CACREP AREA: Group Counseling and Group Work

Question 1

Prior to the 1960s most counseling took place in…?

Answer 1

In a dyadic relationship

**HINT: **Dyad = unit of two functioning as a pair – in this case, the counselor and the client form the pair

Question 2

A group has (what components)…?

HINT: multiple answers

Answer 2

1) A membership which can be defined
2) Some degree of unity and interaction
3) A shared purpose

Question 3

The term “group therapy” was coined in 1931 by who?

Answer 3

Jacob Moreno, the father of psychodrama

HINT: Psychodramatic techniques are appropriate for family therapy as well as group work

Question 4

Noted psychotherapy author and scholar Raymond Corsini once referred to the early 1940s as the “modern era” of group work.
In the 1940s the two organizations for group therapy were created and group work became a legitimate specialty.

The two groups are…?

Answer 4

1) American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP) spawned by the work of Jacob Moreno in 1942

2) American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) which resulted from the effort of Samuel Richard Slavson in 1943.

Question 5

Which theorists’ work has been classified as a preface to the group movement?

Answer 5

Alfred Adler and Jesse B. Davis.

HINT:
Davis is noted as a pioneer in school guidance counseling and America’s first school guidance counselor. His work result in the National Vocational Guidance Association (now today known as National Career Development Association)

Adler, who is known for his individual psychology, was engaged in group treatment at his child guidance facilities. He believed with group work, “Man’s problems and conflicts are recognized in their social nature”

Question 6

Primary groups are…?

Answer 6

Preventive and attempt to ward off problems

HINTS:

PRIMARY GROUPS
* Often labled as “prevention groups”
* Attempts to stop a problem before it occurs
* Stresses a healthy lifestyle or coping strategies to reduce occurrences of a difficulty

Question 7

A group is classified as secondary. This implies what?

Answer 7

A difficulty or disturbance is present

HINTS:

SECONDARY GROUPS
* A problem or disturbance is present but not usually severe
* Works to reduce severity or length of a problem and generally includes aspects of prevention
* Groups dealing with grief or shyness could fall into this category

Question 8

When comparing a tertiary group with a primary or secondary group

Answer 8

The tertiary group is more likely to deal with severe pathology

HINTS:

TERIIARY GROUPS
* Deals with individuals with more serious/longstanding difficulties

Question 9

What is true of group norms and its purpose?

Answer 9

They govern acceptable behavior and group rules

HINT: Norms are another way of saying “expected behaviors”

Question 10

Group therapy initially flourished in the United States due to…?

Answer 10

A shortage of individual therapists during World War II

Question 11

Group content refers to material discussed in a group setting, whereas group process refers to…?

Answer 11

The manner in which discussions and transactions occur.

HINT:

GROUP CONTENT = what the group is discussinh

GROUP PROCESS = Analyzing the communications, interactions, and transactions of the group

Question 12

Group cohesiveness refers to…?

Answer 12

Forces which tend to bind group members together

HINT: Cohesiveness is a sense of caring for the group and other members of the group

• Cohesiveness terms comes from Kurt Lewin’s “field theory”

Question 13

Some theorists feel that group therapy differs from group counseling (which is also called an interpersonal problem-solving group), in that group therapy…?

Answer 13

Group therapy (also dubbed as a personality reconstruction group) would be of longer duration.

HINT: “Therapy” is implied when the problem is more severe and more individual work is needed for a longer duration

• Counseling group has LESS structure thn a guidance group

Question 14

Most experts would agree on what overall concerning structured exercises?

Answer 14

Structured exercises are less effective than unstructured techniques.

HINT: Structured group exercise is like an assignment for group members – not as effective as unstructered methods

Question 15

One advantage of group work is that a counselor can see more clients in a given period of time.

One disadvantage is that a counselor can be too focused on group processes and…?

Answer 15

Individual issues are not properly examined.

Question 16

According to the risky shift phenomenon, a group decision will be…?

Answer 16

Less conservative than the average group member’s decision, prior to the group discussion.

**HINT: **The risky shift phenomenon dispels the notion that groups are “very conservative”

Question 17

T-groups often stress ways employees can express themselves in an effective manner.

