As always, we at BMHC strive to provide quality care to all of our clientele. We aim to deliver effective coping mechanisms due to the particular stressors that are present within urban youth. Lately, there has been an influx of African American youths that have either been mandated to use our services or have decided to see a therapist on their own. While speaking with some of the youth and seeing some of the negative changes that are occurring in the particular area we serve – the West Farms area, I feel there is a need to be proactive about the challenges African American youth face and formulate solutions to these trials. Shifting gears, according to city-data.com (2016), there are 56,084 residents in the West Farms area. Currently …show more content…
This is an important stepping stone in the patient realizing that their circumstances can be altered, however better interventions can be introduced to BMHC. White and Rayle (2007) note that the small group delivery system which is a module of the American School Counseling Association’s National Model for School Counseling can provide African American youth with emotional and psychological support. The success of group therapy among African American youth stems from the role of group interaction among the African American population. More specifically, the Strong Teen Curriculum (STC) is a 12 session small group counseling program where a male of any ethnic background serves as the facilitator of the group. The group meets for one hour and there is an emphasis on African American historical figures and the unique experiences that African American males face in American society. After the 12 sessions are complete, there is an additional session for a panel discussion and follow-up of the group’s understandings. Each week a different subject was discussed such as comprehending feelings, mindful thought, positive thinking and issue resolution (White & Rayle, 2007). The facilitator of the group used a cognitive behavioral theory approach with the clients. The clients were though how to restructure their thoughts and the errors in negative thinking
It was rather an uneventful week. I still struggle with facilitating and co-facilitating group therapy. I think I am becoming less uncomfortable, but still anxiously nervous. Every time I need to say something, give feedback, or ask a question, I overthink in my head and wonder if it is the right thing to say, if it is going to be helpful, or rather sound silly. The thing that stands out most is my frustration when my groups become “individual sessions with audience”. Even if I try to bring it back to we-centered theme, involve others, and encourage group thinking, some people tend to monopolize the group time, and I just feel that it is a wasted time. Co-facilitating seems to make group running a little easier, but only if I and the other
During the rehab process, patients receive much more than therapy and counselling. They learn a lot about addiction and what it takes to stay on the path of recovery. In many cases, they also learn the value of having one or more support groups. For many years now, counselors have placed a great deal of value on promoting the idea of "one addict helping another addict." In fact, who would know more about the recovery process than someone who has successfully lived it?
Snowden, Lonnie R. Barriers to Effective Mental Health Services for African Americans. N.p.: n.p., 2001. Print. Mental Health Services Research 4.
Looking for new and more effective ways to treat the issues of their clients, counselors and therapists may often begin to consider leading a group therapy session. Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist either treats or provides psychoeducational skills to a small, carefully planned target group of individuals in an effort to ameliorate the issues and dysfunctions of each individual in that particular group of patients together (Scheidlinger, 2004). In this group, therapists often utilize some of the psychotherapy theories such as Gestalt, transactional analysis, psychotherapy or psychodrama which they often use to treat clients individually.
The elimination of disparities in mental health care among ethnic, racial and underprivileged populations, specifically minorities remains a challenge amongst mental health care workers and medical professionals. Many minority areas are more impoverished, rely on government assistance and have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, chronic diseases, and injuries compare to any other ethnicity. In recent studies there are strategies to help eliminate disparities in mental health care, such as improving health care access, quality, offering diverse mental health workforce, providers, and patient education. These are just several strategies that can help assist in disparities. The goal is to reduce or eliminate racial, ethnic and socioeconomic health inequalities that affect minorities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides a collaborative relationship between the client and the therapist with the ultimate goal of identifying irrational beliefs and disputing those beliefs in an effort to change or adapt behavior (Corey, 2013). The developers of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy saw humans as capable of both rational and irrational thoughts and able to change the processes that contribute to irrational thinking (Corey, 2013). CBT is a more direct approach than some other therapy theories practiced today in that it challenges the client to identify aspects about their self through cognitions. This therapy, as discussed in Corey (2013) also provides an educational component such that therapist teach clients tools to effectively change the way they think to a healthier way. There are a multitude of techniques associated with CBT such as shame attacking exercises, changing ones language...
