group dynamics chapter two

stages of groups

• beginning stage

• working stage

• closing stage

*all groups go through 3 stages

beginning stage

introductions, purposes of group, expectations, fears, group rules, *confidentiality, ice breaker/engaging exercise

*may last minutes, or 1-2 sessions

working stage

focus on the purpose of the group, learn new material, complete tasks, engage in personal sharing, exercises

*watch for interaction patterns, attitudes of members

closing members

termination, share what they have learned, share how they have changed, deal w/ emotions

re: ending group

*usually lasts 1 session

common fears in the beginning stage of group

• anxiety over being accepted/rejected

• concern of being judged by others

• afraid of appearing stupid

• concern of not fitting in w/ group

• not knowing what is expected

• concern of communicating effectively

Corey’s Model: Stages of Groups

• formation

• orientation

• transition

• working

• consolidation

• follow-up

Tuckman’s Model: Stages of Groups

• forming

• storming

• norming

• performing

• adjourning

it is important to balance/monitor both?

• group process ~ dynamics + interaction + energy; exchange between group members

• group context ~ purpose/task of groups

therapeutic forces

• clarity of purpose

• group size

• length of each session

• frequency of meetings

• adequacy of setting

• time of day

• leaders’ attitude

• closed or open groups

• voluntary vs nonvoluntary (court mandated)

• members level of commitment

• level of trust

• members attitude toward facilitator

• leaders’ experience

• co-facilitator harmony

clarity of purpose

leader + members need to be clear

group size

5-8 is usually best, educational groups may be larger

too large?

• anti therapeutic

• no time for sharing

too small?

• pressure to participate

length of each session

it varies 20/40 minutes »» 1.5/2 hrs)

frequency of meetings

• depends on setting/purpose

• balance

• each week (normal), every two weeks (support group), every day (residential)

adequacy of setting

• convenience

• easily accessible

• privacy

• comfortable

• don’t use tables (barriers)

• space to sit in a circle

time of day

convenient for facilitators + members

leaders’ attitude

• make group interesting

• bring creative ideas in sessions

closed or open group

• closed is best for therapeutic groups, time-limited, goal-oriented

• open is more difficult, members join + leave periodically

members level of commitment

• high = cooperative, non-resistant

• low = little interest, rabbit trails, contribute little, disruptive

level of trust

leader provides guidance, safety, instills hope

members attitude toward facililtator

• like

• respect

• trust

leaders’ experience

individual counseling; group therapy

co-facilitator harmony

• in sync

• tag team well