Group counseling strategies and skills chapter 10

BDefinition o The term exercise is used among group leaders to refer to an activity that the group does for a specific purpose.. BDefinition When the leader directs the behaviors, discu

CHAPTER 10

Exercises

B

Definition

o The term exercise is used among group leaders

to refer to an activity that the group does for a

specific purpose

o An exercise can be as simple as having

members get into dyads to discuss a topic or as

involved as the “blind trust walk,” which entails

one member leading a blindfolded member

B

Definition

When the leader directs the behaviors,

discussion, or attention of the group

members by using a specific activity, it is

an exercise.

B

Reason for Using Exercises

To increase comfort level

To provide the leader with useful information

To generate discussion and focus the group

To shift the focus

To deepen the focus

To provide an opportunity for experiential

learning

To provide fun and relaxation

B

When to Use Exercises

Exercises can be used any time

Exercises are good during introductions

Exercises are good during warm-up phase

Exercises are helpful in getting members

focused in the middle phase

Exercises are useful during the closing

phase

B

Kinds of Exercises

Written

– Helps to draw out members

– Use when you can’t think of anything better

because they almost always work

– Kinds of written exercises

Sentence completion

List

Checklist

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Movement—valuable because members

“speak” with their feet and body; movement exercises energize the members

– Wall-to-Wall Continuums

– Sculpt the group—entire group does this at the

same time

– Each member sculpts how they see the group

– Move to different parts of the room

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Dyads or Triads

– Excellent for varying the format and getting

members to talk

Rounds

– Designated word, phrase, or number

– Word or Phrase

– Comment

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Creative props -the brain likes novelty

Small Chair

Styrofoam Cups

Rubber Bands

Large Beer Bottle

Make up your own creative

exercises

Arts and Crafts

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Fantasy

– Common object

– Pick an object in the room

– Hot air balloon

Common reading

– Inspiring and/or thought provoking

– Needs to be rather brief—not pages

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Feedback

– First impressions

– Adjective checklist

– Strength bombardment

– Wishes

– Metaphorical Feedback

– Written Feedback

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Trust

– Rounds related to trust

– Trust lift

– Trust fall

– Blind trust walk

Experiential

– Ropes course

– Other outdoor activities

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Moral dilemma

– On a life raft—who would you eliminate

Group decision-making

– Winter Survival

– Solving various puzzles

B

Kinds of Exercises

continued

Touching

– Okay when appropriately used

– Can be very beneficial

– Be very careful with these it is often good to

tell members the exercise will involve touching and let members opt out