Group counseling strategies and skills chapter 1

Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of group counseling... Group counseling has specific advantages Group counseling is not for everyone Certain issues require individual cou

Robert L MassonRiley L Harvill

Make a list of the advantages and

disadvantages of group counseling

Make a list of all the groups you have been a

part of, or know about

Growth & Experiential

Counseling & Therapy

Group counseling has specific advantages

Group counseling is not for everyone

Certain issues require individual counseling

Individual counseling theories (REBT, CBT,TA,

Adlerian, Behavioral, Reality Therapy) are

helpful when leading counseling, therapy, and

growth groups

Certain kinds of groups (discussion, education,

task groups) do not require the use of

Group counseling should never be boring.

Group counseling should be clear and concrete

The counselor is primarily responsible for the

group but not ultimately responsible for the

Group Leadership Styles

The major leadership debate is centered on how active, directive, and structured the leader

should be

Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, and Schimmel’s

position is that an active style of leadership

works best for most groups

Leader-directed - the leader has an

understanding of the member’s needs and

structures the group to meet those needs

Group-directed - the leader will turn the group

over to the members and have the members

determine the direction and content

Leadership styles can be viewed on a continuum

and the dynamics of the group

concerns of the individual members.

There are both content and process functions

that the leader must address

between members and the leader, and how

members participate in the group

What do you think are the characteristics of

good group leaders?

What Makes An Effective Leader?

Experience with individual counseling

Experience and comfort with groups

Planning and organizational skills

Knowledge of relevant topics

An understanding of basic human issues and

Be well prepared and knowledgeable on the

topics of the groups you lead

Have adequate supervision and opportunities for personal growth outside groups you lead

Avoid harmful dual relationships

Maintain appropriate confidentiality

Inform members about the goals and purpose of

the group and expectations of members

Know and use exercises properly, advise

members of potential risks, and allow time to

process

Encourage, but don’t demand participation

Don’t trick members into opening up

Make appropriate post-group referrals

Know the relevant laws of your state

As a leader, always use due care and act in

good faith

Maintain a “standard of group practice” common

to your profession

Be aware of your clients’ rights

Practice within your level of competence

Potential Group Problems

Members will do many of the following:

Skip from topic to topic

Dominate the discussion

Be “chit-chatty” rather than personal and focusedAttend sporadically

Be shy and withdrawn

Get angry at the leader

More Potential Problems

Get angry at one another

Pressure (force) others to speak

Preach their personal morality

Be resistant because forced to attend

Dislike other members

Stop attending the group