Intro Forming a counseling group may seem simple, but it’s not. A “major issue in putting a group together is screening it for potential members” (Gladding, pg. 212). The reason it can be a complicated task to complete is because members are not always volunteers. Screening members for a “group counseling session, is a three step process” (Gladding, pg. 212). We’ll discuss how these steps are an important component of having a successful group. The Screening Process When a counselor begins a group, there are several things he must take into account regarding the process of screening group members. What happens when members of a group aren’t voluntary but required to attend? This leads into the first part of screening a group, is the …show more content…
leader qualified to run the type of “group they’d like to run” (Gladding, pg. 212)? A group leader must obtain “specialized training in one of four areas including, psychoeducation, counseling psychotherapy or task/work” (Gladding, pg. 212). Educational institutions that are accredited by the (CACREP) oversee that graduates from these programs not only are qualified but have been “personally integrated and have received experiences and therapy needed to work out any biases they may have and capitalize on their strengths” (Gladding, pg. 196). Part Two, Recruitment The next step in group screening is the recruitment process. This is the point in the process where a “group leader must be very clear and concise” (Gladding, pg. 213). A group leader needs to “explain what type of group he is forming” (Gladding, pg. 213). A leader should explain to possible group members, “what the goals of the group will be and the basic procedures that will be used to conduct the group throughout the counseling process” (Gladding, pg. 213). Possible members must also understand what will be “expected of them and the leader, and any risks and potential values of participating in the group” (Gladding, pg. 213). Recruitment can take place in several ways, “flyers, personal referrals and direct persona contact” (Gladding, pg. 196). Part three, the interview The final step in the screening process is the “interview between possible group members and group leader” (Gladding, pg.
196). This process can also occur in a small group setting as well. This is the point where the leader of the group “gets his first intimate look at each possible member. During this interview he can ascertain if group members will “benefit from and contribute to the group” (Gladding, pg. 196). At this point if a leader decides a group member will benefit from the group he will have the sign an “informed consent statement saying the group member understands the group that they are about to participate in” (Gladding, pg. 196). Screening and Success During the final stage of the screening process, is where the group leader first meets possible group members. He starts to develop a “rapport, clarify norms, expectations of group behavior and answer any questions an individual may have about the group” (Gladding, pg. 196). A group leader can also find out details of other mental health treatment potential members may be receiving” (Gladding, pg. 196). Screening is important because it sets up the group for success. It can identify which group members will benefit and which ones may not be the right fit for certain group therapy …show more content…
settings. Conclusion A group is begun for many reasons.
The process of screening is an important component of the group being successful. Group leaders must be aware of their qualifications, weaknesses and strengths when deciding if they are capable of running a group. While the screening process is a three part process a leader takes this opportunity to recruit members, explain risks and benefits and get to know the possible members to see if they are going to benefit and be a contributing member. By keeping all of these things in mind a group leader can help ensure their group is set up for
success.
Pérusse, R. V. (2009). Group counseling in the schools. Psychology In The Schools, 46(3), 225-231.
Group therapy is a setting among other antisocial personalities. This style allows the patient a different type of incentive to improve some of their disorders.
Informed consent. Counselors, whether in a group or individual counseling setting, must obtain informed consent from their clients. Counselors must disclose information about themselves to their clients. They also need to share with potential clients how long counseling will last and the topics that will be discussed in each session. According to the ACA code of ethics (2006), “informed consent is an ongoing process, and counselors appropriately document discussions of informed consent throughout the counseling relationship” (p. 236). Informed consent in group counseling is tricky because you have multiple clients; however, counselors have the option to meet with each group member individually in order to gain consent from their
Some of these groups are self-directed, while others are led and facilitated by a therapist or counselor.
