group dynamics chapter five

getting started

• the 1st + 2nd sessions are most important

  • plan these sessions well

  • introduce content

  • make sessions interesting

twenty considerations

• how to begin group

• help members get acquainted

• set positive tone

• clarify purpose of group

• explain the facilitator’s role

• explain how group will be conducted

• help members verbalize expectations

• draw out members

• use exercises

• check comfort level of group members

• explain group rules

• explain special terms

• assess members’ interaction styles

• be sensitive to cultural issues/differences

• cut-off members

• focus on content

• address questions

• get members to look at one another

• close first session

• show them the love of Jesus

how to begin group

• brief statement about group, then intro exercise or ice breaker

• long opening statement before intro exercise

• long opening statement then go right into content

• brief statement then short sentence completion

• begin w/ introduction exercise

• begin w/ unusual catchy opening

help members get acquainted

• name round

• name tags

• dyads

• milling

setting a positive tone: don’t do this

• let group focus on negative

• let one member dominate

• let members attack each other

• be demanding

• be authoritarian

• be unorganized

• show your frustration

• be impatient

• get distracted

• get off topic

• bring your “bad day” to group

• let members interrupt

• be disengaged

• lose control of group

setting a positive tone: do this

• warm, inviting

• enthusiastic, caring

• draw out members

• use members’ names

• cut-off negativity

• keep focus on topic

• be positive

• be creative

• maintain control

• tone of voice

• body language

• facial expressions

• be flexible

• be kind

clarify purpose of group

reiterate it during session + at the end

explain the facilitator’s role

therapeutic, teaching, facilitating, active or some of each

explain how group will be conducted

format, discussions, learning exercises

help member verbalize expectations

sometimes expectations are not realistic

draw out members

dyads, rounds, written exercises

use exercises

be creative, make exercises relevant, movement

check comfort level of group members

• what word/phrase describes how comfortable you are in group right now

• on scale of 1-10, 10 being very comfortable + 1 being very uncomfortable, how do you feel?

• does anyone want to share how comfortable they are in group today?

• dyads ~ talk about how you’re feeling about being in group

explain group rules

• confidentiality

• attendance

• one person talks at a time

• eating/drinking during session

• look at group members when talking

• hand swipe

• do not attack others

• respect

• do not put others on the spot

explain special terms

rounds, dyads, process, exercise

assess members’ interaction styles

• what they say

• how they say it

• dominate?

• how often they participate

• silent

cut-off members

• intimidate others

• dominate

• get off track

• running their mouth

address questions

allot time for questions

get members to look at one another

• absolutely essential

• handswipe

• verbal nudge

close first session

• evaluate first session