The “T” in T-groups stands for what?

Answer 17

Training

Question 18

A counselor suggests that her client join an assertiveness training group.

Most assertiveness training groups are…?

Answer 18

Behavioristic and highly structured.

Question 19

Weight Watchers is what type of group?

Answer 19

A self-help or support group, as is AA (alcoholics anonymous)

HINT: Self-help group = mutual aid group. People in this group are al attempting to cope with a given issue

Question 20

The ACA and the ASGW division recommend screening for potential group members for what types of groups?

Answer 20

For all groups

HINT: Counselors use screening processes in order to determine who is appropriate and who is not for a group

Question 21

A counselor is conducting a screening for clients who wish to participate in a counseling group which will meet Tuesday nights at his private practice office.

Which client would most likely be the poorest choice for a group member?

Answer 21

An extremely hostile and belligerent construction worker.

Question 22

A counselor is screening clients for a new group at the college counseling center.

Which client would most likely be the poorest choice for a group member?

Answer 22

A first-year student who is suicidal and sociopathic.

Question 23

A screening for group members can be done in a group or privately.

Although private screening interviews are not as cost effective or as time efficient as group screening, many group leaders feel that private screening sessions are superior in term of…?

Answer 23

In terms of counselor-client interaction.

Question 24

Most experts in the field of counseling would agree that the most important trait for group members is the ability to…?

Answer 24

To trust

**HINT: **Irvin Yalom noted the main factor in selecting members for a group is that members can feel cohesive or sense of we-ness, which is why trust is most important

Question 25

Groups can be open or closed. The two differ in that closed groups…?

Answer 25

Allow no new members after the group begins

Question 26

One major advantage of a closed group versus an open group is it…?

Answer 26

Promotes cohesiveness.

**HINT: **Closed groups will have more cohesiveness/unity as the membership is more stable compared to open groups

Question 27

One major disadvantage of a closed group versus an open group
is…?

Answer 27

If everyone quits, you will be left with no group members

Question 28

The number of people in an open group is generally…?

Answer 28

More stable than in a closed group.

Question 29

One distinct disadvantage of an open group is that…?

Answer 29

A member who begins after the first meeting has missed information or experiences

**HINT: **Since open groups experiences changes in stableness of membership, different members have been present at different points rather than the whole time like closed groups, thus having different experiences in the group

Question 30

When a group member is spepking, it is best for the counselor to do what?

Answer 30

Try to face the group member

HINT: Facing group members when speaking fosters good attending behaviors from the group leader

Question 31

A group setting has a flexible seating arrangement in which clients are free to sit wherever they wish.

In this setting it is likely that…?

Answer 31

An Asian American leader and an Asian American client would sit close together.

In other words, persons who are similar will sit next to each other

Question 32

A group setting has a flexible seating arrangement in which clients are free to sit wherever they wish.

In this setting it is likely that…?

Answer 32

A Cuban male client in a designer suit and an Asian male client in another brand of designer suit will sit close together

In other words, the likelihood is that people who are similar or believe they have “something in common” initially will sit together.

Question 33

Which statement made by a doctoral-level counselor is illustrative of a leader focused on process rather than product?

Answer 33

“You wince whenever Jane raises her voice.”

**HINT: **Process focuses on how the communication happens

Question 34

Which statement made by a group leader in a residential center for adolescents focuses on product rather than process?

Answer 34

“Ken has not stolen for a week and thus is eligible for supplementary tokens.”

Question 35

Groups promote the concept of universality, which suggests that…?

Answer 35

We are not the only ones in the world with a given problem.

Question 36

In the late 1930s researchers Lewin, Lippitt, and White identified three basic leadership styles.

What are they?

Answer 36

Autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire.

HINT:
This study was conducted by Lewin, Lippitt, and White

AUTOCRATIC = authoritarian
* Orders given; this is liked the LEAST

DEMOCRATIC = Participative

LAISSEZ FAIRE = Very liberal
* Group members can do as they please without leader interference/direction

Question 37

The autocratic or authoritarian leader may give orders to the group, while the laissez faire leader does what?

