Lec 5.4 - Group Facilitation

Group Facilitation

• Process of gathering inputs from members and taking consideration of their interests in making decisions related to the group

• Not suitable for clients functioning at low cognitive level

Group Facilitator

• Convinces members of the group that he or she is on their side and represents their best interests 

• Earns support from member by allowing the members to make choices and by showing care and concern

• Acceptable to all members of a group

• Neutral and has no decision-making authority

Withdrawn

• Use non-verbal cues such as smiling

• Provide opportunities for involvement

• Recognize that the individual may be checking out the group

• Use an icebreaker that has a purpose

Shy 

• Respect that the person needs time to feel comfortable in the group

• Understand that the member might need to be quiet

Angry Member

• Recognize the reason for anger

• Use positive strategies to deal with the situation

• If the anger escalates to aggression, consult with the supervisor

Dominating Member

• Redirect the member’s discussion

• Ask another member for inputs

• Remind group of rules regarding sharing time

Negative Member

• Be direct

• Reframe the issue and bring back to the original topic

• Allow the member to express how they felt or dealt with the issue

Know-it-all Member

• Ask for source or reference of information

• Allow other members for their reaction or experience with the topic

Emotionally Unstable Member

• Provide support to the member

• Acknowledge the negative emotion

  • We all have blue days

• Be sensitive to every member’s feelings

• Be a good listener