INTRODUCTION TO GROUP PROCESS

Some reasons why human beings depend on groups:

Humans are group-oriented. People complement, assist, and enjoy each other. are meant to

Humans seek to meet most of their basic and personal needs through groups; thus, groups are a most natural and expeditious way to learn. Groups are most influential in how a person grows, learns, and develops behavioral patterns, coping styles, values, career potentials, and adjustment techniques.

Interactions with other humans is crucial to ones development. According to Russian Psychologist Lev Vygotsky, social interaction facilitates ones learning of skills that may be beyond their current capabilities.

The tragic case of the WILD BOY OF AVEYRON dramatically suggests that without society, our minds would not develop much beyond those of animals. Our participation in social routines, virtually affects our knowledge of the world.

GROUP
as defined by Webster, it is a number of individuals bound together by a common interest, purpose or function.

TYPES OF GROUPS
GROUP GUIDANCE. It refers to group activities that focus on providing information or experiences through a planned and organized group activity. Its goal is to provide group members with accurate information that will help them make more appropriate plans and life decisions.

GROUP COUNSELING. It refers to the routine adjustment or developmental experiences provided in a group setting. It focuses on assisting counselees to cope with their daily adjustments and developmental concerns.

TYPES OF GROUPS
GROUP THERAPY. It provides intense experiences for people with serious adjustment, emotional or developmental needs.
T-GROUPS. These are derivatives of training groups. They represent the application of laboratory training methods to group work. SENSITIVITY GROUPS. These are forms of T-groups that focus on personal and interpersonal issues and on the personal growth of the individual. They emphasizes self-insight, which means that the central focus is not the group as it progresses but rather the individual member. ENCOUNTER GROUPS. As defined by Rogers, they stresses personal growth through the development and improvement of interpersonal relationships via an experiental group process. They seek to release the potential of the participants.

TYPES OF GROUPS
TASK GROUPS. They are organized to meet organizational needs through task forces or other organizational groups or to serve individual needs of clients through such activities as social action groups. They are used to improve an organizations functioning. PSYCHOEDUCATION GROUPS. They emphasize cognitive and behavioral skill development in groups structured to teach these skills and knowledge. They are oriented more toward guidance than counseling or therapy. MINIGROUPS. They consist of one counselor and four clients. More frequent and direct interaction of group members are seen in this counseling group.

TYPES OF GROUPS
GROUP PROCESS. It is a continuous, ongoing movement of the group toward achievement of its goals. It represents the flow of the group from its starting point to its termination. GROUP DYNAMICS. It refers to the social forces and interplay operative within the group at any given time. It is a means of identifying or describing the stages through which the group passes. IN-GROUPS AND OUT-GROUPS. They are not formal groups but they are often important influences on client behaviors. SOCIAL NETWORK. It results from the choices that individuals make in becoming members of various groups.

GROUP LEADERSHIP Effective group leadership is seen when the leader:

conducts himself honestly, openly, and ethically at all times. is open to and accepts the inputs of all group members.

has the primary interest in the personal growth and wellbeing of all the group members. models values behavior that can enhance the lives of the group members.

GROUP LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES FOR COUNSELORS

Support Reflection Clarification Questioning Information Interpretation Summary

FOUR AREAS OF TRAINING IN PREPARATION FOR GROUP LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

Didactic knowledge Individual clinical skills Knowledge of group dynamics Achieving a healthy personality

GROUP LEADERSHIP Personal Characteristics of Effective Group Leaders (Corey&Corey):

Courage Personal Power Willingness to model Stamina Presence Self-awareness Goodwill and caring Sense of humor Belief in group process Inventiveness Openness Becoming aware of your own culture Nondefensive in coping with attacks Personal dedication and commitment Willingness to seek new experience

GROUP COUNSELING VALUES OF GROUP COUNSELING

1. Individuals can explore, with the reinforcement of a support group, their developmental and adjustment needs, concerns, and problems. 2. Group counseling may give the client the opportunity to gain insights into his or her own feelings and behaviors. 3. It provides clients with an opportunity to develop positive, natural relationship with others. 4. It provides opportunities for clients to learn responsibility to themselves and others.

GROUP COUNSELING SELECTION OF GROUP MEMBERS

POSSIBLE CRITERIA FOR MEMBER SELECTION: Common Interest Volunteer or self-referrred Willingness to participate Ability to participate in the group process.