Answer 37

Has a hands-off policy and participates very little, with the group basically taking responsibility for itself.

**HINT: **Laissez faire counselors are nonthreatening

Question 38

When comparing the autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire styles, which one is the most desirable?

Answer 38

The democratic (or what Sam Gladding called a facilitator) is the most desirable.

Question 39

A group with more than one leader is said to utilize co-leaders.

Co-leadership is desirable because…?

**HINT: **Multiple answers

Answer 39

1) The group can go on even if one leader is absent.

2) Two leaders can focus on group dynamics better than one leader since two individuals will have better observational skills.

3) Leaders can process their feelings between sessions.

Question 40

What is true concerning co-leadership and burnout?

Answer 40

Co-leadership reduces burnout and helps ensure safety

Question 41

What is true concerning co-leadership and countertransference?

Answer 41

Co-leadership helpful when one leader is experiencing counter-
transference, as the other leader can help the co-leader deal with the particular person or issue

Question 42

Co-leadership, also referred to as cofacilitation, can be a disadvantage when…?

HINT: Multiple answers

Answer 42

1) Leaders are working against each other; this can fragment the group.

2) Leaders are intimate with each other.

3) Leaders question each other’s competence.

Question 43

Coleaders are apt to work at cross purposes when they…?

Answer 43

Do not meet between group sessions.

Question 44

Gerald Corey, who has written extensively on group therapy, believes __?__ is necessary for an effective group leader.

Answer 44

Participation in a therapeutic group and participation in a leader’s group (even if the individual is well-educated and is licensed and certified)

Question 45

Most experts would agree that an effective adult counseling group has
__?__ to __?__ members.

Answer 45

5 or 6 to 8 (5 or 6-8)

HINT: An ideal group would have about eight (8) adults

Group conducted for six (6) months or more can idealy have up to 10 members

Question 46

Most experts would agree that an effective counseling group for children has how many members?

Answer 46

Less members than an adult group.
(3-4 in a group is usually reccommended for children)

Question 47

Although the length of group counseling sessions will vary, most experts would agree that __?__ (how many hours per session) is plenty of time even when critical issues are being examined

Answer 47

Two (2) hours per session
(1 1/2–2 hours is most sufficient for adult group work)

Question 48

In terms of groups risks, and ethical leader will do what?

Answer 48

An ethical leader will discuss them (risks) during the initial session with a client.

Question 49

Concerning risks, an adept (very skilled/proficient) group leader will do what?

Answer 49

1) Attempt to safeguard clients against risks

2) Work to reduce risks and dangers

Question 50

A group participant wants to drop out of a group. Since the group is “closed” most experts would agree that…?

Answer 50

The client is allowed to withdraw

Question 51

During the initial session of a group, the leader explains that no smoking and no cursing will be permitted.

The counselor stating this is known as doing what…?

Answer 51

Setting ground rules.
(also known as group “norms”)

Question 52

Group norms refer to…?

Answer 52

The range of acceptable behavior within the group.

Question 53

The study of group operations is often called what?

Answer 53

Group dynamics

Question 54

The word “dynamic” means the group is what?

Answer 54

Always changing

Question 55

Experts firmly believe that a common weakness in many groups is…?

Answer 55

A lack of goal setting

Question 56

A group leader who utilizes an abundance (large amount) of group exercises is…?

Answer 56

Running a structured group.

Question 57

Some theorists object to the word “unstructured” in group work because…?

Answer 57

A group cannot not have structure

Question 58

Some research demonstrates what about structured exercises?

Answer 58

That structured exercises with feedback early in the group served to improve communication between group members.

Question 59

In some literature, group cohesiveness, or “we-ness,” is known as…?

Answer 59

Group unity

Question 60

Group members assume roles within a group.

This would not be an example of a group role…?

Answer 60

Reactive schizophrenia.

