi…

Sommers, G., Feldman, S., & Knowlton, K(Producers). (2008a). Legal and ethical issues for mental health professionals, volume 1: Confidentiality, privilege, reporting, and duty to warn [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy. net. [Kanopy].