Leah_Kiser_u9a1_GroupProposal

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1 Unit 9: Group Proposal Leah Kiser School of Counseling and Human Services, Capella University COUN5241: Group Counseling & Psychotherapy Dr. D. Lenares-Solomon March 14, 2021

2 Unit 9: Group Proposal Group counseling is a great treatment choice for individuals who struggle with numerous intrapersonal and interpersonal concerns. Specific group counseling types have different focuses and goals in helping people invoke change through a sense of community that shows individuals that they are not alone in their problems (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2018). For new school counselors, implementing and leading a group may feel like a daunting task and will require skills beyond their training and knowledge. The purpose of this presentation is to provide counselors in need of training the knowledge and skills necessary to propose, organize, lead effective groups in the school setting. In the presentation, the group leader will discuss the theoretical foundations of group counseling, characteristics of an effective group leader, skills and factors related to the formation and success of groups, and culturally relevant strategies to use in diverse groups. Overall, it is important the group leaders always keep in mind that goal of group counseling, which is to increase member’s knowledge of self and others, help members of the group clarify their counseling goals and necessary steps to achieve those goals, present the tools for change to members, and support those changes within the group. Theoretical Orientation for Group Work In the counseling field, theory forms the basis of most treatment and counseling relationships. Counselors use theoretical orientation to guide their practice, evaluate their success with clients, and form therapeutic relationships with clients. When counseling individually, it is typical for a counselors to primarily work out the theoretical orientation that they are most comfortable with or have found the most success with the population they work with, however in groups, many different theoretical approaches may be used and it’s important for the group leaders to develop an understanding of which theoretical approaches work best with which

3 groups (Corey, et al., 2018). Often with groups, the group leader may find it helpful to align their theoretical approach to the goal of the group. For example, if the counselor is running a psychoeducational group about managing symptoms of anxiety, they may choose to use a cognitive behavioral approach because it is aimed at disrupting the dysfunctional thought about anxiety before the thought becomes a behavior. However, with this in mind, group leaders must continuously evaluate how their approach is affecting the group, is the group moving toward the goals of the group, and do adjustments need to be made in the approach to produce better outcomes (Corey, et al. 2018; Steen, Henfield, & Booker, 2014). In “The Group Evolution” video, the counselors, Dr. Gerald Corey and Marianne Corey, are able to work with the group using an integrative theoretical framework. Dr. Corey can be seen using techniques and methods from a variety of theoretical counseling approaches to ensure that he is engaging all members of the group. Throughout the group, the counselors do not subscribe to a specific theoretical orientation, but rather modify and adjust their approach in order to make effective choices for the benefit of the group members and their goals. For example, in the initial stage of counseling, Dr. Corey confronts a member about a comment she made about being stupid and uses a cognitive behavioral approach to help her work though her thought process and actions that lead her to that conclusion that she is stupid (Corey, et al., 2018; The Evolution of a Group, n.d. ). However, later in the counseling session, Ms. Corey is using what seems to be a reality theory model when addressing a member about their level of vulnerability within the group (The Evolution of a Group, n.d.). By focusing this member’s sense of belonging within the group, Ms. Corey aids the member in categorizing her goals for the group and setting up a plan to reach those goals though discussing actions that she is taking that

4 are working and adding in some steps that can be taken to get this member to their ideal world (Corey, et al., 2018). Dynamics in Group Process Throughout the group counseling process, it is important for counselors to consider the dynamics of the group and evaluate progress of the group members within the group. During this evaluation, the group leaders want to consider how the group members are interacting with each and if any social barriers exist between members that could prevent members from making effective progress (Corey, et al., 2018). The easiest way to evaluate the dynamics and progress of the group is to be in tune with the group’s natural stage in the group process. In the initial stage of the group, the group leaders are often looked at like the model for the group. Group members may still feel uncomfortable or uneasy in the group, therefore group leaders should provide comfort for members and push them toward opening up in safe ways (Corey, et al., 2018). This feeling is exemplified when a member speaks out about his discomfort and difficulty opening up and allowing others to see him in a vulnerable state. Dr. Corey addresses his feelings and begins to explore this feeling with the whole group and the group begins to share similar sentiments (The Evolution of a Group, n.d.). This is a moment of bonding for the group as they begin to feel less alone in their discomfort and realize that it is a natural part of the group counseling process. At the transition stage of groups, members may begin to struggle as their boundaries, comfort zones, and emotions are being pushed by the dynamics of the group. Group leaders must maintain a level of trust and respect within the group, while continuing to push those limits for group members for the sake of progress and challenging their mindset around the goals of the group (Corey, et al., 2018). In these transition stage sessions, group leaders are clear about calling out member emotions, especially ones centered on defensiveness, mistrust, and

5 resistance. Group leaders encourage members to participate more and highlight member resistance to share in the group. An example of this from the video is when Dr. Gerald discussed with a member about taking a small step to try and lower her wall for just for this session. This intense role-playing and pushing of the individuals in the group to tackle their own issues within the group is essential to the transitional stage (The Evolution of a Group, n.d.). In this moment, Dr. Gerald is encouraging her to start small and begin to trust her group members and the members experience in opening up in the group is positive one. This will allow the group member to feel safer and more comfortable opening up in future sessions. Once in the working stage, group members begin to practice their new communication skills and dive deeper into their counseling goals as a group. The working stage in the stage in the group process when cohesion amongst the members and strengthen and members begin to feel more familiar and friendly with each other (Corey, et al., 2018). An example of this from the video is when a female member begins to open up with the group about her personal struggles to speak during the group and addressed her fears about the reaction to her sexuality in the group. Further examples include conflicts about cultural diversity within the group, one member stating her mistrust of white people and another white, female member feeling the need to defend herself from that comment (The Evolution of a Group, n.d.). Group leaders are able to sit back and allow some conflicts to arise, but help the group maintain boundaries that keep the conversation productive in working toward the goals of the group. Finally, the final stage of group involves the termination of the group and reflection on the experience of working in a group. During this stage, members may feel anxiety about being on their own or celebration that it’s finally over, however all members by this stage should feel that connection between their group members and recognized that they may have established

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