Group Observation and Reflection The group I chose to attend was an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in the city of Van Nuys, California. I heard about this group through my agency as the meeting was located a few blocks away from my job, therefore, it was not difficult to locate. I decided to pay an initial visit before the scheduled group meeting in order to inform the group facilitator that I was a social work student and that my intention was to attend one meeting in order to observe group dynamics. The group facilitator agreed to let me attend the group with the discretion of not using recording devices or breaking any confidentiality rules. The group facilitator seemed very welcoming despite the fact that I did not share in the group’s …show more content…
They were all conversing with each other seeming to already be a cohesive group outside of group settings. A few of the members greeted me politely, however, did not engage me in further conversation. As the meeting time came closer, we were all able to enter a room where the meeting would be held. My immediate thoughts on the room were that the room was cold and with simple settings. The room was not very well lit, had a bunch of benches and folding chairs to accommodate the members, and had a table with information and pamphlets about other support groups. Perhaps I had formed an idea of an AA meeting in my head based on movies and TV shows I had seen, but I was expecting to see a table for refreshments and snacks where the members could chat around as they waited for the meeting to begin. However, there was only a water fountain at the very corner of the room, somewhat hiding from all …show more content…
I observed only 3 women present out of the 10 members. All but one Hispanic male were Caucasian. The ages of these members appeared to be between mid-30 to late 40’s, however, these were only assumptions as the group never stated their ages during introductions. Based on the appearance of the members and the simplicity of the room, I also made the assumption that this meeting was intended for low to no income members. Although no member specified their specific religious backgrounds, the group members all mentioned believing in a higher power greater than them which they can be restored
When the term alcohol anonymous is said most of us think of a group of drunks that can’t seem to get themselves together and stay clean. For the student nurse this is the view that she had going into her first alcohol anonymous meeting. As bad as it sounds, it is kind of hard to imagine what goes through the minds and lives of people who deal with this struggle on a daily basis. Innervison was the eye opener that the student nurse needed to clear all the stereotypes, and negative thoughts about people that just seemed to want to drink and never get their lives together. Innervision is a non-profit organization that specializes in help with recovery patients, helping consumers find employment, education, and provides resources for patients with psychiatric disabilities.
I attended an AA meeting at a local church, located in the church basement. When I arrived, I noticed there were only 6 people in attendance. As I sat down, I looked around and could tell that the after affects of alcohol made some of the members look older and some looked tired. I observed the interaction between the members and I noticed that most of the members shook hands or even hugged when they greeted each other. They carried on conversations, mainly asking questions about how they were doing. I noticed that the seats were positioned in a circle with one seat in the middle. I learned that the person leading the group meeting was referred to as the meeting chairperson (Sherry) and her seat was located in the middle of the circle.
meeting that I attended. There were only three women present, so the female presence in the room was not as great as I would have liked. There was one table in the room and about 12 chairs around it. Of the ten people there (not including myself) eight sat around the table, with the other two sitting on couches that were around the perimeter of the room. There was a wide variation in age of the members, with the youngest probably in his mid-20's, and the oldest probably in her 60's.
I attended Al-Anon meetings on Sundays at St. Matthew Episcopal Church. The meetings began at 11:45am, and were held until 1:00pm, which was contingent on the progress of each small group. I was in attendance beginning January 19th, with attendance on January 26th, and February 2nd. The groups first met in one room together, and then broke into smaller groups to process. The initial meeting room is a nursery room in the church. It had a lot of natural lighting from the windows, and was decorated in children’s religious artwork. The room was far too small for all of the attendees. There was an average of thirty-five attendees at each meeting. Many times people who came late had to stand outside the doorway and listen in, because the room was literally overflowing with people. There were never enough chairs, which forced some individuals to stand, until the large group, broke into small groups.
Attending an NA meeting during finals was one of my smarter decisions, as I procrastinate my work until the very last minute this week. However, in my opinion, going to a meeting was a good type of procrastination compared to other things I could be doing. Instead of going with the same friend this time, I asked a friend who was struggling with a ________ addiction. Not knowing that I was aware of his addiction, I asked him to join so I didn’t have to go alone; and he was more than happy to join me. I was very happy he agreed to join, because hopefully it helps him with his personal addiction, and he continues to return to the meetings.
...ethnicity or culture; it happens to anyone such as, doctors, lawyers, teacher, judges, students and many more. My observation of the meeting was that every member seemed to really listen to each other’s sharing, where each member shared an experience, and others could relate to that particular experience or had similar experiences, such as struggling with promiscuous behavior or relapses in attending meetings, but they still stuck with the program because they wanted change in their lives. No one was rushed in their sharing, and everyone was opened and friendly. It was a cohesive group. I felt a sense of that openness, when I was introduced to everyone, and included at close of the meeting, where everyone one formed a circle, held hands and recited the serenity prayer. Overall, it was a new and knowledgeable experience Another Chance gave me.
