Group has been a very interesting experience thus far; from the way they chose our groups, to our group leaders, and the dynamics in the group every week. Going in, I had no expectations at all because I had no idea what to expect. I did not know what I would gain from it or if I would even gain anything from it, but I knew I had nothing to lose. I have never participated in any type of counseling (group or individual), so going into this I was not aware of what would happen. The initial interaction with the group leaders was extremely awkward. The whole process of reading the questions off of a poster board and answering them was a bit peculiar to me. The person holding the poster board had absolutely no expression on their face. I felt very anxious and a bit intimidated by this process. It is very difficult to walk into an unknown situation with very little information and expected to answer such broad questions with a direct answer. I left a bit discouraged that night and anxious as I was thinking to myself, “Did I answer the questions right? What was the purpose of this? Who will I be grouped with?” After calming myself, I knew that there were reasons behind this process that I …show more content…
Not only were group members sharing more, but I found myself sharing more about personal issues that I did not think I would share. It was amazing to see the support be given from all group members. It was evident that everyone was committed to gaining knowledge and understanding through this group process. The fourth time we met, there were some group members who were disengaged and things sort of moved slowly. This was a chance for us to realize that we may not always leave group feeling accomplished. There may be times where we are disengaged or cannot relate to what other group members are talking about. I am learning that it is okay to not agree and to confront a disagreement when
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
For that reason, our group struggled to continue a conversation. Certain people in my group did not take part in the conversation, and I believe myself and two others controlled the entire discussion. Additionally, one other member contributed little and did not present any statements to completely answer a question. Other groups struggled with the same situation. Instead of debating over a certain topic, we tended to agree with each other and then exhaust our concepts that related to the specific question that was asked.
The process is also experienced differently because new people are added to the group on a daily basis. For example, given that not every person experiences each stage at the same time, I was on a different stage than everyone else because I only attended one meeting. However, since therapeutic groups usually do not add people until the group has terminated, individuals are able to experience each stage in the process. In the therapeutic group, I saw how the group developed from being superficial-oriented in conversations to be very personal and growth-promoting. On another note, the NA meeting did not rely on the group leader to direct the meeting. In fact, the group leader did not engage in an authoritative role. The meeting was basically led by the group members. Whereas the therapeutic group, the leader seems to have more authority in the beginning and as the group develops, the members tend to depend on less on the group
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
As McDonagh says in her article “Shared Benefits,” The benefit of group therapy is “ ..discovering the group as a safe environment where you can say whet you think without fear.” McDonagh presents and discusses descriptions of group therapy clearly and in a way that you do not have to be a therapist or researcher to understand her findings. This article explains how to find a group by giving tips on what you should look for when looking for a support group and suggests you do not nix a group you do not like until you give it 3 months.
I also think that reason why people change in groups is because they are relating to topics covered in groups and they are understanding why they need to make changes. For some people Group is like a therapy group where you can say you troubles without being judge and sometimes you get a sense of belonging since you realized that you’re not the only one struggling. Another factor that I found interesting that the article mention was the instillation of hope, this is a factor that I fully believe in and that 100 percent think that it should be within every patient is the hope of getting better . Hope is not a factor only patient have but the group leader and or therapist or a family member and supporter they all need to have hope that the patient is going to get
Especially, when it comes to physical and emotional responsibility. In our sessions, I felt as though the group leaders provided an enormous sense of emotional support. I felt as though the environment was stable and conducive to learning. The setting at first was somewhat tense, but this was acceptable considering that many of us were unfamiliar with the group therapy process. I myself had never undergone a group therapy session, whatsoever. I did, however, appreciate the fact that the environment was quite fair and impartial. The leaders were very nonjudgmental and affirmative in their responses when it came to each and every person’s comments and feedback. Everyone was engaged and actively participated. The group was not hostile and everyone participated in the conversations as well as the exercises chosen. I also felt as though everyone was emotionally tied in. Meaning that if someone was dealing with a personal issue or their emotions were all over the place then the group was susceptible to that individuals needs. For example, we experienced group member who had experienced the loss of a friend. Immediately, each group member became involved and concerned. We were immediately concerned with whether or not she was taking time to grieve or if she was simply doing enough to take time out for herself. In all, the environment over the course of each therapy session displayed a great sense of empathy, concern and support. Another session, in particular, that truly stands out to me in terms of support was when we were asked to share our life experiences and dreams. I can recall stating that I was going to school in order to finally do something for myself. I had completed my bachelor’s degree at the age of 40 and had plans to continue education until I complete my PhD. What was so different was the fact that they understood. They understood, I was trying
Jacobs, E. E., Masson, R. L., Harvill, R. L. & Schimmel, C. J. (2012). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (7th ed.), Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole
283). Therefore; any counseling program wanting to make a real change should be held to the highest standards and be evaluated for current and future progress (Houser, 2015). As applied to this paper the population and the goals of the group counseling program should be clearly laid out. The definition of progress should be defined and if a specific timeline for progress is desired it should be made clear. Ultimately; conducting a program evaluation of the proposed program in this paper will demonstrate if the existence of such a program is working and if so then the evaluation can serve as a platform to ensure its
Essay 1: What is group cohesion? Why is it essential to conducting successful group therapy? What measures can a group therapist apply to encourage the development of group cohesion?
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
Group therapy has become a popular form of therapy lately; it used to be used more as a last option, but now group therapy is often the first or better choice for some clients. Group therapy can be helpful in an assortment of ways. Group counseling has provided constructive results, Corey, Corey, & Callanan (2011) explain some factors that have helped “such as skilled leaders, appropriately referred group members, and defined goals” (p.480). There are many different types of group therapy. I think practitioners should know not only how to effectively handle group therapy if they are doing group work, but if group therapy is the right choice for everyone involved.
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.
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
My co-operative behavior and the agreeable behavior I exhibited contributed to the harmony and the success of the group. The co-operation that was exhibited was relative to prompt arrival to meetings, meeting group deadlines, and thorough participation in the discussions and the forums of the group. While I was indeed co-operative for most of the group sessions, I was not afraid to speak my mind. My strongest writing skills were illustrated with the expression and analysis of the benefits and the drawbacks associated with the group project.