Summary Of Integrative Approach To Group Counseling

These particular chapters focusing on; theories and techniques of group counseling and the formation of a group, are centered around the need for a clear theoretical rationale in order to make sense of what occurs in the group, as well as the process of actually forming such a group. Furthermore, the ability to understand, conceptualize and describe what group leaders intend to accomplish in a group is vital. Additionally, I agree with the text in that an integrative approach to group counseling may be most compelling due to the flexibility it provides. Through an integrative framework, the incorporation of the feeling, thinking and doing dimensions of human behavior offer several advantages versus a single theoretical approach (Corey, Corey

Group composition must be considered with respect to how a group’s goals and rationale are designed for a homogeneous or heterogeneous purpose targeting a specific population with particular needs (e.g. elderly population, LGBTQ). Group size must also be determined considering factors such as age of the client(s), experience of the leader(s), and the issues that will be investigated. Moreover, frequency and duration of the group must be taken into account (e.g. meet weekly or biweekly) based on the population of the group. Additionally, where the group will meet as well as whether the group will be open to changing membership or static in its affiliation must be determined early in the process. As we consider the attributes for a successful group experience, members must be directly involved in their decision to join a group and must not be pressured into doing so. Unless of course, the group is mandatory whereby leaders must do their best to show how it can be beneficial to its involuntary members (Corey et al,