Case Study Vignette for LPC

Desperate to add "group counseling" to his resume, Alfred begins soliciting individual clients to a "life skills" group he has created. When his supervisor asks him for the basis of forming the group, he explains that it will be an open discussion group. He assures his supervisor that it will be beneficial to his clients. When he finds eight individuals willing to try the group, he gives a time and date and expects them to meet. At the first group session, Alfred is surprised to feel a lot of tension between clients. The first session went very poorly with very little interaction from anybody. In fact, no one seemed to know what the point of the group meeting was. When discussing it with his supervisor the next day, they come to realize that he had created a group composed of: -Two victims of domestic violence; -One perpetrator of domestic violence; -Two individuals that knew one another; -And someone who had just barely started individual counseling. Alfred's supervisor later informed him that there was a breach of confidentiality. One of the group members had identified a different group member at the grocery store, which was extremely embarrassing for her. The exposed client is very angry and hurt at what has happened and begins asking questions about confidentiality. What are three mistakes/issues Alfred has created in this situation? What are your thoughts on Alfred's lack of an explanation/need for his group? How is confidentiality different between group and individual counseling? In a better situation, what should have Alfred done to create a successful, ethically stable group? Draft an email to Alfred’s supervisor requesting participation to lead the above “life skills group”: Describe the measures you will take during the screening and selection process. Address the limitations to confidentiality during group sessions and how you will address confidentiality within your group.