Week 5 Part 1: Beginning Stage of Groups

Question 1

The Beginning Stage

Answer 1

• Group members are cautious
• Interaction pattern is most likely the “maypole”
• Group leader is more active

Question 2

The First Session

Answer 2

• Emphasize confidentiality and remind group members that it is not ABSOLUTE!
• Review the purpose and function of teh group as perceived by group members, the worker and the agency.

Question 3

Defining the Purpose of the Group:

Answer 3

• Construct a brief statement of purpse - A positive statement about what can be accomplished.
• Have members discuss and present their views on the purpose of the group.
• Discuss the role of the agency.
• Ask for feedback and refine the purpose.

Question 4

Involving group members

Answer 4

• Involve members in developing the purpose and goals also in decision making
• Members input into roles
• Common rules

1. Come to the group on time
2. Prior notive if unable to attend
3. Listening without interruptions
4. Respect for others communications
5. Be sincere, honest, coooperative, and trustworthy

Question 5

Skills for group workers during teh beginning stages of group:

Answer 5

• scanning
• selecting communication patterns purposefully
• verbalizing norms
• referring to purpose
• reaching for information
• building on strengths
• reaching for a feeling link
• inviting full participation

Question 6

Task and Socio-emotional focus

Answer 6

Keeping members on task versus how much off task banter to allow

Mention goals at each meeting

Create comforts (ex. comfortable chairs, good lighting, safe environment); food and coffee

Question 7

Addressing ambivalence and resistance

Answer 7

• Pay attention to overt and covert messages about accomplishing the group’s goals
• Acknowledge meembers’ ambivalence and help members work through ambivalence and resistance
• Mention the range of choices members have for participation and non-participation

Question 8

Authentic communicaton about group’s purpose and goals

Answer 8

Treat members’ suggestions with respect

Link members’ communications with the group purpose - how do they fit with goals?

Question 9

Working with Involuntary Clients

Answer 9

• Allow member to ventilate for a short period
• Talk about stages of readiness for change
• Acknowledge resistance
• Develop discrepancies between member’s current behavior and their long-term goals
• Maximize choice and minimize demands
• Enlist support of family and friends
• Recognize accomplishments and resiliency
• Emphasize external incentives

Question 10

Sharing personal information

Answer 10

• The worker should determine how his/her response will affect the life of the group.
• ▪The worker should feel free to share what could be helpful within the boundaries of privacy and personal comfort.
• The worker can decline to share information.
• This provides a model for group members that they have similar rights not to respond.

Question 11

Remember:

Answer 11

How the worker responds is more important than what the worker acutally shares.