The Group is the Agent of Change/Role of the Therapist/Role of Group Members Once the group has established its existence and set up group norms, first and foremost, it is the interaction between members and how they negotiate the interchange of the group norms that lead them to therapeutic success. Displaying acceptance, support, universality, advice, interpersonal learning, altruism and hope among the group members is the goal of the group. Affecting change is possible when considering these therapeutic factors when group members express their feelings. The primary task of the therapist is to create the group and to facilitate any change in behavior that threatens its stability. Working with group members to establish group norms and …show more content…
Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to observe a mirror therapy session for a series of classes that a colleague of mine is taking. Students in the class could bring a guest and knowing that I was in this program, she asks me if I wanted to attend that evening. Each student in the class rotated turns to invite a family that they were working with to class for this behind the mirror session. The family that was presented that night was a split family and the teenage daughter was the only one who came that night. As the session concluded, the students in the class changed places with the client and we exchanged our thoughts of how the session transpired. We were allowed to ask questions and we chose to ask questions that dealt with past family history. Wanting to keep the questions inside the room the lead therapist re-directed us back to staying in the here in now. By doing this it allowed the focus to remain in the present with the family, keeping questions and comments specifically directed to the personal and to the interpersonal happening now. Focusing on the here in now grants the client some relief of past issues that might have strong constraints on moving forward. It gives that person “permission” to move on and to work on paths not yet taken that may prove beneficial to …show more content…
I asked my student if there was any reason for behaving so rudely to me and of course she did not respond. It was at that moment the thoughts were stirring again in my head, how long do I let this person continue to be rude to me and to others? After all, we are trying to help her.” Countertransference occurred when her actions brought thoughts into my head of how she was treating others and me, my ability to handle situations with her and not being able to anticipate her next move. It has brought awareness to me of my student’s interpersonal skills (which are limited) and the approach I take needed to take when addressing
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.
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
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
The primary roles that were incorporated into group were defined by the leaders of group. Those leaders included the social workers and group psychologists, as well as students when appropriate. The leaders focused on task and maintenance roles, such as; coordinator, elaborator, evaluator, information seeker, initiator/contributor, opinion giver, procedural technician, encourager, gatekeeper, harmonizer, and standard setter. The individual roles was primarily the dominator. Due to the dominator portion of group, it changed the atmosphere and will be discussed later.
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.
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
This fall semester on the first week of school, my teacher pushed me away from my comfort zone. She assigned the class to attend a 12 step meeting followed by a written paper on our experience. I attended a DUI and Drug Counseling meeting in Libertyville. On my way there, I forecasted the meeting in a small, cold, classroom filled with elderly people gathered around in a circle talking about their everyday battle with alcohol. I’ve heard of 12 step meetings, but I have never been to one or encountered someone who has attended to one. I wondered if people attended voluntarily or if it was court ordered. I wondered if they were going to be praying. I wondered a lot of things which made me really nervous. My expectations were somewhat erroneous.
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.
...rs to deal with any problems that arise from the group. It is important for them to be alert to the risks of the group. To reduce any unnecessary risks, I will understand each member’s limits, respect their requests, be invitational and not dictatorial, describe their behavior and not be judgmental, and avoid harsh verbal confrontations. These risks will also be discussed during the initial session of the group. I will counteract psychological risks by using various techniques such as blocking, caring confrontation, questioning, and assessing. I have taken precautionary measures as well by contacting my mentors and consultants and alerting them about the risks of the group I am running. If there is an ethical or legal concern, it will be documented and taken to a clinical supervisor. In addition, I have liability protection and malpractice insurance in place.
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
Often developed for skills training, cognitive-behavioral groups are characterized by the use of practical interventions focused on behavior modification techniques (Wilson, Bouffard, and Mackenzie; 2005). The therapeutic goal of cognitive behavioral therapy in a group setting is to educate group members on how to define or establish the assessment of their behaviors from those of themselves, namely, from their being and their reality (Corey, 2004). Therefore, one of the major tasks of this group’s leader would be to help group members to alter their emotions and actions in order to develop healthier thoughts that can guide members to accept themselves unconditionally. According to Yalom and Leszcz (2005), CBT can be applied in group therapy for various clinical conditions such as acute and chronic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder. Group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is based upon the principles of behaviorism and cognitive psychology that combines aspects of three different therapeutic types: cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and group therapy (Rose, 1989). These group sessions should utilize cognitive restructuring for changing negative
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
One aspect I found striking was the role of advice giving in counseling. Prior to this class, I knew that counselors did not typically give opinions or advice to lead a client in a certain direction. What I did not know was the entire reasoning behind this. A counselor might avoid giving advice so that a client learns to make his/her own decisions, does not become dependent on the counselor, and to ensure that a client will not later blame the counselor if the counselor’s advice did not turn out well. In this context, I have a better appreciation and understanding of why therapists refrain from telling the client what to do.
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.
Group norms are very important in order to keep a group functioning as a unit or system instead of a collection of individuals. When establishing a working group, it is vital to identify and establish its group norms. It is important to get the group to recognize their existence and influence. This can be accomplished in many different ways: by observing the behavior of group members, interviewing the group, or by having group members identify their own norms.