Group Flashcards
Prior to the 1960s, most counseling took place in what setting?
In a dyadic relationship - Counseling primarily occurred in a dyadic setup, involving just the counselor and counselee, unlike later developments in family and behavioral therapies.
What elements define a ‘group’ in counseling?
A membership which can be defined, some degree of unity and interaction, and a shared purpose - A group in counseling is characterized by these elements which encapsulate the full definition of a group.
Who coined the term ‘group therapy’ in 1931?
Jacob Moreno, the father of psychodrama - Jacob Moreno introduced ‘group therapy,’ building on his experiences with therapeutic theatrical productions without scripts.
In the 1940s, which two organizations for group therapy were created?
The American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) - These organizations were established to formalize the practice of group therapy, significantly influenced by Jacob Moreno’s work.
Whose work is considered a preface to the group movement?
Alfred Adler and Jesse B. Davis - Their early work in school guidance and individual psychology laid foundational concepts that influenced group counseling techniques.
What is the focus of primary groups in counseling?
Preventive and attempt to ward off problems - Primary groups focus on promoting healthy lifestyles or coping strategies to prevent problems before they occur.
What implies that a group is classified as secondary?
A difficulty or disturbance is present - Secondary groups address existing problems that are not severe and include preventive aspects.
What distinguishes a tertiary group in counseling?
The tertiary group is more likely to deal with severe pathology - Tertiary groups focus on more serious and longstanding individual issues.
What do group norms govern?
Acceptable behavior and group rules - Norms are the explicit and implicit rules that dictate expected behaviors within the group.
What catalyzed the flourishing of group therapy in the United States?
A shortage of individual therapists during World War II - The shortage of therapists during the war necessitated the use of group therapy to meet the high demand for psychological services.
What does group process refer to?
The manner in which discussions and transactions occur - Group process analyzes the interactions and dynamics of the group during discussions.
What does group cohesiveness refer to?
Forces which tend to bind group members together - Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging and mutual support among group members.
How does group therapy differ from group counseling?
Group therapy would be of longer duration, also dubbed as a personality reconstruction group - Group therapy often deals with more severe issues requiring longer and more intensive sessions.
Are structured exercises more effective than unstructured techniques in group work?
Structured exercises are less effective than unstructured techniques - Unstructured methods are generally found to be more effective due to their flexibility and depth of emotional engagement.
What is a disadvantage of a counselor being too focused on group processes?
Individual issues are not properly examined - Focusing too much on group dynamics can lead to neglect of individual members’ specific concerns.
According to the risky shift phenomenon, how does a group decision compare to an individual’s decision?
The group decision will be less conservative than the average group member’s decision, prior to the group discussion - Group decisions tend to be less conservative, reflecting a more daring approach than individual choices.
What does the “T” in T-groups stand for?
Training - T-groups are focused on training, often used in organizational settings to enhance interpersonal relations and team dynamics.
What characterizes most assertiveness training groups?
Behavioristic and highly structured - Assertiveness training typically involves structured exercises to effectively teach assertive behavior techniques.
How is Weight Watchers classified in terms of group type?
Self-help or support group, as is AA - Weight Watchers operates as a self-help group where members support each other in achieving weight control.
When is screening recommended for potential group members according to the ACA and the ASGW?
For all groups - Screening is advised for all potential group members to ensure the appropriateness and effectiveness of the group composition.
Which client would most likely be the poorest choice for a group member?
An extremely hostile and belligerent construction worker - Such individuals may disrupt group dynamics due to aggressive behavior, making them less suited for most counseling groups.
Who would be the poorest choice for a group member at a college counseling center?
A first-year student who is suicidal and sociopathic - Due to the severity and nature of the issues, this individual might require more intensive individual therapy rather than group counseling.
Why are private screening sessions considered superior by many group leaders?
They intensify counselor-client interaction - Private screenings allow for more in-depth understanding and rapport building between the counselor and potential group members.
What is the most important trait for group members according to most experts?
Trust - Trust is fundamental for the effective functioning of a group as it fosters open communication and support among members.
How do open and closed groups differ?
Closed groups allow no new members after the group begins - Closed groups have a set roster of members with no new entries once the group has started.
What is a major advantage of a closed group versus an open group?
It promotes cohesiveness - The stability of membership in closed groups enhances unity and trust among the members.
What is a major disadvantage of a closed group versus an open group?
If everyone quits, you will be left with no group members - Closed groups risk becoming non-functional if all members leave and no new members can join.
In what way is the number of people in an open group generally described?
More stable than in a closed group - Open groups can maintain stability in membership numbers by allowing new members to join as others leave.
What is a distinct disadvantage of an open group?
A member who begins after the first meeting has missed information or experiences - New members in open groups may lack context or miss out on prior group experiences.
What is the best practice for a counselor when a group member is speaking?
Try to face the group member - Facing the speaker promotes attentiveness and respect, facilitating effective communication within the group.
In a flexible seating group setting, which pairing is likely?
An Asian American leader and an Asian American client would sit close together - Similarities such as racial or ethnic background often influence seating choices in group settings.
In a group setting with flexible seating, who is likely to sit close together?
A Cuban male client in a designer suit and an Asian male client in another brand of designer suit will sit close together - Similar social or stylistic choices, such as wearing designer suits, can influence seating preferences.
Which statement illustrates a leader focused on process rather than product?
“You wince whenever Jane raises her voice” - This observation focuses on how group dynamics and interactions unfold, characteristic of a process-oriented approach.
Which statement by a group leader focuses on product rather than process?
“Ken has not stolen for a week and thus is eligible for supplementary tokens” - This focuses on behavioral outcomes and rewards, highlighting a product-oriented approach.
What does the concept of universality in groups suggest?
We are not the only ones in the world with a given problem - Universality helps members realize their experiences are shared by others, fostering a sense of community and support.
What were the three basic leadership styles identified in the late 1930s?
Autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire - These styles describe different approaches to leadership and their impact on group dynamics and member behavior.
What is characteristic of a laissez faire leader?
Has a hands-off policy and participates very little, with the group basically taking responsibility for itself.
Which leadership style is most desirable in most situations?
The democratic, or what Sam Gladding called a facilitator, is the most desirable.
Why is coleadership desirable in group settings?
The group can go on even if one leader is absent, two leaders can focus on group dynamics better than one leader since two individuals will have better observational skills, and leaders can process their feelings between sessions.
What does coleadership impact?
Reduces burnout and helps ensure safety.
