Group Counseling Flashcards
Why use groups?
Due to group change theory
What is group change theory?
- 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
If attitude change is required?
Small, open-ended, off-the-record group discussion
If behaviour change is required?
Participation in a group discussion is about 2-10x more effective than a lecture
What are the 5 group development stages?
1) Forming
2) Storming
3) Norming
4) Performing
5) Adjourning
What is the forming stage?
-When group norms are created, just coming together.. Characterized by anxiety and uncertainty.
Goal of forming stage?
For members to become familiar with each other
Facilitator role in forming stage?
Create an enabling environment, outline rules of group, help group keep through orientation
What is storming stage?
-Conflict and competition are at the greatest, power struggles, more dominant group members emerge
Facilitator role in storming?
Maintain boundaries, be active, let everyone be heard and express themselves
What is norming?
-The group is becoming cohesive, a sense of community is established, members are flexible and trust each other
Facilitator role in norming?
Help the group get back on track as needed, encourage participation, reinforce the positive feel of the group
What is performing?
- Not every group reaches this level
- There is a sense of group unity, high productivity–> Problem solving and fulfilling goals is high
What is adjourning?
-Closure state of group, many members don’t know how to deal with endings, goodbyes
Facilitators role in adjourning?
Validate feelings, do a group closure activity and honour what was accomplished as a group
What are the advantages of groups?
- Emotional support
- Group problem solving
- Modeling effect
- Attitudinal and belief examples
- Can be more effective than individual counselling
Disadvantages of groups?
- 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
4/19 practical considerations?
- Allow adequate time for organization (6-8 weeks)
- Select comfortable meeting room, location
- ideal group size is 8-12
- Encourage listening, no cell phones
8/19 practical consideration?
- 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
12/19 practical considerations?
- Consider collecting fees or refundable deposits
- be responsible
- Consider refreshments, sharing food encourages bonding
- Call members who miss meeting
How can we focus on feelings?
- Help by getting support by the group
- “i.e. has anyone else experienced these feelings?”
How can we be an active listener?
- Do not talk a lot
- Do not allow other member to interrupt or hold side conversation
How can we clarify?
- Restate what a participant has aid to make sure you and the group understand
- Use words that everyone is familiar with
How can we be respectful?
Accept each members feeling, do ot have to agree with POV