One objective is to utilize the most powerful tool at psychotherapy’s disposal; the group experience. By one individual sharing their experience within the group, the other members are able to identify their similar experiences and work toward their own growth. Group therapy also increases self-awareness of clients in order for them to think introspectively in order to make a change in behaviors, increases social comfort, allowing exploration of new behaviors, provide and obtain support, develop communication skills, and promote interactions with others using truth and
For my group experiential activity, I chose to attend an open self-help group, Narcotics Anonymous, which is a support group that focuses on the healing and recovery process of people with addiction. The Narcotics Anonymous group was a very informal, open group in which members could come and go at their own free will and were not coerced to disclose any information that he or she did not feel comfortable sharing with the larger group. In addition, new members were welcome to attend. The group was comprised of approximately 19 group members and one group leader. I found it interesting that there were also children of recovering addicts present at the meeting because I was not aware that children could attend these meetings. Nonetheless, I found it very compelling to witness so many families present with their families because it showed that there was still a sense of social support present despite turmoil that the addiction may have caused. The purpose of the group was to engage in the recovery process with other group members but also to adhere to the group’s mission of providing an environment of recovery to those individuals who are still suffering with his or her addiction. The purpose of the group was clearly stated by the group leader during his introductory speech about welcoming new members who would like to share in the recovery process with other group members. Just from observing, there appeared to be a group leader, referred to as the “chairperson,” who provided a brief overview of the group and voluntarily asked members to participate with the reading of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of the Narcotics Anonymous program. In addition, the group leader facilitated the flow of the group members’ conversations and ...
As a student, practice is crucial to learn group therapy techniques. In order to achieve these practices, I attended 2 support groups of the same topic. Observation and attendance constructs an idea of how group therapy works. Attending this group was important because of the profoundness of its meaning and experiences I have witnessed.
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
Many home care agencies wait for a client to come to them with their needs before taking any action. We differ in this respect, as we are proactive at all times. When a second caregiver appears to be needed, we make this recommendation. In the event new services may be required for a loved one in order for them to stay in their home, we suggest this to the family before the need actually arises. It is difficult for family members to invite someone they don't know into the home to care for their loved one, and we work to make this process as easy as possible.
The group workers will promote the proposed senior group in the local newspaper, local community centers, and charitable organizations and service providers. Once members are referred, group workers will contact prospective members and conduct a telephone pre-screening interview. The International Association of Social Work with Groups Standards state that group workers clearly determine if members will benefit from the program components (IASWG, 2010). To achieve this, an orientation will be scheduled in the member’s home or at the senior center. Group workers will explain the group objectives and expectations to prospective members and those assisting in recruitment in the community.
This role essentially outlines the “Forming” and “Storming” stages of group development, in which the team doesn’t exactly know what they want to do with a given candidate and must formulate a new purpose for an individual. Furthermore, it acts as a bonding exercise to “brainstorm”
There are many different techniques and approaches to group counseling. The approach that I found to be the most interesting is the existential approach. “The existential perspective holds that we define ourselves by our choices” (Corey & Corey, 2014, p.114). This approach can be successful in therapy because it allows one to oversee one’s future. In this paper, I’m going to generally discuss the existential approach to therapy and where it can be used.
Individual counseling, the client is working on personal issues without having to share with others, but only with the counselor that is there to reinforce patterns of behavior, or to help make any other personal adjustments. They are the focus of the session, without having to share the spot light with others. Many people are not comfortable talking in a group, especially issues that are hurting and need personal attention. Although not much differences have been shown to differentiate the effects of group counseling to individual counseling, a study done by Kalavainen et al., using a population of obese children showed that group therapy did benefit to help and support the child’s weight. “There were many therapeutic factors like group support, group learning and group optimism, which were linked with working in the groups and which most probably influenced the participants in the group program” (Kalavainen, Korppi, & Nuutinen (2007). Group support can be of advantage in many issues that people are trying to work out in
In reflection on my learning experience in the group class, I have gained clarity on what sorts of competencies of facilitating group therapy, as well as in what areas social workers and students tend to feel most strong in my practice. Regarding my specific gains in competencies, I feel that I learned the most and was most likely to gain specific group facilitating competencies at the weekly class. Learning in group class is taught me the tools to use to work with groups therapy, communities and also with individuals through the process of changes. In this past three months I think a lot of opportunities have been created to shadowing with (beside and behind) and being a part of group members to learn. In addition, this class has taught me about the skills and how effectively help
Concepts In the first chapter, the therapeutic factors that stood out to me the most was instillation of hope. There is research that says most therapies operate through hope and conviction. Group therapists do all that they can to increase the patient’s belief and confidence in group therapy that works effectively. Also, it is important that therapists believe in themselves. The most important is that members learn from others who have similar problems how therapy can work for them in their life.