Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Chapter 17 Working with Specific Populations ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Children Children’s groups may focus on specific topics, skills, or developmental issues Size: ideally four to six members Time Frame: 20 to 40 minutes Important skills: leader directed, multi- sensory, enthusiastic tone, clear purpose and focus ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Adolescents Groups may focus on a wide range of developmental issues Group size: 6-8 members in personal sharing groups Screening is helpful: consider gender, topics, voluntary vs. involuntary group Important skills: strong leadership, structure, interesting and relevant topics and activities ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Couples Purpose ranges from enrichment to intense therapy Size: educational and enrichment, 10 couples; personal sharing, 5 couples Screening interviews important to clarify issues and commitment of couple Skills: understanding issues, exercises, and ability to handle intense emotions ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Addiction Groups Non-voluntary groups often educational or focus on denial issues Professional group leaders need knowledge of addiction topics: drug and alcohol, eating disorders, sex, gambling… Special skills include cutting off, multi- sensory approach, dealing with anger, confrontation, good planning, patience ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Groups for the Elderly Groups may focus on information, developing new skills, personal work, socializing, exploring new life goals, or spirituality Leader skills: patience, energy, knowledge of issues related to aging, health, finances… Co-leaders may bring knowledge of specific areas, such as a nurse or financial advisor ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Chronic Disease and Disability Focus on information, support, therapy Screen members for common concerns Leader skills: dealing with powerful feelings, acknowledging members as experts on their condition, knowledge of related health factors, understanding dynamics of medical and residential treatment facilities ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Survivors of Sexual Abuse Support and therapy groups Screen through individual interview for readiness and to build rapport Special leader skills: –no personal unfinished business –in-depth knowledge of sexual abuse –patience and deep caring ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Survivors of Sexual Abuse continued Additional Leader Skills: –ability to go “deep” with members – knowledge of support resources for members, such as shelter or foster placement ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Divorce Groups Purpose and focus ranges from processing grief and anger to starting over Screen for common concerns and level of post-separation/divorce adjustment Leader skills: knowledge of theory, stages of grief, dealing with anger, able to teach new interpersonal skills ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Adult Children of Alcoholics Three kinds of groups: –leaderless support groups, –leader-led support groups, –leader-led therapy groups Leader-led support groups may have 8-12 members…therapy groups, 4-6 members Screen for needs of each member ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Adult Children of Alcoholics continued Leader skills: –extensive knowledge of addictions –ability to deal with trust, intimacy, shame, guilt and abandonment issues –ability to deal with forgiveness ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Multiculturalism in Groups It is essential to be aware of cultural factors impacting group dynamics and how members participate Conflicts related to multicultural factors must be dealt with A group may have as its main purpose exploring cultural, sexual, or religious beliefs of members ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.