TASK The work the group is Trying to get done PROCESS Actions and tools that help a group get its work done SELF Using yourself as an instrument GROUP Understanding group dynamics

GROUP – “an assemblage of individuals or objects located or gathered together” Webster’s Dictionary (7 definitions) FACITITATE – “to make easier”: facilitation (noun) Webster’s “a process in which a person helps others complete their work and improve the way they work together” Practical Guide to Facilitation Reasons Why It’s Hard to Work in Groups  US culture places GREAT emphasis on the individual.  We bring our unconscious material into the group. This can be acted out as blaming and criticizing, withdrawal, resentful participation, confusion, controlling, denial, and trying to please others at the expense of self.  Unclear intention How can we facilitate in such a way as to nurture interdependence?

Conditions That Maximize Learning Agreements – Form container for group Comfort – Manage Risk PANIC RISK COMFORT Growing Edge (Expandable) Comfort – easy & familiar, not particularly challenging Risk – where most learning happens Panic – “Freeze Zone” from fear & overwhelm. Not very conducive for learning & growth IMPORTANT TO KNOW BOUNDARIES & LIMITS OF GROUP

THERAPEUTIC “Therapeutic does not refer to the treatment of emotional and behavior disorders. Rather, the broad purpose of a therapeutic group is to increase people’s knowledge of themselves and others, help them clarify the changes they most want to make in their lives, and give them some of the tools necessary to make these changes.”

THREE GOALS OF ALL COUNSELING GROUPS To change behavior in a positive way. To utilize the group process to achieve behavior change. To carry the achieved behavior change from the group into everyday life…

GROUP THERAPY vs. GROUP COUNSELING GROUP THERAPY: Focuses on unconscious issues in order to change behavior. GROUP COUNSELING: Focuses on conscious issues and present behavior. Usually short-term and often focuses on specific issues, such as substance abuse, career, educational.

A Few Misconceptions About Groups Groups are suited for everyone The main goal of a group is for everyone to achieve closeness Groups tell people how they should be Group pressure forces members to lose their sense of identity Groups are artificial and unreal

Some Advantages of a Group Group setting offers support for new behavior and encourages experimentation The group is a microcosm of the real world – allows us to see how we relate to others Group setting provides an optimal arena for members to discover how they are perceived and experienced by others Groups help members see that they are not alone in their concerns

Psychological Risks of Group Participation Although there are benefits to participating in a group, there are also potential risks that group leaders need to monitor – – Members may be pressured to disclose and violate privacy – Confidentiality may be broken – Scapegoating may occur – Confrontation may be done in an uncaring manner – Group leaders may not have the competencies to deal with some difficulties that arise in a group

Member Guidelines to Benefit from a Group Express persistent reactions Come prepared to group sessions Decide for yourself what and how much to disclose Be an active participant Be open to feedback and consider what you hear Experiment with new behavior in group

Various Types of Groups Task facilitation groups – aims to foster accomplishing identified work goals Psychoeducational group – aims to educate well- functioning group members who want to acquire information and skills in an area of living Group counseling – aims at preventive and educational purposes – utilizes methods of interactive feedback within a here-and-now time framework Group psychotherapy – aims at remediation of in-depth psychological problems – often focuses on past influences of present difficulties

UNSTRUCTURED GROUPS On-going, open-ended. Membership changes frequently – Hospitals – Jails – Detox – Residential

STRUCTURED GROUPS Time limited – 2 hours per week – 4 – 15 weeks Usually topical – Coping skills – Stress management – Eating disorders