Group CLS Chapters 4 & 5

Course Competencies Applying group dynamics and processes Evaluating ethical and professional guidelines for professional group leaders Selecting appropriate interventions for members who present common patterns such as fear, anger, and/or violence Selecting therapeutic responses when working with cultural diversity among group members Demonstrating leadership skills in both group maintenance and group facilitation Interpreting the progression of group stages and the relationships among group members

Course Competencies Managing assessments of group members for use in selection of members for planning specific strategies and techniques Illustrating proper administrative procedures for group counselors or therapists including effective documentation Discerning when group counseling is appropriate or is preferred as treatment modality Providing and synthesizing the exchange of feedback between self and other leaders and group members

Stages of Group Development 1.Pregroup 2.Initial stage 3.Transition stage 4.Working stage 5.Final stage 6.Postgroup

Stage 1:Forming a Group Pregroup Issues –Announcing a group, recruiting members –Rationale for screening group members Individual interview Group interview Written questionnaire

Stage 1: Forming a Group Formation of a Group –Open vs. closed groups –Voluntary vs. involuntary membership –Homogeneous vs. heterogeneous groups –Group size –Frequency & length of meetings –Short-term vs. long-term groups

Stage 1: Forming a Group Pre-group (initial) meeting –Explore with members: expectations, fears, goals, misconceptions, group process, psychological risks, guidelines, norms Multicultural considerations –Goals and purposes of the groups should be appropriate for the cultural context of clients with diverse backgrounds

Stage 2: Initial Stage of Group Stage characteristics –Getting acquainted –Inclusion & identity –Trust –Learning norms, attitudes, behaviors Group leader roles –Modeling attitudes, behaviors –Assist in identifying goals –Division of responsibility –Providing structure: too much vs. too little

Stage 3: Transition Stage Stage characteristics –anxiety –Conflict & struggle for control –Challenging the group leader –resistance Group leader roles –Teach importance of recognizing & expressing anxieties, reluctances –Dealing with conflicts & resistance –Monitor own reactions

Stage 4: Working Stage Stage characteristics –Developing group cohesion & productivity –Characteristics of an effective working group Meaningful interaction in a here & now focus Readily identify goals & concerns Willing to work & practice outside group Feel included, participate in productive work, take responsibility Group leader roles –Model & reinforce appropriate behavior –Look for common themes; interpret

Therapeutic Factors of a Group Trust and acceptance Empathy and caring Intimacy Hope Freedom to experiment Catharsis Cognitive restructuring Commitment to change Self-disclosure Confrontation Feedback

Stage 5: Consolidation & Termination Stage characteristics –Dealing with feelings regarding separation –Completing unfinished business –Giving & receiving feedback –Evaluating impact of group experience Group leader roles –Reinforce changes members have made –Assist in transferring skills & developing action plans

Stage 6: Evaluation & Follow-Up Postgroup issues –Evaluating the process and outcomes of a group –Follow-up group session –Individual follow-up sessions