HINT:

CONCEPTS TO KNOW FOR GROUP ROLES FORM THIS QUESTION:
* Energizer = stimulates enthusiam in the group

• Scapegoat = person everybody blames, is the target of anger and hostility
• Gatekeeper = tries ot make sure everyone is doing their task and is participating, they “secretly” want to lead the group

Question 61

A group member who insists on asking other members inappropriate questions is known as a Peeping Tom or a __?__

Answer 61

An interrogator

**HINT: **Interrogator asks never-ending string of questions

Question 62

The follower goes along with whatever the rest of the group thinks. From a personality standpoint the follower is…?

Answer 62

Nonassertive

Question 63

The __?__ may secretly wish that he or she was running the group

Answer 63

Gatekeeper

Question 64

With a group, the group role that everybody picks on is the…?

Answer 64

Scapegoat

Question 65

A female group member is obviously not participating. A group member playing the __?__ is most likely to mention this and urge her to participate.

Answer 65

Gatekeeper

Question 66

Cohesiveness, or group unity, is desirable. It promotes bonding and a sense of “we-ness” between group members.

When cohesiveness is strong, nevertheless, it also can be negative as

HINT: Multiple answers

Answer 66

1) It it can stunt creativity

2) It can boost conformity

**HINT: **Cohesiveness can stunt creativity OR boost confirmity due to member wanting to fit in and go along with the wishes of most of the other group members

Question 67

In a healthy group, members can do what concerning their roles?

Answer 67

Are flexible and can change roles.

Question 68

In a group, task roles…?

HINT: Multiple answers

Answer 68

1) Help solve problems.

2) Aid in terms of goal setting and keep the group focused

3) Are seen as positive.

**HINT: **
TASK ROLE = helps the group carry out a task (i.e., an information giver or clarifier)

Question 69

Maintenance roles, like task roles, are positive since such roles do what?

Answer 69

Help to maintain the group

**HINT: **
MAINTENANCE ROLE = helps maintain groups livelihood or strengthen group processes (i.e., follower or encourager)

Question 70

Self-serving or individual roles are negative inasmuch as…?

HINT: Multiple answers

Answer 70

1) They work against the group

2) They serve the individual and not the group.

**HINT: **
SELF-SERVING ROLE = seen as negative, as person in this category meets their own needs at the expense of the group

Question 71

Although task roles and maintenance roles are indeed positive, the group can suffer if the group is not flexible and remains in one or the other role too long since if…?

HINT: Multiple answers

Answer 71

1) If a group gets stuck in task roles, interaction suffers.

2) If a group gets stuck in maintenance roles, little work (or tasks) will be accomplished.

Question 72

Group specialists define role conflict as what?

Answer 72

As a situation in which there is a discrepancy between the way a member is expected to behave and the way he or she

Question 73

A major group dynamic is group development. This is usually expressed in terms of…?

Answer 73

Theories of group stages.

HINT: GROUP STAGES

Forming (Orientation/intial Stage): The group comes together, and members get to know each other. Trust-building begins, and goals are established.

Storming (Transition Stage): Members may experience conflicts, power struggles, or resistance. This stage is about working through differences and beginning to share more openly.

Norming (Cohesion Stage): The group starts to come together with a stronger sense of unity and collaboration. Members become more comfortable and start to support each other more deeply.

Performing (Working Stage): The group is fully functional, and members are actively working on their issues, sharing insights, and making progress toward their goals.

Adjourning (Termination Stage): The group prepares to disband as the goals are met. Members reflect on their growth and say goodbye, often processing the feelings that come with the end of the group.

Question 74

Irvin Yalom is a famous existentialist therapist and a pioneer in the group movement. He suggested these four group stages: orientation, conflict, cohesion, and termination. In 1977 Tuckman and Jensen reviewed 25 years of research and came up with five stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.

Which stage in Tuckman and Jensen’s paradigm is similar to Yalom’s orientation stage?

Answer 74

Forming

Question 75

The final stage suggested by theories of group stages generally deals with issues of…?

Answer 75

Separation and termination.

Question 76

The initial group stage has been called forming, orientation, or the prefiliation stage.

This stage is characterized by…?

Answer 76

Approach-avoidance behavior.

**HINT: **Approach-avoidance situation taking place in the initial group stage is a conflict becuase you are attracted and repelled by the same goal

Question 77

A client would generally feel the most suspicious of others in what stage?

