group dynamics chapters 3 + 4

purpose of group

• be clear about the purpose of group

• clarity of purpose keeps members on course

  • relevant exercises

  • relevant questions

  • “cut-off” irrelevant discussions

• when purpose is unclear, groups are often

  • confusing

  • unproductive

  • boring

pre-group planning

includes

• how many sessions?

• when will the group meet?

• who should the members be?

• how will members be screened?

• big picture planning

• every group session has 3 phases

  • beginning

  • middle

  • closing

how will members be screened?

this is important — not everyone is a fit for every group

• personal interview

• written screening

• referrals

• after group has begun

big picture planning

• consider all possible topics

• consider stage of group

• plan format/vary the format

• anticipate problems

  • absent members

  • members not doing hw

every group session has 3 phases

• beginning/warm up: not too long, relevant, check in

• middle/working: meaningful + lasting

• closing: don’t wing this, give this good thought

frequent mistakes in planning

• not planning at all

• planning too much

• irrelevant/meaningless content

• not allowing enough time for processing

• too many exercises

• inappropriate exercises

• poor planning of order or time

• not planning an interesting/engaging beginning

• vague/unclear plans

• lack of flexibility

• having no back-up plan