Having someone sit in a group or session

  • Having someone sit in a group or session

    Posted by Robin Engen-Johnson on August 26, 2022 at 10:02 am

    Hi there

    I am an addictions counsellor at a youth treatment centre. They are here for 3 months and there is another site wanting to orientate counsellors and social workers to our setting for possible coverage even though I am struggling with this. I feel it is unethical to have a SW or a counsellor just simply “sit in” to observe on a youth group where they are talking about really difficult topics and don’t know this person, and likely won’t see them again. Our goal is to create safety and I don’t feel comfortable with this. To me it feels unethical to have someone sit in (especially an RCC who would typically have group facilitation skills) just for the sake of it. They also discussed sitting in on a counselling session, which I said is unethical as I am not in a supervisor/student role. Thougths? Ethical guidelines around this? Thank you!

    Chasidy Karpiuk replied 2 years ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Chasidy Karpiuk

    Member
    January 28, 2023 at 10:39 am

    I can understand your concern. Thoughts: Can you check in with the group to get their perspective on this? See if they are comfortable having someone learn through observing? Ultimately, it is their group and their material that they are sharing. I would give people/clients an opportunity to express their opinion in group but invite them to talk to you privately as well.

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