Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills Ed E. Jacobs Christine J. Schimmel Robert L. Masson Riley L. Harvill ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Introduction ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. In groups of four, Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of group counseling.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Reasons for Leading Groups Efficiency Experience of Commonality Greater Variety of Resources and Viewpoints Sense of Belonging Skills Practice Feedback Vicarious Learning Real-Life Approximation Commitment ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. In groups of 4, Make a list of all the groups you have been a part of, or know about.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Kinds of Groups EducationDiscussionTask Growth & Experiential Counseling & Therapy SupportSelf-Help ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Group Versus Individual Counseling Group counseling has specific advantages Group counseling is not for everyone Certain issues require individual counseling ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Use of Theories Individual counseling theories (REBT, CBT,TA, Adlerian, Behavioral, Reality Therapy) are helpful when leading counseling, therapy, and growth groups Certain kinds of groups (discussion, education, task groups) do not require the use of counseling theory ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Our Approach to Groups: Impact Therapy People don’t mind being led when they are led well. Group counseling should never be boring. Group counseling should be clear and concrete. The counselor is primarily responsible for the group but not ultimately responsible for the outcome. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Group Counseling in a Multicultural Context Important considerations: Cultural background GenderAge Sexual orientation ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Group Leadership Styles The major leadership debate is centered on how active, directive, and structured the leader should be. Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, and Schimmel’s position is that an active style of leadership works best for most groups. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Leader-Directed Vs Group-Directed Leader-directed - the leader has an understanding of the member’s needs and structures the group to meet those needs Group-directed - the leader will turn the group over to the members and have the members determine the direction and content. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Interpersonal Versus Intrapersonal Leadership Styles Leadership styles can be viewed on a continuum. Interpersonally oriented leaders emphasize the “here”, and the dynamics of the group. Intrapersonally oriented leaders focus on the needs and concerns of the individual members. Interpersonal Intrapersonal Focus on group processFocus on personal issues ______________________________________________ ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Leadership Functions There are both content and process functions that the leader must address. –Content - the task or purpose of the group –Process - the interaction between members, between members and the leader, and how members participate in the group ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. In groups of 4, What do you think are the characteristics of good group leaders?

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. What Makes An Effective Leader? Experience with individual counseling Experience and comfort with groups Planning and organizational skills Knowledge of relevant topics An understanding of basic human issues and conflicts A thorough understanding of counseling theory ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Ethical Considerations When Leading Groups Read and understand the Ethical Codes of your professional organizations Be well prepared and knowledgeable on the topics of the groups you lead Have adequate supervision and opportunities for personal growth outside groups you lead Avoid harmful dual relationships ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Additional Ethical Considerations Maintain appropriate confidentiality Inform members about the goals and purpose of the group and expectations of members Know and use exercises properly, advise members of potential risks, and allow time to process Encourage, but don’t demand participation Don’t trick members into opening up Make appropriate post-group referrals ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Legal Issues Know the relevant laws of your state As a leader, always use due care and act in good faith Maintain a “standard of group practice” common to your profession Be aware of your clients’ rights Practice within your level of competence ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Potential Group Problems Members will do many of the following: Skip from topic to topic Dominate the discussion Be “chit-chatty” rather than personal and focused Attend sporadically Be shy and withdrawn Get angry at the leader ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. More Potential Problems Get angry at one another Pressure (force) others to speak Preach their personal morality Be resistant because forced to attend Dislike other members Stop attending the group ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.