Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1992, Page 12
Ethical Standards
Informed Consent
“Fully inform clients as
to the purpose and
nature of the evaluation
and treatment freely
acknowledge that clients
have freedom of choice.”
APA
“Group leaders shall fully
inform group members,
in advance and
preferably in writing, of
the goals in the group,
qualifications of the
leader, and procedures
to be employed.” ASGW
“Should provide clients
with accurate
information regarding
the extent and nature of
the services available to
them.” NASW
Common Violations
Informed Consent
Therapist does not
openly discuss theory,
practice, or professional
credentials.
Group norm is not to
question the leader or
treatment but to accept
“therapy” as directed.
Extreme Violations
Informed Consent
Clients are recruited by
false advertising that
offers low cost or fast
results.
Clients contact
outsiders with
deliberate intent to
recruit.
Therapist does not
encourage individual
goals and choice to
participate or not to
participate. Hidden goal
is long-term therapy.
Leader expects
unqualified
commitment.
Competency
“Recognize boundaries of
competence and
limitations of their
techniques.” APA
“Only provide services
and only use techniques
for which they are
qualified by training and
experience.” APA
“Group leaders shall
refrain from imposing
their own agendas,
needs, and values on
group members.” ASGW
“Should not
misrepresent
professional
qualifications, education,
experience, or
affiliations.” NASW
Competency
Therapist practices
beyond level or areas of
competence.
All clients and all
problems are treated as
if they were the same.
Competency
Therapists (and clients)
believe that “the
therapy” can treat
anyone without
recognizing the need for
specialized education
and training for
different populations.
Leaders see themselves
as having the only true
way to mental health.
Clients are encouraged
to become counselors
without regard for
outside experience (and
sometimes education).

Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1992, Page 13
Ethical Standards
Dependency and
Autonomy
“Group leaders shall
protect members‟ rights
against physical
intimidation, coercion,
and undue peer pressure
insofar as is reasonably
possible.” ASGW
“Should make every
effort to foster self-
determination on the
part of clients.” NASW
Common Violations
Dependency and
Autonomy
Group minimizes
individuals‟ competence
to make decisions
without consulting the
therapist or group.
Referrals outside the
group discouraged.
Cultivate focus on client
problems and self-doubt.
Extreme Violations
Dependency and
Autonomy
Clients‟ positive
transference viewed as
justified adoration.
Demand for purity and
constant striving.
Create and perpetuate
shame and guilt.
Clients are promoted to
staff, etc., based on
“work” as clients
(therapy used to test
compliance).
Financial Practices
“Make advanced financial
arrangements that are
clearly understood by
their clients.” APA
“Should ensure that they
[fees] are fair,
reasonable, considerate,
and commensurate with
the service performed
and with due regard for
the client‟s ability to
pay.” NASW
Financial Practices
Use questionable billing
practices (e.g.,
increasing diagnosis for
insurance payment,
waiving deductible).
Allow clients to barter
their services for
counseling services.
Do not maintain fee-for-
service relationships.
Financial Practices
Pressure put on
individual clients to
recruit and refer other
clients.
Clients are encouraged
to feel responsible for
the financial well-being
of the agency.
Marriages arranged to
take advantage of
insurance possibilities.
Client-staffed
businesses developed
for the benefit of the
group.
Professional Develop-
ment
“Should take
responsibility for
identifying, developing,
and fully utilizing
knowledge for
professional practice.”
NASW
“Recognize the need for
continuing education.”
Professional
Development
Neglect training and
current literature in the
field.
Use new techniques
without adequate
knowledge or
supervision.
Minimize what other
Professional
Development
Hostile and
condescending toward
other therapy and
techniques.
Manipulate continuing
education requirements
in such a way that
continuing education is
only received from