Question 1

In the process of explaining informed consent in family counseling, counselors should

Accepted Answer

It is important for counselors to inform families that changes in family functioning may occur as a result of counseling. Providing this information ensures that informed consent is obtained from all family members, as they are aware of potential outcomes of counseling. It also allows families to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in counseling. The other choices are not appropriate or necessary when explaining informed consent in family counseling.

Question 2

Pre-screening of group members

Accepted Answer

B

Question 3

When counseling victims of domestic violence, counselors should

Accepted Answer

It is important for counselors to prioritize the safety of the victim. Encouraging them to leave the relationship before safety can be assured may put them in further danger. The counselor should instead explore safety planning options with the victim, such as seeking a restraining order or finding a safe place to go in case of emergency.

Question 4

In order for a counselor to be competent to engage in group work, the counselor

Accepted Answer

The ASGW Professional Standards for the Training of Group Workers recommends that group workers receive a minimum of group work preparation and supervised experience. While being a member of ASGW or having ASGW certification may indicate a level of dedication to and knowledge of group work, it is not a requirement for competence in group work. Similarly, graduate courses and internships in group work are helpful for developing competence, but they may not necessarily be required.

Question 5

Because children cannot give their legal consent to participate in family counseling

Accepted Answer

The answer of Because children cannot give their legal consent...

Question 6

If a counselor wants a person other than a biological parent (such as a step-parent or grandparent) to have confidential information regarding a child client, a simple solution is to

Accepted Answer

The best choice is to get a signed statement from one of the biological parents allowing the counselor to disclose information to the step-parent or grandparent. This ensures that the legal guardian of the child has given permission for confidential information to be shared with the other individual. It also avoids any potential legal issues or ethical concerns that may arise from giving confidential information without proper authorization.

Question 7

Counselors who intend to conduct family counseling as part of their professional practice should

Accepted Answer

Family counseling is a specialized field of counseling that requires specific training in marriage and family counseling. Counselors who intend to conduct family counseling should gain specific training in this area, including supervised experience. Completing a degree program in marriage and family counseling is one way to gain this training, but it is not the only path. Seeking separate licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist is not necessary for all counselors, but gaining specific training is essential. Disclosing one's own family of origin issues as part of the informed consent process is important, but it is not a requirement solely for counselors intending to conduct family counseling. Advocating for the preservation of a couple's marriage is not always appropriate, as the goal of family counseling may not be to preserve a marriage but to improve the functioning of the family as a whole.

Question 8

Informed consent in group counseling should include

Accepted Answer

Informed consent in group counseling should include an explanation of how the group may align or conflict with individual members' cultural values, as this respects and acknowledges diversity and helps members make informed decisions about participation.

Question 9

A counselor who is beginning a group

Accepted Answer

While counselors have an ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality, group members do not have the same obligation. It is important to explain to the group members that while the counselor will do their best to maintain confidentiality, there is no guarantee that others in the group will do the same. It is important to set realistic expectations and establish ground rules for the group, including the importance of respecting each other's privacy.

Question 10

Family counselors often view the family system as their client and treat the family as one entity, as opposed to treating individual family members, and our laws

Accepted Answer

Our laws typically recognize family members as having separate and distinct rights and responsibilities, reflecting an individualistic approach rather than treating the family as a single entity. This legal perspective acknowledges the individual rights and responsibilities within the family structure.

Question 11

A family counselor who uses paradoxical directives or interventions could get into trouble because clients who follow their prescriptions for behavior may be

Accepted Answer

Paradoxical directives or interventions involve prescribing the opposite of what the clients believe will help them. If clients follow these prescriptions, they may end up engaging in behaviors that are harmful to themselves or others, and the counselor could be held responsible. Therefore, using paradoxical interventions requires careful consideration and monitoring by the counselor.

Question 12

When married couples divorce,

Accepted Answer

While almost all states allow joint custody, the preferred arrangement varies by state. In some state courts, joint custody is preferred, while in others it is avoided if possible. Montana is not the only state where joint custody is not preferred.

Question 13

When a member expresses a desire to drop out of an ongoing group, the counselor should

Accepted Answer

It is important to encourage the member to discuss their decision with the group before making any decisions about the group’s continuity. This allows for group members to process the decision together, discuss any potential issues, and potentially work through any difficulties that may have led to the desire to leave. It also allows for the possibility of the member changing their mind or finding a solution to their issue within the group dynamic. Persuading the member to stay or assuming dysfunction within the group may not address the underlying concerns and could potentially harm the group’s dynamic. Bringing the group to a close may also disrupt progress that has already been made. Notifying the remaining members in writing is not appropriate without first discussing the decision as a group.

Question 14

When one spouse in a married couple demands that a counselor testify in court as to what occurred in counseling sessions, and the other spouse insists that the counselor not testify, the best course of action is for the counselor

Accepted Answer

Consultation with an attorney is necessary to determine the legal obligations and limitations regarding testifying in court, as laws vary by state and jurisdiction. The counselor should follow the advice of their attorney to ensure they comply with legal and ethical obligations.

Question 15

Regarding the law of privileged communication in relation to family and group counseling,

Accepted Answer

Generally, the law of privileged communication indicates that privilege is waived if there is a third-party present during counseling. This is because the privilege is intended to protect the confidentiality of conversations between a client and their counselor. In group or family settings, the presence of other members is considered as having third parties present, which can waive the privilege.

Quiz 10: Counseling Families and Groups