midterm Flashcards
group process
all elements that are basic to the unfolding of a group from beginning to end
task groups
aims to foster the accomplishment of identified work goals
psychoeducation groups
aims to provide members with targeted education on a variety of psychological/mental health issues
(eg. substance abuse prevention group, couples relationship education)
counselling groups
focuses on interpersonal process and problem-solving strategies that stress conscious thoughts, feelings & behaviour
psychotherapy groups
remediation of in-depth psychological problems and restructuring personality dimensions
usually to alleviate specific symptoms or psychological problems
brief groups
time limited, structured groups with clear ground rules
2-3 months, 8-12 weekly sessions
advantages of brief group therapy
- well suited to the needs of both clients & health authority budgets
- cost effective
- widely applicable to diverse client populations and problems
- can be used in different settings
what type of group would be beneficial for someone wanting to learn about the risks of cannabis use in young people?
psychoeducation group
what type of group would be best for bereaved people?
counselling group
what are some things a diversity competent group leader should know?
- self-reflection to avoid stereotyping clients
- understand the client’s worldview & backgrounds
- be aware of institutional barriers that prevent marginalized people from utilizing resources
- view diversity in a positive light
- be knowledgeable about group members & their communities
what are some ways to accentuate multicultural dimensions into your group work?
- ask members how they identify
- engage members in comfortable conversation about culture/ethnicity
- address differences
- recognize and acknowledge how power, privilege, and oppression can affect interactions with clients
- open to learning
what are the goals of multicultural group work?
- human development/interpersonal relationship enhancement
- task achievement
- prevent mental, emotional, behavioural disorders
- lessen distress, disability, or loss of dignity, autonomy, or freedom
components of a group proposal
- rationale
- objectives
- practical considerations
- procedures
- evaluation
what is meant by an open vs closed group?
OPEN: anyone can show up at any meeting
CLOSED: once you reach the limit, nobody else can be let in
why is a pre-group meeting important?
to set expectations, establish group rules, role preparation
& focus on client’s perceptions, expectations & concerns
what logistics are considered when planning a group?
- group composition
- group size
- frequency/duration of meetings
- length
- location
- open vs closed
what are some of the criteria for selecting group members?
look for people who are wanting to make changes and willing to expend the necessary effort
do they want to become a member?
ethical issues
standards that govern the conduct of professional members
legal issues
define minimum standards society will tolerate, enforced by the rule of law
clinical issues
involve using your professional judgement to act in accordance with ethical and legal mandates
cultural issues
differences that affect the way we understand and intervene with client’s problems
what is informed consent?
presenting basic information about a group to potential participants to allow them to make an informed decision to enter the group or not
what information would you give to a prospective group member?
- nature of group
- goals
- general structure
- what is expected from them
- what they can expect from you
do all group members have to be voluntary?
no, many groups are composed of involuntary members
showing them how they can personally benefit can increase voluntary participation
ethical considerations for freedom to withdraw from a group?
- informing group leader/members before making their decision
- group leaders must intervene if other members use pressure to force any member to remain in the group
- outline policies of attendance and withdrawing during initial meeting
what are some psychological risks for group members?
- MISUSE OF POWER
- SELF-DISCLOSURE
- MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIALITY
- SCAPEGOATING
- CONFRONTATION
how can you minimize psychological risks?
use a contract (members specify what they are willing to do and explore within group)
what is the best approach regarding scapegoating?
group leader should explore what is going on with the person doing the scapegoating before focusing on the person being scapegoated
confidentiality in a group
- leaders need to define parameters around what it entails
- talk about consequences of breaching
- reminders throughout of importance
what ethical and legal responsibility do group members have in regards to confidentiality?
- inform members of potential consequences
- avoid talking to parents/teachers without permission
- do not mention others in group
- do not promise to keep material within the group that they may have to disclose
ethical concerns in using group techniques
have a clear rationale for using each technique
leader may unethically employ techniques if they are unfamiliar, enhance their power, creates intensity, pressure members, alter a group member’s personal values.
what are some legal safeguards for group leaders?
- screen candidates thoroughly
- demystify the group process
- develop collaborative relationships
- consult with colleagues when there is a potential concern
- incorporate ethical standards in the practice of group work
advantages of the co-leadership model
- decreases chance of burnout
- less overwhelming
- peer supervision
- managing countertransference
- aid in processing member’s reactions to other leader
- group can still happen with one leader missing
disadvantages of the co-leadership model
- poor selection of a co-leader
- random assignment
- failure of the two leaders to regularily meet