One of the most important concepts in clinical practice and group work is confidentiality. All members of the group sign an informed consent form in order to address the rules and parameters of the group sessions. The rules regarding confidentiality are stated in one section of the form. Although every member must sign this agreement, ensuring that all information shared in the group remains confidential can be difficult. As the group leader, the clinical social worker is responsible for developing strategies so that all members feel safe to share.
For this Discussion, review the “Working With Groups: Latino Patients Living With HIV/AIDS” case study. Provided Below:
Post strategies you might prefer to use to ensure confidentiality in a treatment group for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Describe how informed consent addresses confidentiality in a group setting. How does confidentiality in a group differ from confidentiality in individual counseling? Also, discuss how you would address a breach of confidentiality in the group.
Then Respond to a colleague who used a different strategy in addressing the issue of confidentiality. Discuss the importance of confidentiality in treatment groups. This will be provide after they post!!!
Reference: Please Use the Following
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 11, “Task Groups: Foundation Methods” (pp. 336-363)
Chapter 12, “Task Groups: Specialized Methods” (pp. 364–395
- Himalhoch, S., Medoff, D. R., & Oyeniyi, G. (2007). Efficacy of group psychotherapy to reduce depressive symptoms among HIV-infected individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 21(10), 732–739.
- Lasky, G. B., & Riva, M. T. (2006). Confidentiality and privileged communication in group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 56(4), 455–47
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 1, “Introduction” (pp. 1–42)
Chapter 2, “Historical and Theoretical Developments” (pp. 45–66)
“Working With Groups: Latino Patients Living With HIV/AIDS” (pp. 39–41)
Answer preview
Confidentiality in a group counseling, require that although group participants participate in sharing their experiences and issues of concern, they do not have to disclose personal information that might require to be maintained as confidential between them and their physicians (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). There is also no assurance of confidentiality of the issues discussed in a group, and therefore participants should observe limits of disclosure. Counseling therapist is also required to keep confidential any information they possess about the participant as well as maintain the confidentiality of the group information. On the other hand, individual confidentiality is between the therapist and the client. Therefore, both are required to handle confidentiality both legally and ethically to avoid interruption of the treatment and the healing process.
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