Group Attendance Reflection-3

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Group Attendance Reflection Jean Blankenship University of Tennessee at Martin COUN 740: Group Dynamics Dr. Tabitha Cude November 29, 2023

One of the groups I attended in this experience was Alcoholics Anonymous. This group was hosted virtually online. With this group members were given the support and provided with a safe environment to share their personal experiences. This group allowed members to relate to one another and their journeys. Attending this group it is can seen the impact that these meetings have on members and the success of their journey. Focus, Purpose, Mission This group was titled Alcoholics Anonymous otherwise known as “AA.”. The focus of this group is to serve as a support group for members to gather and share their experience and journey with one another. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe environment to allow members to share their common problems while providing support to members recovering from alcoholism. Type and Format The only requirement to join this group is for the individual to have a desire to be sober. This type of group serves as a support group for individuals who have a desire to recover from alcohol and share the goal of being sober. Description of Clientele, Setting, Location The clientele in this group is from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. This group clientele consisted of males and females of various race and ethnicity. This group took place in an online forum setting. Members participate in the physical setting of their own home through the utilization of an app or website. Group Dynamics Prior to attending the online group, I assumed the group dynamics I would be observing would differ from that if the group were in person. Although the group was conducted virtually

rather than in person the group interaction and relationship building were still maintained in the group meeting. Group members were able to receive encouragement from the leader and members. The group leader was able to provide support for members by providing feedback and support after they shared their experience. After sharing their experience, the leader was able to display active listening and feedback to members. Group members were also allowed to interact with one another as well as by utilizing the chat and messaging option, if they did not take the opportunity to speak. Leadership In the group the group leader utilized theoretical perspectives. The group facilitator practiced a person centered approach within the group. The facilitator was present, authentic, and empathetic towards group members. During the group session the facilitator attended to what was occurring within the group moment by moment. Group Stage Group members in the Alcoholic Anonymous group are not all at the same stage. This is an open group; therefore, members are allowed to enter at any time. There are members in the group who are in the beginning stages of recovery and there are some members who have been recovered for years. In Alcoholic Anonymous there are twelve stages that members work thru. In this group, there are members who are just starting the twelve stages and some who are currently working through them. In the group session one comment that stood out specifically to me was when a member mentioned how there is some members who are early in the process, some who are experiencing cravings, and some who are going through bad things at the moment, but all are

in need of support. This shows how all members are going through the same journey, even if they are at different stages of time. Critique From attending this group there can be positive and negative aspects that can be seen. Some of the positive aspects of the group are the support that can be seen from the chairperson, or facilitator. During the duration of the sessions the facilitator, while encouraging participation, managed to appropriately navigate the tendency of some members of the group who dominate the conversation. The facilitator displayed active listening to the group members who shared their journey and experience but provided a friendly reminder of time. Another positive aspect I enjoyed in one of the sessions was the facilitator shared her personal experience in the beginning. The leader provided an accurate and appropriate amount of self-disclosure. I feel this allowed the members to feel a connection to her and her experience. The biggest positive aspect I enjoyed was that the leader provided a reflection of members’ feelings. This set the tone for the group sessions by showing that the leader displayed an active role within the group through their significant presence. There are cons that can be seen from attending this group as well. The biggest facilitation con that can be seen from this group is the abrupt closing. Given that large population of members attending the group time management appeared to be an issue. As a facilitator of a group this size I would strive to manage time better. Another con that stood out was lack of direction. At times members required redirection to stay on topic in order to ensure everyone had a chance to speak. This can be an issue given the time allotted may not be enough for everyone to have a turn. Personal Reflection

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