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Essay on Confidentiality Issues in group therapy
Confidentiality is of supreme significance in all therapy settings, together with therapy groups. All group members must commit to confidentiality as a prerequisite to group participation. This means that the identity of group members, as well as the nature and content of group discussions must not be discussed with anyone outside the group. Commitment to this principle allows individuals to build trust and encourages members to share support and feedback with each other. People join therapy groups for many reasons. A few may be experiencing personal difficulties, at the same time as others may seek personal growth and development. Group therapy provides a unique and important way to learn about oneself and one's relationships, to gain confidence as well as develop new skills and abilities, and to give and receive support and feedback from others. (Saunders, D. C., & Hanusa, D. (1986)
In a group therapy sitting, group members are encouraged to candidly and truthfully talk about the issues that brought them to treatment. They try to help other group members by offering their own suggestions, insights, and empathy regarding their problems. There are no definite rules for group therapy, only those members participate to the best of their ability. However, most therapy groups do have some basic ground rules that are usually discussed during the first session.
Patients are asked not to share what goes on in therapy sessions with anyone outside of the group. This protects the confidentiality of the other members. They may also be asked not to see other group members socially outside of therapy because of the harmful effect it might have on the dynamics of the group. The therapist's main task is to guide the group in self-discovery. Depending on the goals of the group and the training and style of the therapist, he or she may lead the group interaction or allow the group to take their own direction....................
