1. Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Early Stages in the Development of a Group 0

2. Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.  Stage 1: The Formation Stage  Pre-group issues:  Announcing a group and recruiting members  Rationale for screening group members- use assessment  Practical matters to consider in forming a group: Open versus closes Voluntary versus involuntary Homogenous versus heterogeneous Meeting place- time Group size Length and frequency 1 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (1)

3. Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.  Pregroup issues:  Use of a pre group meeting - explore members perceptions, expectations fear - Important screening tool  Multicultural considerations in preparing members - Share purpose of the group, discuss expected behaviors  Guidelines for orienting members to a group - What members get our corresponds to what they put in - Ask members to think of an issue they are willing to explore 2 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (2)

4. Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.  Stage 2: Initial or Orientation Stage  A time for orientation and exploration  Characteristics of a group at the initial stage 1. Primary tasks of stage: inclusion and identity 2. Group members superficially nice 3. Low risk taking 4. Trust versus mistrust – 5. Periods of silence and awkwardness 3 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (3)

5. Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.  Reviews ethics, helps establish group norms and rules  Models empathy and presence  Group leader models and teaches interpersonal skills  Helps establish the foundation of trust group  Helps members clarify goals  Assist members share what they are feeling  Review group leader role 4

6. Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.  Stage 3: Transition Stage  A time for dealing with resistance - Don’t ignore conflict  Different forms of resistance - Pathological versus protective resistance  Dealing with difficult group member? - Stick to the facts  Group leader’s role at the transition stage - Help members understand resistance - Encourage members to discuss anxiety 5 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (4)