Attending an A.A meeting for anyone may be hard. According to, “Psychiatry and Wellness”, “Practically nobody looks forward to going to their first AA meeting.” Alcoholics or recovering addicts may feel the same way I felt when attending their first A.A meeting. Some alcoholics may feel worse than I did. Some alcoholics may feel ashamed to attend an A.A meetings. Some alcoholics may be scared or have fear to go to an A.A meeting because they do not know what to expect. The thought of attending an A.A meeting may be worse than actually attending an A.A
The flyers advertise the phone number and website if more information is needed. These meetings can be attended by student or staff, the only limitation that can stop one from attending a meeting is if the meeting is a “closed” meeting. A “closed” meeting is for Alcoholics Anonymous members who has drinking problems and has a desire to stop drinking (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1952). There are no limitations on who can attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, even if you are not a drinker you can still attend. Also there are no fees when attending the meetings. Most of these meetings are funded by donations the A.A groups serve and literature sales (Frequently Asked, n.d). If the someone that is not a member of the meetings is trying to help with funds, their funds will be returned (Alcoholics Anonymous Facts, 1956). When attending the meetings there will be a “passing of the hat”. The “passing of the hat” is to help pay for expenses like rent, coffee, and
I introduced myself. I learned that the facilitator for the night is actually a member, a 30-year sober member. I was asked to enjoy refreshments and was greeted cordially by present members. The meeting was held in a church reception hall and the room was set up with 3 tables parallel from each other. I participated in this group as an observer, although, I did introduce myself at the beginning. The issue of this group was alcoholism and how to stay sober. The purpose of the group is to be a support system for those who are struggling with sobriety and those who have been successful in sobriety. The group focuses its healing around the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This support group is open and provides no limit to the attendee
My experience with the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that I went to was an interesting one. I felt a couple different feelings while I was attending the meeting. The first thing that I felt was that I didn’t belong there, because I’ve never been in the situation that these other individuals had been in. The second thing that I felt was awkwardness. I felt awkward because nobody really socialized with me, other than the occasional hello. The third feeling that I felt was of empathy for these people because recovering from alcoholism isn’t easy. I didn’t feel that I belonged in the group of recovering alcoholics at the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting.
When I went to the Quaker's Friend's house I was nervous because I felt I am the first visitor and I did not know what I supposed to do in there. However, people in Friend house was really friendly and kind to guide me what I supposed to do and where to The place for worship was not what I have imagine but small room that but small room that roughly fifteen people can be in.
Therapy Analysis The purpose of this paper is to examine the efficacy of my work as a co-therapist during the fifth session with the simulated couple Katy and Michelle. I will discuss our therapy agenda and the goals we hope to attain during the session. It is prudent to begin by giving a brief outline of the couple’s present problem and the patterns of dysfunction that I have identified within their relationship. In my opinion, it is the therapist’s job to recognize patterns and behaviors that disrupt the intimate bond between the partners.
On Wednesday January 11th, 2017, I was able to observe my weekly clinical meeting at my job. I’m a supervisor at the League Treatment Center which is a Day Habilitation program in Brooklyn, NY. We serve almost 100 individuals in Day Habilitation 1 with intellectual disabilities. Our program caters to the challenging behaviors that an individual may display. We work above and beyond to decrease challenging behavior while increasing independence in multiple areas that the individual may need improvement in.
Most people do not realize that alcohol is a drug that claims the lives of youth in college campuses across the world. In my case, it took the encounter with the ORL staff at UCLA for me to come to understanding that I am putting myself and those around me in danger through my risky drinking habits. With hours of self-reflection and the help of a cosmopolitan article called The Deadly Drinking Mistakes Smart Girls Make, I have found that there are several risks associated with alcohol that can put me at a quarrel with death. Even so, drinking does not always need to be deadly, and by keeping in mind the well-being of my fellow bruins and the skills mentioned in the article, I can find a balance between drinking for fun and drinking till death.
I participated in family team meetings (FTM) a lot when I worked regular investigations. The purpose of the meeting was to bring the family, CPS and any family support in to discuss why CPS was involved and come up with a plan to resolve the case and prevent any further cases. My role was to discuss the concerns that the agency had with regards to the facts found during the investigation that I conducted. When an FTM was held that meant that the agency was at a point where the family and extended family had to get involved in order to support the children and ensure their safety.