In counselor's role for group member selection, which practice best reflects ensuring appropriate membership while respecting autonomy?

• A. Counselor explains reasons for meeting with applicants
• B. Counselor elicits applicants' reactions to group participation
• C. Counselor assesses applicant's situations by engaging them in expressing their views of the situation and goals in joining the group
• D. Counselor provide orientation upon acceptance into the group

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is validating fit and autonomy through collaborative assessment. In group counseling, admitting someone should involve learning from the applicant about their current situation, what they hope to achieve, and why they want to join the group. By inviting the person to articulate their views and goals, the counselor can gauge whether the group’s focus and dynamics match the member’s needs, and whether the person is voluntarily choosing to participate with clear expectations. This approach supports appropriate membership because it aligns the group’s purpose with the member’s goals, and it preserves autonomy by giving the applicant a voice in the decision.

Other steps like simply explaining why you’re meeting with applicants, asking for reactions to group participation, or providing orientation after acceptance are useful but don’t encapsulate the proactive, goal-driven exploration of fit and consent that comes from having the applicant articulate their situation and join goals directly.