Chapter 1: Groups Process and Practice

Purpose of therapeutic group

increase members' knowledge of themselves and others, to help members clarify the changes they most want to make in their lives, to provide members with the tools they need to make the changes, and to support their changes.

ASGW

Association for Specialists in Group Work

ASGW Four Areas of Advanced Practice

(a) task groups (b) psychoeducational groups (c) counseling groups (d) psychotherapy groups

Task Group

Common in many organizations and agencies. Task groups are common in communities, business, and educational settings. Specialist training requires a minimum of 30 hours (45 recommended) of supervised experience, Get down to business quickly. Warm up, action, and closure are important.

Psychoeducatonal Group

Well-functioning individuals group. Developing members' cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills through a structured set of procedures within and across group meetings. 2 hour sessions / 4 to 15 weeks.

Counseling Group

Problems of living type of group. Interpersonal process and problem solving for thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Focus on attitude, change, and using newly acquired skills. Minimum of 45 hours of supervised experience in leading or coleading a counseling group.

Psychotherapy Groups

Remediate psychological problems and interpersonal problems of living. Attempt to alleviate specific symptoms. Depression, sexual difficulties, eating disorders, anxiety etc.

Brief Groups (BGT)

Time limited. Process orientation, clear rules, goals.

Culture

values, beliefs, and behaviors shared by a group of people. Does not just delineate an ethnic or racial heritage; it can refer to a group identified by age, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.

Diversity Compitencies

Pay attention to the diversity that exists within your group, and help members recognize how their diverse backgrounds influence their values and behavior. Highlight cultural themes as they surface during a session. Effective delivery of groupwork involves taking group members' cultures into account. Your challenge will be to modify your strategies to fit the differing needs of the diverse members of your group. To become a diversity-competent group worker, you need to possess a range of knowledge and skills competencies. Seek avenues for consultation and supervision as you recognize your limitations in understanding diverse groups.

The Group Counselor as a Person

The leader must have an ability to establish solid relationships with others, this is the most important tule. You must act as a catalyst for bringing about change in the group. Have a high level of self-awareness and engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection. pg. 26-27.

Tips for leading a group

If you have feelings that you choose to not say, write them down to reflect on later. Rather than faulting the member for a behavior, tell the member how this behavior affects you. Doing so opens up a different conversation and usually results in the member being less defensive. pg. 28.

Courage

A critical personal trait of effective group leader. Willingness to (a) be vulnerable at times, admit mistakes and imperfections, and take some risks (b) confront others but stay present with them as you work out conflicts (c) act on your beliefs and hunches (d) be emotionally affected by others and draw on experiences to identify with them (e) examine your life and (f) be direct and honest with members in a caring and respectful way. pg. 29.

Willingness to Model

Model behaviors through your creation of group norms. Respect diverse values, take risks. Do what you expect members to do. Do not just hide behind a professional facade. Be honest, approprate, and timely in self-disclosure. pg. 29.

Presence

Ability to be present with the group. Being affected by others' pain, struggles, and joys. Ability to not become overwhelmed. Do not be distracted. Allow yourself to experience feelings and allow yourself to be compassionate and empathetic with others. Maintain your boundaries and avoid the trap of over identifying with your clients. *tip: spend some time alone before leading a group and block out distractions as much as possible. pg. 29.

Goodwill, Genuineness, and Caring

A sincere interest in the welfare of others. Warmth, concern, and support when you genuinely feel it to a person. Even when you don't feel warmth, show concern and respect. pg. 30.

Belief in Group Process

Have a confidence in the value of the group process. There are painful dynamics but a sense of closeness can come of these moments. pg. 30.

Openess

Reveal enough of yourself to give participants a sense of who you are as a person. Members can become more open because of this. Self-revelation is not to be used as a technique; it is best done spontaneously. Authentic. pg. 30.

Nondefensiveness in Coping with Criticism

Members can accuse you of things. Some of the criticism is fair, some is not. If members take a risk and confront the leader and are chastised for doing this, they may withdraw.

Becoming Aware of Subtle Culture Issues

It is nearly impossible to be raised in a society filled with cultural discrimination and not hold some degree of prejudice or misinformation. If a sexist, homophobic, or racially derogatory comment is made and goes unattended, it can create a climate of mistrust and anger on the part of many members.

Being Able To Identify with A Clients Pain

We haven't experienced all of the same problems. But the emotions people express are common to all of us. It is often the most difficult paths we have taken and the greatest pains we have endured that have helped us fine tune our clinical intuition and effectiveness.

Personal Power

Does not entail domination of members or manipulation. A sense of confidence in self. Not the same as being arrogant. Self-confidence implies trusting in our competence while continuing to fine-turn ourselves as people and professionals. Feel empowered. People with this confidence can be genuine in their interpersonal relationships.

Stamina

Group leading can be taxing and draining as well as exciting and energizing. You need physical and psychological stamina. Be aware of your own energy level.