Scenario One: Barbara is a substance abuse counselor working for a nonprofit social service agency. Many of the clients in the agency are female domestic violence victims who also have substance use disorders. The director of the agency has asked Barbara to develop a counseling group to serve the needs of these individuals.
Question One: What ethical matters should Barbara consider as she plans this group?
Question Two: What methods should Barbara use to ensure confidentiality in the context of group counseling?
Question Three: If breaches of confidentiality occur, how should Barbara manage them?
Scenario Two: David is a substance abuse counselor working for a family counseling center. Steve, one of his adult clients, would like his wife to attend some sessions with him.
Question One: What ethical matters should David consider before beginning to see Steve and his wife?
Question Two: What special issues of confidentiality may arise in this case? How should David address these issues?
Question Three: How might differences in personal values and gender/cultural issues create ethical dilemmas in this case?