Group Counseling

Question 1

Why use groups?

Answer 1

Due to group change theory

Question 2

What is group change theory?

Answer 2

• More permanent change brought about from groups, which stems from”
  1) Desire to live up to group norms
  2) A shared perception leading them to call for, and enforce, change themselves
  3) A public commitment to carry through the behaviour decided on by group
  4) Strong group bonds, which deepen the individuals new attitude

Question 3

If attitude change is required?

Answer 3

Small, open-ended, off-the-record group discussion

Question 4

If behaviour change is required?

Answer 4

Participation in a group discussion is about 2-10x more effective than a lecture

Question 5

What are the 5 group development stages?

Answer 5

1) Forming
2) Storming
3) Norming
4) Performing
5) Adjourning

Question 6

What is the forming stage?

Answer 6

-When group norms are created, just coming together.. Characterized by anxiety and uncertainty.

Question 7

Goal of forming stage?

Answer 7

For members to become familiar with each other

Question 8

Facilitator role in forming stage?

Answer 8

Create an enabling environment, outline rules of group, help group keep through orientation

Question 9

What is storming stage?

Answer 9

-Conflict and competition are at the greatest, power struggles, more dominant group members emerge

Question 10

Facilitator role in storming?

Answer 10

Maintain boundaries, be active, let everyone be heard and express themselves

Question 11

What is norming?

Answer 11

-The group is becoming cohesive, a sense of community is established, members are flexible and trust each other

Question 12

Facilitator role in norming?

Answer 12

Help the group get back on track as needed, encourage participation, reinforce the positive feel of the group

Question 13

What is performing?

Answer 13

• Not every group reaches this level

- There is a sense of group unity, high productivity–> Problem solving and fulfilling goals is high

Question 14

What is adjourning?

Answer 14

-Closure state of group, many members don’t know how to deal with endings, goodbyes

Question 15

Facilitators role in adjourning?

Answer 15

Validate feelings, do a group closure activity and honour what was accomplished as a group

Question 16

What are the advantages of groups?

Answer 16

• Emotional support
• Group problem solving
• Modeling effect
• Attitudinal and belief examples
• Can be more effective than individual counselling

Question 17

Disadvantages of groups?

Answer 17

• Variable individual responsiveness
• Difficult personalities of some
• Individual personalities heavily influence dynamics
• Some do not easily share in a group and their issues may never be addressed

Question 18

4/19 practical considerations?

Answer 18

• Allow adequate time for organization (6-8 weeks)
• Select comfortable meeting room, location
• ideal group size is 8-12
• Encourage listening, no cell phones

Question 19

8/19 practical consideration?

Answer 19

• Appraise group before setting the meeting time
• Interview prospective group members
• Consider composition of the group - similar needs and goals
• Group leaders should remain the same

Question 20

12/19 practical considerations?

Answer 20

• Consider collecting fees or refundable deposits
• be responsible
• Consider refreshments, sharing food encourages bonding
• Call members who miss meeting

Question 21

How can we focus on feelings?

Answer 21

• Help by getting support by the group

- “i.e. has anyone else experienced these feelings?”

Question 22

How can we be an active listener?

Answer 22

• Do not talk a lot

- Do not allow other member to interrupt or hold side conversation

Question 23

How can we clarify?

Answer 23

• Restate what a participant has aid to make sure you and the group understand
• Use words that everyone is familiar with

Question 24

How can we be respectful?

Answer 24

Accept each members feeling, do ot have to agree with POV

Question 25

How can we correct misinformation?

Answer 25

-Use phrases such as “I am glad that worked for you, other people have found that, research has shown that “

Question 26

How can we address aggressive behaviour?

Answer 26

• Reflect and redirect, refocus the group on the topic of discussion
• -> “Remember all comments are useful as long as they relate to the topic”

Question 27

How can we handle blocking behaviour?

Answer 27

• If the behaviour does not change, arrange to meet privately with the group member
• “Lets see what other have to say about the topic”

Question 28

How can we handle problem situations?

Answer 28

-Acknowledge that they seem to know a lot. Ask about their sources of information, if questionable ask about what others in the group what they believe.

Question 29

How can we handle withdrawing behaviour?

Answer 29

“We would really like to hear from you today, Would you share your feelings about this?”

Question 30

How can we handle wisecrackers?

Answer 30

“I appreciate what you are saying, but its time to get back to the issue”

Question 31

How can we handle those who are silent?

Answer 31

• Use eye contact to encourage participation’
• Try and figure out the reason for the quiet member
• Could do an icebreaker activity

Question 32

How can we handle something that’s inarticulate?

Answer 32

Say “thank you, let me repeat that”

Question 33

How can we handle someones who is searching for the leasers opinion?

Answer 33

-Avoid solving problems

“Let us get some other opinions abut this issue”