Best practice

Considerations were taken from the Associations for Specialist in Group Work (2007) to form a
group within the best practices. Significant research has been done by both group workers to best
support and lead the group of veterinarians.

Section A

Group workers have taken the precautionary steps to best form a counseling group for
veterinarians who are active in their field of work. Much consideration has been taken to develop this
group in guidance from the Best Practices from the Association for Specialists in Group Work: Best
Practice Guidelines (Thomas, Pender & ASGW, 2007). Ethical considerations have been made and each
member who are wanting to participate in the group must sign a consent form to protect their own and
other member’s confidentiality when sharing with the group. The consent form will also be gone over in
the group orally to reinforce what is expected from members for confidentiality and limits that may exist
in certain situations that may arise. Group workers have though through activities that will be most
beneficial for the group and other resources will be provided by the group workers when needed. Group
sessions will take place in a privately owned space of the group workers to maximize privacy and lessen
disturbances that may cause a disruption. Screening of the members will be done to help making a
homogenous group of active veterinarians in the field. This is to be able to make a beneficial space for
future members that will be able to have some cohesiveness in the aspect that they are all active
veterinarians in the field that may share experiences that they face in their profession. Group workers
are aware of the continuous development that they must undergo to be able to keep knowledgeable as
well as keeping up with the best practices. Group workers will seek supervision when having ethical
concerns or personal problems that may arise in the future of the group.

Section B

Group workers are aware that they are expected to monitor their strengths and weakness and
seek supervision when needed. They are trained in counseling group therapy and are competent in their
training to perform to the requirements of ASGW. Group workers will monitor the progress of the group
and adapt to the group’s needs as the members progress through sessions and closer to the group goal.
Group workers are aware of ethical considerations for social relationships and will maintain professional
boundaries with members that adhere to the ethical codes of the ACA and ASGW. Group workers have
an appropriate ethical decision making model in response to ethical challenges that may arise that may
determine the course of action and behavior for selves and group. Group workers will help members
find the meaning of attending group sessions. Activities are made and implemented in the best interest
of the group members to help in them finding meaning to be a part of the group therapy sessions.

Section C

Group workers have implemented time for processing at the start and end of each session that
will be done. Group members will be able to have a moment to process with themselves as well as being
able to process with others. Group workers will be involved in this process with the members however,
will also have a moment to process outside with a supervisor or with each other. Group workers will also
be expected to reflect on sessions as a whole: member dynamics/interactions and relationship between
sessions. Group members will have consultations with professional persons who are knowledgeable
about group work to best support their ongoing group.