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 …show more content…
For this to occur however, requires an understanding of culture and society, as well as governance and process. In addition, I have also understood the power of strength based approach, how strength based therapy used in relationships an essential factor among group members. I view this class as the opportunity to practice how effectively work with groups and individuals to understand their own inherent power. Therefore, I learned the way of using a strengths-based approach; I can highlight the assets of group members, offering building blocks which can then lay the foundation of their social change. Furthermore, I understand change could be a mutual process, so in group therapy until group members became comfortable with each other to share their experiences giving them space and later help them to engage in along with group process. I also learn how to help in the facilitation of change, by asking open questions, validating, empathic and allowing them to feel what they are feeling, and empower them what they wants to do with their current
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
The practice of groups by mental health professionals has improved dramatically in half of a century. Despite the encounters modeled by the thin complications of conducting research on group work; group effectiveness has been clearly validated with a wide range of people, topics, problems, and symptoms (Burlingame, Earnshaw, Matsumo, 2007). Although group methods are well established, the demands to advance, the application of all counseling methods is increasing, intensified by existing economic conditions. Group work is an attractive treatment choice in part because it may be more cost-effective than one-on-one counseling and psychotherapy. Nevertheless, the complication of working with several members while connecting and using many stages of universal growth challenges counselors in efforts to increase the efficacy of their work in groups (Ward, 2010).
Bernard & K.R.MacKenzie (eds.), Basics of Group Psychotherapy (pp.35-59). New York, London: The Guilford Press.
During discussion board nine students were asked to post on the process of group or family therapy. Including in the post were the following topics; plans for starting group or family session, techniques for leading the group or family session, ways to appropriately end groups or family sessions, ideas for gathering client satisfaction, and possible group or family therapy “pitfalls”. This assignment coincide with the current practicum setting as the population being served often involves the family. Providing services to improve family stability whilst developing treatment and aftercare plans are some of the main goal at DCBS.
The here-and-now approach in group counseling represents a common therapeutic means to enact groups and promote change. This premise replicated itself in research, which presumed, “A major task of the group therapist is to encourage the group members to focus on the here-and-now relationship (Kivlighan & Tarrant, 2001, p. 230)”. Yalom strongly asserts a symbiotic two-tier model inherent in the effective use of the here-and-now in group therapy. The first tier represents the experiential element, “the members live in the here-and-now; they develop strong feelings toward the other group members, the therapist, and the group (Yalom, 2005, p. 141)”. This concept readily played out in the video clip as Yalom initiated by asking the members to share
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 general purpose is to engage the students with a provided curriculum and play time for the children. Between these sessions includes various breaks where the students have time for breakfast, and lunch. The agenda is a way to better engage and develop the students through early education. The teachers plan the schedule catered to certain needs of the children, such as speech, behavioral, and psychological thoughts.
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
Throughout the years certain paradigms have become a big part of my life. Some paradigms are overwhelmingly difficult to change whiles other are long forgotten and overcome. I try new thinking patterns as often as I can, but sometimes it takes a while for me to get rid of my old ways and get used to my new ways. The following paradigms are the hardest to change.
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
This analysis allowed me to apply group work concepts to an actual group therapy session. Although I was not the facilitator, I began to think more like a group worker. I was able to identify a significant moment, analyze it, and think more about what the group needed in the moment.
Groupthink is the psychological phenomenon in which groups working on a task think along the same lines which could have drastic results. It is the result of group polarization where discussions are enhance or exaggerate the initial leanings of the group. Therefore, if a group leans towards risky situation at the beginning of the discussion on average they will move toward an even riskier position. (Marks, 2015). The idea when everyone think the same no one is really thinking. The drastic outcomes result from people trying to avoid conflict with one another, being highly cohesive, and results is questionable decision making (Oliver, 2013). Houghton Mifflin publication of Victims of Groupthink: A Psychological Study of Foreign-Policy Decisions
Throughout the course of a Master’s counseling program, moments of doubt, and a lack of working knowledge are bound to play a major role in the confidence a future counselor will posses in effectively implementing interventions early on in the instructional phase of his or her career. Corey (2010) states that an effective group leader, is able to become aware of their own vulnerabilities, and take responsibility in their responses. To become aware of a possible vulnerable area, a counselor must first take a concise look into their personal strengths and weakness, and then decide to actively seek out assistance with working on vulnerabilities. In exploring the roles of an effective group leader, I have realized that within the group process, I most fear the roles of a group leader that pertain to direct confrontation of a client, I also fear that the improper implementation of a intervention could lead to potential harm of the client. Attending to these fears I hold regarding group member confrontation, and intervention implementation is the key to gaining further understanding into how I can become comfortable with these essential functions of a group leader. The current paper will take a closer look into my vulnerabilities, using current research to gain insight into how I can overcome fears, when facilitating a task, psycho-educational, counseling, and psychotherapy group.
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
In conclusion, I have once again learned new information pertaining to issues and ethics in therapy, but more specifically group work, which prior to reading this chapter I really didn’t know too much about. I really found the idea of co-leadership interesting and all of the various issues when it comes to confidentiality. I had also never thought about the effect of termination without discussion within a group and how this could hurt other group members. I moreover liked the idea of the screening process and ideas to prepare for participants of group.