The therapists help clients develop self-motivation and positive behaviors by embracing rational and logical thoughts. The client is expected to make a follow-up of the ideas and concepts provided by the therapists. Both clients and therapists should be in constant communication to encourage positive thinking and develop logical and rational ideas. Cognitive Behavior Cognitive behavioral therapy is an approach used by psychotherapists to deal with emotional and behavioral behaviors. One of the issues associated with this type of therapy is the approach can be used in the treatment of other diseases related to emotional and physical stress.
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.
The boom box was a term used to describe a radio or cassette player. These radios were built to be portable and meant to be carried with the user. During the use of the boom box, it was so common to hear hip hop and R&B that many associated the boom box with African Americans. One such stereotypical character found in film was that of Radio Raheem in Do the Right Thing. Radio Raheem seems to the viewer at first to be nothing but a stereotypical representation of the African American carrying a boom box. Upon closer inspection, Radio Raheem is a discussion on freedom of speech and how far one should be able to carry that freedom whether it be in the form of a boom box or not.
Initially developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) also referred to as Cognitive Therapy (CT) focuses on understanding a client’s behaviors and feelings through focusing on their underlying cognitions and thoughts (Weinrach, 1988, p.159). Aaron Beck believed that our thoughts impact our feelings and in order to change negative feelings, we must identify and modify our dysfunctional thoughts (Weinrach,1988). A client’s symptoms or dysfunctional behaviors do not take place due to a situation or their feelings. Instead, Beck explains that between the situations or events and the emotional responses and behaviors, a conscious stream of thoughts take place (Craske, 2010). CBT explains human nature with an anti-deterministic
Group therapy is considered one of the most resourceful forms of therapy. The benefits to group therapy can be both cost-effective and a great means of support (Corey, Corey & Corey, 2014). The process of experiencing ideas and viewpoints expressed by your peers allows group members to become more susceptible to the counseling procedure. Group counseling also helps individuals to feel a sense of belonging due to similar situations and experiences shared by the group. The sense of support from group members can be an excellent means towards developing long-lasting relationships and developing communication skills needed to move forward during the counseling phase. In this paper, I will discuss my experiences throughout the group-counseling phase.
Social Workers must be knowledgeable on how to facilitate and lead group sessions with clients. They must be cognizant on their responsibilities as a facilitator, and diligently work to meet the needs of all group members collectively and individually. According to Toseland, Ronald, & Rivas, Robert (2009) group work practice focuses on Social Work practice with a broad range of treatment and task groups and the group’s environment (pg. 2.). It is significant for Social Workers to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be able to properly assess and assist in group atmospheres. At my field placement which is at the Covenant House, a homeless shelter in Detroit that services youth from ages 18-24. I am responsible for co-facilitating along with the agency’s Social Worker, a
Through the process of this class I have been able to reflect and analyze how I am as a leader as well as a co-leader in a group setting. I believe throughout this process of being part of a group as a member and leader has help me further define the roles that I will play in group counseling in the future. The evolution that I am seeing are an abundance of growth in areas that I thought I was already comfortable in such as being an active listener and co-leading. I see that there are more to becoming a powerful leader and facilitator. There are various aspects of becoming a well rounded group leader as learning the skills to endure especially building your endurance. Also, being able to take risks, being competent and confidence in your ability to lead a group of any sorts. Moreover, I have found that my communication style has shifted especially learning about the process in which you communicate your informal introduction as well as the lingo that is being used as a counselor. Also, the way in which we approach each member of
(2012). Can a Structured Model for Group Intervention be Responsive to Group Process? A Proposal. Clinical Social Work Journal, 40(4), 391-400. doi:10.1007/s10615-010-0285-2
1a. NASW is the National Association of Social Workers and it has 150,000 members. Its four main functions are as follows: professional development, professional action, professional standards, and membership services (Suppes: 31).