Answer 77

The group formation/exploratory stage

HINT: In this stage, members rank themselves in terms of status and factions

Question 78

Fights between subgroups and members showing rebellion against the leader generally occur in what stage?

Answer 78

The second stage known as the control stage or the transition stage

Question 79

A hierarchy, or pecking order, among members occurs in what stage?

Answer 79

The stage of storming, also known as the power-control stage

Question 80

Group planning, which is what the counselor does, occurs in what stage?

Answer 80

Before the group begins and continues throughout the life of the group.

Question 81

The final group stage (also called the termination stage) is geared toward…?

Answer 81

Breaking away

Question 82

A group therapist is constructing a diagram to better understand the dynamics between subgroups and members.

This is called…?

Answer 82

Charting a pictorial sociogram.

HINT: Sociogram graphically displays group members’ affiliations and interactions

Question 83

A group leader who asks each group member to recapitulate what he or she has learned during a given session is promoting…?

Answer 83

Summarization, the act of briefly stating what has transpired or discussed.

Question 84

A leader who wishes to stop inappropriate discussion should rely on…?

Answer 84

Blocking
(this is when a leader stops hurtful behavior from proceeding, in protection of group members)

Question 85

When a leader attempts to relate one person’s predicament to another person’s predicament, it is known as…?

Answer 85

Linking
(this highlights areas of mutual concern and enhances group interactions)

Question 86

Strategies that approach the group as a whole are known as…?

Answer 86

Horizontal interventions.

HINT:
HORIZONTAL = Working with the group AS A WHOLE (INTERpersonal methods)

Question 87

Strategies that focus on an individual member of the group are known as…?

Answer 87

Vertical interventions.

HINT:
VERTICAL: Working with/providing individual counseling to an individual from the group (INTRApersonal methods)

Question 88

Compared to an individual therapist and decisions making, a group therapist must make…?

Answer 88

More decisions than an individual therapist

Question 89

When a counselor reads the journals in this field, it becomes evident that…?

Answer 89

A researcher/practitioner split exists in group work.

Question 90

Concerning group leaders, experts predict that in the future group leaders will…?

Answer 90

Be more like life-skills trainers.

Question 91

According to researchers, groups are effective but…?

Answer 91

Researchers cannot pinpoint precisely why this is true.

Question 92

A major limitation related to group work is that…?

Answer 92

A group leader can lose control and members could experience emotional harm.

Question 93

A major advantage of group work versus individual work is that…?

Answer 93

Members learn to give help in addition to receiving it and group sessions generally cost less (i.e., they are more economical) than individual counseling sessions.

Question 94

What statement best depicts a major advantage of group work?

Answer 94

The group setting is somewhat analogous to the communication and interaction of everyday life.

Question 95

Which factor is not delineated by Irvin Yalom as a curative factor?

Answer 95

Manifest dream content and insight into the unconscious mind.

HINT: Yalom was an existential therapist

Question 96

In terms of research and the group leader’s personality, what qualities may be helpful?

Answer 96

Qualities such as flexibility, enthusiasm, and common sense may be helpful to a very small degree.

Question 97

R. K. Conyne suggested that group intervention is intended to…?

**HINT: **Multiple parts to answer

Answer 97

Prevent, correct, or enhance behavior.

This is part of of Coyne’s “Group Work Grid” which includes the following four intervention levels:
1. individual
2. interpersonal
3. organization
4. community population

Interventions can be the following for personal and or task functions:
1. prevention
2. correction
3. enhancement oriented

Question 98

A group leader who wishes to assess the impact of the group ideally would…?

Answer 98

Have an outside “observer” sit in during group sessions and consequently rate the level of behavioral change.

Question 99

A group leader who is counseling children under 10 years of age could best enhance the treatment process by…?

Answer 99

Involving parents and asking them for input.

**HINT: **According to Corey & Corey, parent involvement can help reduce ristance and improve cooperation

Question 100

When an adolescent complains about his or her parents in the group it is best for the counselor to…?

Answer 100

Avoid taking sides but help them see the parents point of view via a therapeutic technique such as role-playing.